Bretto Brothers Concert: 2nd

“The Second Concert will consist of an entirely new programme. . . . Richard, 7 years of age, will play a new Grand Fantasia on the Cornet-a-Piston, being the smallest performer in the world.” Quotes from the [i]Dispatch[/i]: “Their next concert will be on Wednesday evening, when we predict the most extraordinary sensation ever witnessed in this City.”

“The Bretto children gave a second concert on Wednesday night . . . playing with their usual skill.”

[Mistakenly says concert was on Tuesday evening. The Mason & Thomas Chamber Music soiree was that evening.]

     "The Bretto Brothers, three in number [COMMENT: There are only two Bretto Brothers. Emil Gramm would be the third young performer.], gave their second concert at Dodworth's Hall on Tuesday evening, to an audience that was, of course, seriously affected by the inclemency of the weather. We have spoken recently of the skill of these remarkable children. The two youngsters who play on the violin, (aged respectively 11 and 13,) exhibit a fine artistic feeling, as well as great technical ability. They are evidently gifted with the true musical temperament, and are indebted to this circumstance more than to mere instruction for their proficiency. The youngest of the trio, Master Richard, (aged 7 years,) performs upon the cornet-a-piston. He is scarcely larger than the instrument upon which he plays. It seems almost impossible, indeed, for so small a pair of lungs to inflate such a mass of tubing, but Master Richard knows how to economize his strength, and, with apparent ease, to produce a very clear and agreeable quality of tone. His execution is brilliant, enabling him to play morceaux de concert with spirit and effect. He is, in fact, a remarkable instance of what genius can effect. The vocal portion of the programme was ably interpreted by Mrs. Brinkerhoff, Miss Lizzie Allen and Mr. William Castle--Mr. Schreiner at the piano."

     "Of miscellaneous concerts we have had but few lately, and those principally of the 'prodigy order,' little Carreno, Master Pape, the Bretto children, have been the envy and admiration of less gifted youngsters this winter; to us such displays are a bore, and worse than a simple bore, a very much to be deplored bore, musically and humanly speaking. Signed '[musical notes].'"

Second review on this page. “[A] wonderful trio under the title of the ‘Bretto Brothers,’ Emil, Bernard and Richard, three curly-haired, rosy-cheeked boys. . . . Where [Richard] gets his air from, is a query that has excited much wonder and concern. The merits of these little boys are certainly great. Taking into consideration their extreme youthfulness, their performance is certainly very wonderful, although to praise it as perfect or unequalled, would be above the limit of honest criticism. Two concerts have been given at Dodworth Hall, but unfortunately in inclement weather. A third will be given soon at Irving Hall.” Signed “T.M.W.” COMMENT: The last concert mentioned does not seem to have taken place.