Oscar Pfeiffer’s Soirée Musicale

Event Information

Venue(s):
Steck’s Music Hall

Price: $1

Event Type:
Chamber (includes Solo)

Performance Forces:
Vocal

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
11 December 2018

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

08 Dec 1868, 8:00 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

2)
Composer(s): Pfeiffer
Participants:  Oscar Pfeiffer
3)
Composer(s): Pfeiffer
Participants:  Oscar Pfeiffer
5)
Composer(s): Pfeiffer
Participants:  Oscar Pfeiffer
6)
Composer(s): Mercadante
7)
Composer(s): Mattei
8)
Composer(s): Watson [composer, cond., etc]

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 06 December 1868.
2)
Announcement: New York Herald, 07 December 1868, 6.
3)
Announcement: New York Post, 07 December 1868.
4)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 07 December 1868, 7.
5)
Announcement: New-York Times, 08 December 1868, 4.
6)
Review: New York Herald, 09 December 1868, 7.

“Steck’s hall was crowded last night on occasion of the first soirée of the above distinguished pianist, whose concerts in this city last year, after his return from Rio Janeiro, established him here as one of our leading artists. The programme comprised, among other selections, the brilliant and extremely difficult ‘Polonaise in E flat,’ by Weber, and a fantasia on ‘Lucrezia Borgia’ by the pianist himself. In both of these pieces the broad, orchestra-like Viennese school of playing, of which Mr. Pfeiffer is perhaps the chief exponent in this country, was heard to the utmost advantage. Such a school is eminently suitable, in particular, for the works of Weber, and is in some degree a relief from the glittering tinsel and empty display of some of the modern systems. Miss A. Henne, the well known contralto, sang some very good selections.”

7)
Review: New York Post, 09 December 1868.

“Last night Steck’s Hall was inconveniently crowded on the occasion of Oscar Pfeiffer’s musical soiree. There was a lack of seats and of ushers, which will probably be guarded against on another similar occasion.

“Mr. Pfeiffer opened the concert with one of Kreutzer’s overtures—not specially brilliant. A new etude of his own, and his Jaleo de Xeres, created a better impression. In Weber’s Polonaise, in E flat major, Mr. Pfeiffer was deservedly encored, and gave a showy extract from ‘Dinorah;’ but his crowning success was his admirable fantasia on ‘Lucrezia Borgia’—a model composition in its way, and superbly played by the composer.

“The vocal portion of the performance was well sustained by Miss Henne, who sung arias by Mercadante and Mattei, and a ballad by H. C. Watson.”

8)
Review: New-York Daily Tribune, 10 December 1868, 5.

“Mr. Oscar Pfeiffer gave on Tuesday night a concert at Steck’s Hall, in Eighth-st., and was welcomed by a large and fashionable audience. The pianist fully sustained on this occasion the reputation he earned in the two previous seasons in this city. His vigorous touch and his elegant phrasing were equally appreciated. Mr. Pfeiffer played two new pieces of his own, a study and a transcription of the well-known Spanish dance El Jaleo de Xeres, which met with great favor. The dance is a very characteristic and effective piece. But the artist shone best in the rendering of Weber’s Polonaise in E flat and of his fantasia in Lucrezia Borgia. The treatment of the latter composition is musician-like and artistic. Mr. Pfeiffer was assisted by Miss A. F. Henne, a lady whose fine contralto ought to be heard more often.”

9)
Review: New-Yorker Musik-Zeitung, 12 December 1868, 296.

The event attracted about 300 people, mostly people from the field and connoisseurs. Pfeiffer understands to play with a strong hand; however, he also knows how to nuance and use dynamics sensitively. This elegance and bravura lends his performance an individual charm. He played two new appealing own compositions, one etude, and a Spanish dance “El Jaleo de Xeres” which is a rather difficult and strenuous salon piece with interesting and surprising sound effects. Miss Henne sang an aria and several more songs. Her voice is a strong and pleasant alto which is worth recognition and educating. We hear, the lady has excellent teachers, and we hope to hear her again soon. Voices as hers are rare nowadays.

10)
Review: Courrier des États-Unis, 21 December 1868.

“CHRONIQUE HEBDOMADAIRE. -- . . . . I’d like to pay a debt (it’s always that) and tell the excellent artist Oscar Pfeiffer what pleasure I experienced, along with the whole audience, at his lovely concert. M. Pfeiffer is a serious artist; he sacrifices nothing to false brilliance, to effects, as they say. His dexterity is agile to the point of brilliance, but with mathematical precision. It’s the great style of the masters; I know only Thalberg to compare to M. Pfeiffer. The piece modestly entitled Etude was encored, as well as the fantasy on Lucrezia Borgia. After the concert, some good friends who stayed to congratulate the master put his talent to use again. With that good grace that doubles the charm of his achievements, M. Pfeiffer executed several pieces of his own composition among which I especially noticed the Altieri Polka, a masterpiece of finesse and melody. . . . "