J. E. Haner Piano Concert

“Mr. J. E. Haner, the young American pianist, who lately returned from Paris, gave his first concert in New York, at Steinway Hall, last evening. He appeared four times, not counting encores, which is at least once too often for any pianist, more especially a debutant, to appear, on account of the tax upon the digital strength. Mr. Haner has, to judge from last night’s performance, considerable execution, which can undoubtedly be improved. He also possesses equality of touch and power in both hands. He lacks, however, the sympathy of touch which is the sign of the artist, and his phrasing is uneven and uncertain. The selections, if we except the encore to his second solo, were not the kind that an experienced player would have made. Taken all in all, Mr. Haner is a good player, but not yet a thorough artist. That he has talent we do not doubt, and if it be but turned into the right channel it cannot fail of leading to better results. Madame De La Grange sang a cavatina from the ‘Barber’ with much dash and brilliancy. Mr. Kopta, violinist; Mr. Hill, tenor; Mr. G. W. Morgan, organist, and Mr. Eben, flutist, lent their valuable aid in enhancing the pleasure of the evening. Mr. G. W. Colby conducted in his usual efficient manner. The audience, which was urbane and friendly, was large, and indulged in encores to an unlimited extent.”

“Mr. Haner, a pianist who has been studying abroad, gave a concert at Steinway Hall last night, and was kindly received by a fairly large audience. He plays with skill and ability, though his style has not as yet assumed sufficient character and individuality to give him a special position among our concert pianists. Mr. Haner will, however, prove a welcome addition to our resident talent, and with matured powers will reflect credit on the ranks of American pianists.

“The programme of the concert was otherwise unusually full. La Grange sang superbly, especially in one of Meyerbeer’s dramatic compositions. Mr. Hill, the tenor, bids fair to disprove the theory that it is only in female voices that America excels. Mr. Kopta plays the violin well, but he is haunted by swarms of injudicious friends who insist on too many encores.”

For 15 Nov.

“Mr. J. E. Haner, assisted by Mme. La Grange, W. J. Hill, G.W. Morgan, Mr. Eben and Mr. Colby, gave a concert on Thursday evening, in Steinway Hall. Mr. H. is an ‘American pianist’ who has been studying in Europe for some years.

“Mr. H. was afflicted with that peculiar condition of nervousness technically known as ‘stage fright,’ and consequently did not, probably, do himself justice. He has some ability, and with several years of thorough practice might achieve notable results. As it is, however, his playing is somewhat crude and heavy, and his touch is not excellent. Mr. Haner played two compositions, which exhibited no particular originality, and it is manifest that composition is not his forte. The assisting artists added somewhat to the interest of the concert, and Mr. Morgan, of course, gave us the inevitable ‘Wm. Tell.’”