Bretto Brothers Concert: 1st

“The Astonishing Bretto Children (Bernard, violinist, eleven years of age); Richard, cornet-a-piston, seven years of age, in conjunction with the wonderful violinist, Emil Gramm, thirteen years of age.”

Mistakenly calls them the “Bernard Children.”

“The Astonishing Bretto Children. Bernard, 11 years of age, Violinist. Richard, 7 years of age, Cornet-A-Piston. In conjunction with Emil Gramm, 13 years of age.”

Also small ad.

“The three remarkable boys [are] pupils of Mollenhauer, the violinist.”

“Mr. Foeppel will preside at the piano.”

     “The Bretto Children.--The first concert of the two Bretto children, took place at Dodworth's Academy, on Thursday evening. The eldest, Bernard, is an accomplished violinist, and astonished the audience by the delicacy of his touch and the rapidity and brilliancy with which he executed the most difficult passages. But the most wonderful spectacle was the younger child, Richard, aged only 7 years, whose performance on the cornet-à-piston is truly astonishing.  He played with apparent ease, some very beautiful and difficult variations by Schrieber, whose pupil he is, and on whom he reflects great credit. The two children were ably assisted by Emil Gramm, violinist, and Mme. Brinkerhoff, Miss Lizzie M. Allen, and Mr. Wm. Castle.”

          “It is a laudable thing to encourage children in well doing, but it was not as fully carried out in practice last evening at Dodworth Hall as we had expected.

          The Bretto children offered a pretty attractive entertainment, and when we consider their extreme youth and ability, the soiree, we supposed, would have drawn a full house.  Those present, however, though not very numerous, were very much delighted, and liberally bestowed the applause which the children deserved.

         Master Richard, the youngest, was particularly in favor, and played well on the cornet-a-piston, which looked formidable relatively to his size. Master Bernard seems, however, to have attained to the greatest proficiency.  He performed with much self-possession the 'Variations Brillants' of Beriot.  With ripening years and practice, he bids fair to be a master of the violin.

         Mr. Castle sang fairly, but not up to his mark.  His singing of the romanza from 'Martha' and 'The Tear' of Stigelli was cold and lifeless to those familiar with the singing of the same beautiful pieces by other artists.”

     "The Bretto children gave on Wednesday evening last their first concert at Dodworth Hall, assisted by Mrs. Clara Brinkerhoff, Mr. Wm Castle and other favorite artists. The performance of the Brothers Bretto, aged seven, eleven and thirteen years, was really extraordinary. Their mastery of the instruments they play so perfectly is wonderful. Bernard and Emil executed a violin duett by Mollenhauer with so much nerve [sic] and ensemble as to merit the continued applause they received. Master Richard, aged seven, played a solo upon the cornet-a-piston--with a perfection of detail which rivalled the performance of the most experienced artists."

Advertisement quoting a review from the Dispatch. “It is a marvel to hear such mere infants, as it were, whose combined ages are only 31 years, come on the stage as unconcernedly as they would play at marbles, perform the masterworks of Dr. Beriot, Mollenhauer, Paganini, and Schreiber. But these children do it. The youngest (Ricardo) is only 7 years, and he is the trumpeter!"

“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].”

“[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.”  Signed “T.M.W.”