Organ Recital

Event Information

Venue(s):
Young Men’s Christian Association Hall

Price: $.50

Event Type:
Chamber (includes Solo)

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
26 June 2021

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

19 Jan 1870, 3:00 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Samuel P. Warren [organ];  Henrietta Beebe
2)
Prelude and fugue, organ, B minor
Composer(s): Bach
3)
Chorale prelude, organ, unidentified
Composer(s): Bach
4)
Sonata, organ, no. 3, A major. Andante tranquillo
Composer(s): Mendelssohn-Bartholdy
5)
Studien, pedal piano, op. 56. No. 4-5
aka Pieces in canonic form, op. 56; Studien fur den Pedal-Flugel; Studien für den Pedal-Flügel
Composer(s): Schumann
6)
Concertsatz, C minor
Composer(s): Thiele

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 16 January 1870, 2.
2)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 17 January 1870, 7.
3)
Review: New-York Times, 20 January 1870, 5.

“The first of what must prove a valuable series of ‘organ recitals,’ was inaugurated by the accomplished organist of Grace Church, Mr. Warren, yesterday afternoon, at the hall of the Y. M. C. A. They are not popular concerts, according to any modern understanding of the term, for they are to be devoted to the performance of selected compositions from those old masters known by the honorable title of ‘classic’ composers. While it is not likely, therefore, that the audiences will be large, they will surely be attentive and appreciative. Mr. Warren’s name alone (for his skill and ability have placed him among the first of American organists) insures a faithful interpretation of the works selected. Yesterday’s programme opened with a Prelude and Fugue in B minor, and two Choral Preludes, by J. S. Bach, the great master of the organ. Bach’s music, always grand and full of rich harmony, is like a problem in abstract mathematics, it only interests those who are willing to study it earnestly. Bach weaves his web and leaves one to follow the main thread; he leads into a labyrinth of melody and variations, and he who treads it must mark each step, or become hopelessly entangled in a vain effort to follow the main passage. Requiring every talent the organist possesses for their correct interpretation, they are never appreciated by most hearers. The andante tranquillo movement from Mendelssohn’s Sonata No. 3 in A major, and more particularly two pieces in canon form, op. 56, Nos. 4 and 5, by Schumann, proved more attractive. Both displayed the softer stops of the instrument, which have been hitherto neglected in a desire for orchestral effects. Their quiet sweetness and beauty were well brought out by Mr. Warren, and the selections from Schumann were songlike in their rich and rare melody. The Concertsatz in C minor by Thiele, a composer but little known, served to exhibit Mr. Warren’s superb pedal playing. Miss Beebe, The soprano of Dr. Rogers’ church, on Fifth-avenue, assisted Mr. Warren with her pleasant voice. We are glad to note that these concerts will occur every Wednesday afternoon for the present, and we trust the attendance may be appropriately as good as the music.”