Testimonial Concert to Julius E. Meyer

“A very brilliant, and, indeed, numerous, audience attended the grand testimonial concert given last night at this hall to Professor J. E. Meyer, under the auspices of his pupils. Nine ladies and gentlemen, who had studied under Mr. Meyer, the New York Glee and Madrigal Society, and Miss Lina Luckhardt, a young and promising pupil of Mr. S. B. Mills, and Messrs. Werner and Mora took part in the concert. There were eighteen pieces on the programme, most of which were vocal and of the most trying character. We must here take the opportunity to advise music teachers not to bring out their pupils in public in pieces far beyond their powers. It can do them no good or give a favorable idea of their judgement or school. For instance, a duet from ‘Semiramide’ as sung by Miss Hutchings and Mr. Brewer was such as would have driven Rossini crazy had he been present. Also Miss Mayer’s rendering of a Tyrolienne, by Hummel, and ‘The Three Fishers,’ by another lady, could not be accounted even passable by even the most indulgent musician. Miss Luckhardt, although nervous to such an extent that one or two false notes crept into her first selection; Mr. Werner, an admirable violinist; Mr. Mora and the Glee Club were the most enjoyable features of the concert. It is indeed disagreeable for a critic to be obliged to sit out one of these amateur concerts, in which both performers and audience form a sort of mutual admiration society and the first principles of music are disregarded. We don’t believe in listening to nascent prodigies, although their parents and guardians may listen to them with delight.”