Philharmonic Society of New York Rehearsal: 1st for the 5th Concert

The first rehearsal for the fifth concert was given in the Academy of Music yesterday afternoon. The programme follows [see above]:

“At the concert Mme. Parepa and Carl Rosa are to be the soloists. Liszt’s symphony was heard yesterday for the first time in America. It purports to be a ‘tone-poem,’ founded on Dante’s immortal work. The first part, called ‘Inferno,’ opens with a recitative of trombones, which is followed by the ringing tones of the trumpets and horns, while a ‘crash’ indicates the uproar of the evil spirits. The allegro frenetico succeeding is wild and impassioned, indicating, we are told, ‘the frenzy of despair, the rage of the damned, their curses and blasphemies.’ The movement passes into the andante amoroso, giving a quieter effect but ending with a loud repetition of the curse, ‘Lasciate agni speranza,’ Part second is termed ‘Purgatorio.’ It begins with an andante in choral style. Then a fugue movement and prayer, passing into a plaintive recitative, and then boldly swelling out in a chant and concluding with a noisy Hallelujah. The symphony, on a first hearing, hardly seems to equal the effect of a poem. Liszt is full or originality, but he seems to try and astonish rather than to charm. His present symphony leaves an unsatisfied feeling. One bears away but a remembrance of confused sounds. But it is evidently a composition that can only be properly appreciated by repetition. With the addition of the harps and of the other instruments which have not yet arrived from Europe, the effect will doubtless be different. It seems as though the choir of boys, from Trinity Church, who sing in the second part, might be better placed. The two overtures are well-known and are always welcome. ‘Coriolanus’ seems to breathe the spirit of the great composer in every note, while Weber’s life and freshness are conspicuous throughout ‘Euryanthe.’ The concert bids to be fair one of the best the Philharmonic Society has ever given.”