Philharmonic Society of New-York Concert: 2nd

           “[T]he usual overflowing audience. . . . [T]he programme displayed [Eisfeld’s] usual good taste in selection.  We may add briefly that the performance of the various pieces was in all respects perfect. It does not always happen that the customary rehearsals of the Society are rewarded with such praiseworthy results. . . . [The Gade], although theatrical, and somewhat overcharged with repetitions, is a fine, healthy composition, and displays a vigorous knowledge of color. [The Liszt] opened the second part, and was probably pleasing to the admirers of this artist.  The programme ended decorously and delightfully with Beethoven’s ever fresh and beautiful overture to ‘Leonora’ in C (No.3).

          Signor Centemeri, a meritorious artist, who is worthy of a place in any Philharmonic concert, sang a long and very well treated scena by Mr. Theodore Eisfeld.  It is written fluently and with effect for the voice, but it is somewhat too diffuse for a concert piece. Signor Centemeri was also heard to advantage in the well-known ‘Non plù andrai,’ from ‘La Nozze de Figaro.’

          . . . [Pattison] may be fairly congratulated on having exceeded every one’s expectations.  It is apparent that the gentleman has devoted himself honestly to study since we last had occasion to speak of him in these columns, and with a result which is as gratifying as it is astonishing.  [The Mendelssohn] has seldom been heard to such advantage.  Mr. Pattison’s conception of it was excellent, neither hurried nor restrained, neither overwhelming in pedal power, nor poor in expression, nor deficient in clean executive skill.  It was, in fact, a well-considered effort, poetic in so far as certain qualities of touch were concerned, and in all other respects intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable. … No one will dispute, after the performance on Saturday night, that Mr. Pattison is entitled to rank with the best pianists in the country.”