Gottschalk Sisters Concert

“The name of Gottschalk calls up the most pleasant musical memories. In this city and among our musical people his inimitable playing, and, equally inimitable compositions are too delightfully familiar to be dwelt upon. Born a musician, he had that delightful originality which never fails to stamp itself on the mind and become the inheritance of all lovers of pure art.

 

Last evening his three sisters, bearing a family likeness to their gifted brother, gave their second concert at Association Hall, assisted by Mr. Hall, Mr. Poznanski and Mr. E. Hoffman. Most of the selections were from Mr. Gottschalk’s own compositions, and were attentively listened to with a melancholy interest. His ‘Dernier Amour’ was admirably played by Miss Clara. It is a piece thoroughly impregnated with the musical genius of its author and perfumed by the tender emotion which it consecrates. The ‘Cradle Song,’ so familiar to us all, was equally well given by the same lady and heartily applauded. The ‘Battle Cry of Freedom’ was adequately rendered by Miss Celestine Gottschalk, and had the ring and fire of its subject. It was also warmly received and applauded. Another of his memorable pieces, the ‘Gallina,’ was beautifully played by the sisters, Celestine and Clara, who interpreted it in a manner worthy of its merits and author.

 

Miss Blanche has a sweet and fairly cultivated organ, without much power. Her ‘Nightingale Trill,’ by Ganz, being well adapted to the quality and range of her voice, was very successful, and was honored with a well-merited repetition. The concert was altogether superior to the first one.

 

Mr. Hall sang well, too, and elicited much applause, and Mr. Poznanski sustained his reputation as an accomplished violinist. Mr. Hoffman was last evening, as he is always, a faultless accompanist.”