Jullien Concert: Jullien’s Benefit

Includes partial program.

“Terrace Garden. Mons. Julien’s [sic] benefit.—Terrace Garden was last night crowded by a select and fashionable audience, on the occasion of Julien’s benefit. The scene on the grounds of this pretty retreat was exceedingly lively, owing to the presence of quite a number of the fair sex in the light and fairy-like summer costumes. The programme of the night’s entertainment was very varied, and included selections from the most eminent composers. A grand march, composed expressly for the occasion by Reitzel, and dedicated to the Arion Musical Society, was the first piece given. It was followed by Julien’s ‘Polka de Concert—Les Cosaques.’ Both were rendered in brilliant style. Miss Lissner, a young débutante, sang the aria, ‘Voi Che Sapete,’ and was warmly applauded. Mr. Joseph Heine executed a violin solo, ‘Il Pirata,’ in which he displayed great power of execution, and exquisite tenderness of feeling. Herr Habelman sang effectively Schubert’s ‘Erle King.’ An operatic selection from the ‘Huguenots,’ given by the full orchestra, called down the applause of the audience, and gave M. Julien an opportunity of exhibiting his great command over the orchestra he has succeeded in training so admirably in so short a time. This orchestration was perfect, every instrument working in perfect unison. Mons. Julien had specially arranged the parts, and the orchestra did full justice to them. This selection was undoubtedly the gem of a night’s brilliant entertainment. A selection was also played from ‘La Grande Duchesse’ of Offenbach. The concert was brought to a close by the overture from ‘William Tell.’ When the concert had ended a number of friends presented that gentleman with a valuable piece of plate, as some recognition of the valuable service he has rendered to music by playing really good music within reach of the people and extending its civilizing and humanizing influence. This pleasant episode brought to a conclusion a pleasant night’s entertainment. M. Julien was warmly complimented on the efficiency of his orchestra by his musical friends, and the feeling of satisfaction of the general public was not less strongly expressed. During the performance of the selection from the ‘Grande Duchesse’ Mons. Julien presented each of the ladies present with a copy of his ‘Polonaise,’ one of his most charming compositions. This delicate attention on the part of Mons. Julien had its reward in the approving smiles of the fair creatures, and he rose in their estimation as a gallant as well as a clever man. The coup d’etat quite stormed the feminine heart, and secured Julien forever in the good graces of the ladies of New York.”

“Under the energetic and skillful management of this well-known leader, the Terrace Garden concerts have become a very charming feature in our amusements for the summer. Without claiming the more classical character which Mr. Thomas aims to give his concerts in Central Park Garden, they offer certain popular elements of a very attractive kind. At M. Jullien’s benefit on Saturday night, a capital polka, ‘Les Cosaques,’ and a lively ‘Polonaise Originale’ both of his compostion, were performed to the great satisfaction of the auditors; and just before the latter piece copies of the Polonaise were distributed to all the ladies in the assemblage. Miss Hersee, Frl. Lissner, M. and Mme. Heine, Herr Habelmann, and Mr. Gustavus Hall rendered efficient vocal and instrumental assistance. At the conclusion of the second part of the concert M. Jullien was presented on the part of his musical friends with a wreath, neatly reposing in a handsome silver punch bowl of tasteful shape and execution.”