Central Park Garden Concert

“Change of programme every evening.”

“These delightful concerts show no sign of the summer exodus. If we miss the familiar faces of many well-known music lovers, now in rustication, their places are taken by others, set free from the less urgent engagements of the summer, or forced out by the heat to linger a refreshing hour in the pleasant coolness of the garden. Mr. Thomas, however, is by no means disposed to let down the tone of his concerts to the level of an ordinary beer-garden or lounging resort. The price itself, though inconveniently large, too much so for the widest popularity, has at least the advantage of preventing anything like vulgar rush or confusion, and the selection of pieces is such as almost to ensure the attendance, exclusively, of people of culture and good taste. While a decidedly classical tone is given to the Thursday programme, it frequently happens that the selections on other days are not very far behind it in this regard; and the sly director by gradual but persistent steps is quietly bringing his public up to a continually higher level of taste and musical judgment. Those who think that music is more than a mere jingling distraction—the pastime of a moment—will be glad to notice the quick and sympathetic response of the audience to these efforts on the part of the leader, and to find that, as in the lovely allegretto from the Eighth Symphony on Friday evening, the warmest applause is apt to follow the really best selections. Our warmest sympathies go with Mr. Thomas in this really missionary work, and true music-lovers will not weary in encouraging by every direct or indirect effort the foundation of such a standard of taste as shall make these concerts real art privileges, and not merely the diversion of an idle hour.”

“A very large and highly fashionable audience attended Thomas’ concert at Central Park Garden last evening. These concerts are unequalled in respect to the standard of the programme and the performance.”