Piano-forte Recital

“Mr. Wehli’s second piano recital at the Union League theatre was crowded with ladies, and more than a dozen carriages were in attendance outside. The programme was the same as at his first matinée. A novel feature was introduced by the management in furnishing the ladies in the audience with copies of every work performed, so that they might combine study with amusement. Such a plan is of immense assistance toward the enjoyment of classical works, and it might be profitably adopted at all recitals of this kind.”

“Mr. Wehli’s second piano recital at the Union League Hall occurred yesterday. The pianist interpreted in its entirety the programme of yesterday week, for the behoof of the numerous persons who were then unable to attend.”

“Mr. James M. Wehli repeated, at the Union League Hall, his interpretation of the programme offered on the previous Saturday. The hall was packed by a bright and fashionable audience, and the liveliest gratification was evinced at the variety of a bill which represented Mendelssohn, Bach, Chopin and Heller, as well as the ad captandum style as a composer of Mr. Wehli himself. We have heretofore commented upon the gentleman’s delivery of most of the numbers. Mr. Wehli plays the ‘Moonlight Sonata’ with an eloquence not attained to here of late years. His delicate touch endows Heller’s quaint ‘Wanderstunden’ with a mysterious seductiveness which the text only hints at. His fugue playing is good as a contrast, but it is not on a plane with his performances of Thalberg’s ‘Masaniello,’ in which his control over the keyboard, and the power of his execution are unchecked in their display. We need scarcely note the effectiveness of Mr. Wehli’s own works. ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘The Aeolian Harp,’ under fingers capable of equally voluble and fluent expression, are unique means of charming a gentle and sympathetic assemblage. ‘Home, Sweet Home,’ for left hand only, was the final piece of the programme.”