Philharmonic Society of New York Rehearsal

“Philharmonic rehearsal 2 ½ p. m. Eroica, Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave overture, Bargiel’s ‘Prometheus.’ In our box, Ellie, Johny, Temple [Strong’s two eldest sons], Mrs. Noble, Mrs. Talboys, Rosalie [Ruggles], Dick [Richard Henry Derby], Jack Ehninger. I could write an essay on the Eroica. It is [out]ranked by no orchestral work, except Beethoven’s immortal C minor symphony. One feels, after hearing it, as though he had fully dined, on a score of most exquisite courses, with due allowance of Hock, champagne (in the 3^rd movement), the raciest of old Madeira (in the 4^th), etc. One is hardly able to imbibe any more music. Temple’s enjoyment of this great work—new to him—was delightful to watch, & reacted on me, magnetically. His face showed his sympathy with the ebb & flow of the orchestra, and how it lightened up, as each strong point of melody or harmony flashed out! This carried me back to 1843 & the dingy old ‘Apollo Rooms,’ below Canal St. where I first heard the Eroica, the second of the symphonies produced by the Philharmonic Society, during its first season.”