Philharmonic Society of New York Rehearsal

“Philharmonic rehearsal this p.m. In our box, Mrs. D’Oremieulx & her little Miss Laura, Mrs. Harrison, Carroll, Jem [Ruggles], & our terzetto [Strong’s three sons]. Schubert’s symphony in C—long—beautiful in detail—but diffuse & rambling. Beethoven’s Andante from trio, op. 97, instrumented by Liszt, and then Liszt’s maniacal “Mazeppa,” which is a ‘poeme symphonique.’ Those two words would justify any man in kicking the Abbé Liszt as a puppy symphonique. Then a directors’ meeting. I am glad to say that I think these gentlemen of the Philharmonic rather like me. I am told they do, and they are certainly very cordial & pleasant, & always treat me with most distinguished consideration.”

“The first public rehearsal for the sixth and last concert of the season of the Philharmonic Society took place yesterday afternoon at the Academy of Music. There were three orchestral works on the programme [see above]. The lovely tone poem of Schubert, the dream of a musical enthusiast, is an old acquaintance of the New York public, and an ever welcome one, too. Although we question the taste or judgment that would select a Beethoven trio for a large orchestra, yet it cannot be denied that Liszt’s instrumentation is marvelous in every respect. The kaleidoscope could not show greater variety in color than does the crazy Abbé in treatment of the simple theme of Beethoven. Many years have passed since Theodore Thomas introduced ‘Mazeppa’ here at one of his symphony soirées. It is a fair example of the composer’s peculiar style and of which the divine art will come to should the school of ‘the music of the future’ prevail. Miss Cary, contralto, and Mr. Hoffmann, pianist, will be the soloists at the next concert, and therefore we may expect an operatic aria and a concerto by Mozart or Beethoven.”