Complimentary Concert in Honor of Franz Abt

“A delightful concert, whereof Herr Franz Abt was the director, and at which, of course, he was the observed of all observers, took place on Saturday evening, at the Arion Club-house, in St. Mark’s-place. Miss Pauline Canissa sang, with great skill and charm, ‘Die Liebe ist’s,’ ‘Schmetterling setz dich,’ and the soprano part in two compositions with choral accompaniment, and was honored with repeated recalls; Miss Antonia Henne wrought the wonted effect produced by a very sympathetic voice and much sentiment in execution; Herr Bonawitz played with faultless technique, but with less expressiveness than could have been wished, Schumann’s ‘Schlummerlied,’ and Chopin’s scherzo in C minor; Herren Graf and Remmertz sang, and Herr Damrosch interpreted, on an instrument of a not very rich tone, Vieuxtemps’ ‘Rêverie’ and Paganini’s ‘Perpetuum Mobile.’ Choral work by the Arion chorus constituted the remainder of the programme. The two last quartets were not done faultlessly, in respect of either time or tune, but the other numbers, by the masses, were admirably rendered under the guidance of Dr. Damrosch, who is to be credited with the improved condition of the Mannerchor.”

“The young prima donna Miss Pauline Canissa recently sang at the Arion Hall some of Abt’s songs, at a concert in which the composer took part. Her success was very great, and she was warmly congratulated by Abt.”