Piano Matinee: 1st

First of four matinees.

Mention of other noted members of the pianist’s family. “Now a new Barili star has risen. It is a son of Ettore Barili, a young man of the name of Aflredo Barili. He has been quietly educating himself in Philadelphia, and now appears before a New York public. He gave on Saturday, at Chickering’s Rooms, the first of a series of matinée, at which he proved the possession of genuine ability. In the performance of Thalberg’s fantasia on ‘Elisir d’Amore,’ and the Polacca Brillante of Weber, he manifested taste and judgment, and showed delicacy of touch as well as brilliancy of execution. He was assisted in his very pleasant concert by Mrs. Edith Guy, Mrs. Mooney, Mr. Bergner, and the Barili brothers.”

“Alfredo Barili, a son of Prof. Ettore Barili, made his appearance in a concert given, on Saturday afternoon, at Chickering Hall, under the direction of his Uncle Antonio. The young man, or boy, rather, for he is apparently not more than 15 or 16 years old, played Thalberg’s fantasia on the ‘Elisir d’Amore,’ Henselt’s arrangement of Weber’s well known Polacca Brillante, &c, with remarkable freedom and spirit for one of his years, and with an excellent technique. [Illegible], of course, must give the refinement and feeling which are the indispensable characteristics of the true artist, but we can honestly say that Mr. Barili gives [fair?] promise. The father and uncle of the pianist, Mr. Bergner, Miss Mooney, and a young pupil of one of the Barilis, Miss Edith Guy, took part in the entertainment.”

“On Saturday afternoon Mr. Alfredo Barili made his début in New-York as a pianist at Chickering Hall. The concert was the first of a series to be given at the same place on consecutive Saturdays and beginning at 2 o’clock. Mr. Barili was well received and made a decided success. He has had fine training, possesses a charming touch and executes with precision and brilliancy. The pieces played by him were [see above]. Both performances were heartily encored. So likewise was No. 5 of the programme, a delicate composition of Signor Antonio Barili, sung with much effect by Miss E. Guy and Herr Bergner. Among other participants in the concert were Miss Mooney, whose fine contralto has developed and strengthened since last we heard it, and the favorite artist, Signor Ettore Barili, who sang Campana’s Romanza ‘E’Ver’ exquisitely. Mr. Alfredo Barili is to be congratulated on his promsing début and his worthy adjuncts. We do not doubt that the succeeding three matinées will receive that attention from the public which the skill of this young pianist, creditable representative as he is of an eminent musical family, fairly deserves.”

“His first matinée was given last Saturday, and he then showed that although so young he has already conquered a greater part of the mechanical difficulties of the pianoforte. He played with great facility, a bright, clear touch, and admirable execution. What remains for him to attain are the subtler graces of sentiment and feeling. These seldom come in their fullest expression until later in life. But certainly the young Barili has an admirable foundation on which to build.”