Philharmonic Society of New York Rehearsal: 1st

Forthcoming season: repertory, rates, receipts for last year, officers (reprinted from the Weekly Review).

“The thirty-first season of the New-York Philharmonic Society opened yesterday afternoon with a rehearsal at the Academy of Music. There was a large audience, and if we may judge from present indications, the brilliancy and excellence which have characterized the past series of concerts of this admirable Society are likely to be preserved during the coming Winter. We have already published the scheme of the six concerts, from which it will have been seen that we are likely to have at least one novelty at each performance of the season. The new work rehearsed yesterday was the ‘Princess Ilse’ overture of Erdmannsdorfer, an interesting composition in two movements, which will catch the popular favor by the melodious character of its themes, and attract the notice of musicians by peculiarities of treatment and structure somewhat in the modern spirit. It received very careful handling from Mr. Bergmann, and was presented, in consequence of the frequent repetitions and interruptions, in too fragmentary a form for the average listener to appreciate it. The other pieces on the programme were [see above]. As we have already mentioned, Rubinstein is to play at the first concert.”

“The [above works] were recited, rather roughly, in presence of an assemblage less large than was expected."

“This time-honored society commenced their season yesterday with a public rehearsal at the Academy of Music. The attendance was very large and augured well for a successful season. There were three orchestral works on the programme—[see above]. The last-mentioned work [Princess Ilse] was given for the first time in this country, and it would not do any harm to music if it was the last time, too. Without entering into a criticism of the performance as an interpretation of a composer’s ideas, it being merely a rehearsal, it is easy to judge of Mr. Erd, &c.’s work. It should not be placed on a programme where only first class music is expected, being as aimless, oddly constructed and as offensive to good taste as a Dolly Varden dress at the opera. In the second part, Allegretto Moderato, a person would think that Strauss or Gungl suggested the theme. It was curious to see with what a feeling of relief the musicians turned from this extraordinary piece of composition to the glorious symphony which, for over a quarter of a century, has been a household word in the society. Wagner’s impressive work, with the bright coloring of stirring passages thrown around the solemn ‘Pilgrim’s March,’ towards the finale, is another old favorite, and with such an orchestra, a hundred strong, and such an experienced conductor as Carl Bergmann, it will be an attractive opening on the night of the concert.”