Alixe

“The regular performance of the orchestra at the Fifth-avenue Theatre, last evening, was agreeably diversified by the efforts of a quartet of soloists on the French horn. The French horn is one of the finest of instruments; but a mastery of its difficulties is so rarely attained that soloists are few and far between. The gentlemen whose début was effected yesterday can certainly rank with the most skilled of executants. To the quality of their tone, the correctness of their intonation, and their precision and sympathy, no exception whatever can be taken. Their contributions to the entertainment were much applauded. Last night, too, Signor Padovani resumed his duties as violin solo in Mr. Daly’s band, and by his work, and that of the accessions already alluded to, the long ‘waits’ passed by almost too rapidly.”

“At Daly’s Fifth Avenue Theatre last night a feature of interest was added to the entertainment by the introduction of the ‘Imperial Quartet of Horn Players from St. Petersburg.’ The four players performed in the first entr’acte, and were a great relief from the usual orchestra. Their playing was characterized by much taste and feeling, and the harmony produced was very pleasing. Marschner’s ‘Awakening of Spring,’ a very breezy composition, was finely rendered.” 

“The Russian quartet of French horn-players, now engaged at Daly’s for between acts in the orchestra, introduced ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ in one of their numbers last Saturday night. Afterwards, Signor Padovani, in bad taste, we consider, performed the same melody on the violin, although he was programmed for ‘Home, Sweet Home’ and the ‘Mocking Bird,’ the latter of which is his strong hold. Be courteous to the strangers, Signor Padovani.”