Includes program.

“Mr. Thomas’ matinée concert at Steinway Hall, yesterday, was numerously attended. The most important number of the programme was Raff’s symphony of ‘Lenore,’ of which we spoke at length a fortnight ago. A second hearing of this elaborate work does not suggest a revision of the opinion then expressed. ‘Lenore’ contains some charming passages, but Raff’s ideas are few and far between, and he repeats himself, with very slight modiications of form, so frequently that one really wearies of him. Then, too, his newest symphony is programme music in the most literal sense of the word, and however interesting it may seem to mentally compare the effect of viola and ‘cello figures, illustrative of the tramp of a horse, with recollections of the sound, or ‘the frequent strange sounding trills on the wind instruments, descriptive of the neighing and snorting of the ghostly steed,’ with a remembrance of reality, the satisfaction derived is not of the kind we seek in a symphony. The instrumentation of ‘Lenore’ we have already referred to as delicious. In the first part are several pages of the fullest and most suave harmony imaginable, and the march in C major, by its scoring, is a fit companion-piece for the ‘Dance of the Wood Nymphs’in ‘Im Walde.’ The orchestral recital of the whole work yesterday was perfection. In addition to ‘Lenore,’ the marvelous ensemble of Mr. Thomas’ band was shown in several selections from their known repertoire, the trying music from ‘Lohengrin’ being rendered with especial finish. Mr. Whitney sang twice, Mozart’s ‘Mentro ti lascio’ and Mendelssohn’s ‘I am a roamer’ being the numbers. Mr. Whitney’s delivery is utterly colorless, and after M. Maurel’s singing, enjoyed on the night before, it seemed more devoid of character than ever. A horn quartet, by Marschner, also on the bill, suffered from the inaccurate intonation of the players.”

“The matinée programme was calculated to attract any lover of music to Steinway Hall. Commencing with the first of the four overtures to ‘Fidelio,’ the orchestra next essayed the magnificent ‘Lenore’ symphony of Raff, of which we have already abundantly spoken. This work was received with unmistakable demonstrations of pleasure by the audience, the subject having been given in detail in the Herald on the occasion of its first performance, and the various movements thus being made perfectly intelligible. The galloping of the spectre steed in the finale, so wonderfully illustrated by the strings, was a prominent feature of the symphony. The ‘Tell’ overture, a quartet for horns, by Marschner, and the introduction, chorus and march from the third act of ‘Lohengrin’ completed the instrumental part of the programme. Mr. Whitney sung selections from Mozart and Mendelssohn.”  

“Mr. Theodore Thomas gave his second matinée at Steinway Hall on Saturday afternoon, presenting the following selection of pieces [lists program].

Raff’s new symphony gains rather than loses by a second hearing, and we are confirmed in our first impression that it marks a decided advance over the earlier works by this composer with which Mr. Thomas had made us familiar. An excellent description and analysis of the music, by Mr. J. H. Cornell, accompanied the programme. The rest of the concert calls for no extended criticism. The whole performance was marked by the rich coloring and high finish which distinguish all the work of this orchestra, and the quartet for horns seemed to be especially relished. The audience was large, and consisted of the very best class of cultivated lovers of music—the same refined and appreciative people who used to attend in such numbers the remarkable series of recitals given by Rubinstein just before he left the country. If Mr. Thomas could arrange his other engagements so as to resume these matinées at Steinway Hall, we are convinced that he would find ample public support.”

“The second afternoon concert given by Mr. Thomas’s orchestra at Steinway Hall on Saturday—and the last, we are sorry to say, so far as Mr. Thomas’s plans have been made public—became memorable by the performance of Raff’s ‘Symphony No. 5, Leonore.’ The first presentation of this composition met with unusual favor by all competent musical critics, and its repetition on Saturday rather increased, than otherwise, the favor with which it was received at first. The andante movement of the first part and the march which constitutes the greater part of the second part were listened to with the closest attention and the highest satisfaction, due as much to the precision and grace and force with which the orchestra grasped and put forth the ideas which lie behind the score, as to the admirable result which the composer has achieved in his attempt to present two diverse states of feeling. The other instrumental pieces on the programme were more familiar to the large audience of cultivated persons present, but the common enjoyment was not diminished on that account. Mr. Whitney sang twice, the second time Mendelssohn’s ‘I am a Roamer,’ the rendering of which led to an encore. A quartet for French horns by Marschner was played by Messrs. Schmitz, Pieper, Kustenmasher and Kohser, with excellent effect. A recall by the audience was rewarded with a delicious morsel, the playing of which was worthy of note for the correctness and roundness of tone of the instruments.

The series of afternoon concerts which closed on Saturday have been largely attended by the most cultivated people of New York, and we only express the wish of the public in saying that we hope Mr. Thomas will find it convenient to make arrangements soon for a new and longer series of these delightful entertainments.”