Opening and Monster Concert

Event Information

Venue(s):
Jones's Wood Coliseum

Proprietor / Lessee:
J. Fr. Schultheis

Conductor(s):
David L. Downing

Price: $.25

Event Type:
Band

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
27 June 2025

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

30 May 1875, 3:00 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Ninth Regiment Band;  Edward Boehm [clarinet];  Francis Xavier [euphonium] Diller;  Benjamin C. Bent;  T. [clarinetist] Morelli
2)
Schiffbruch der Medusa, overture
aka Shipwreck of Medusa
Composer(s): Reissiger
3)
Neu Wien, op. 342
Composer(s): Strauss
4)
Talisman, The, selections
Composer(s): Balfe
5)
Fackeltänz, military band, no. 3
aka Princess Charlotte
Composer(s): Meyerbeer
6)
Air varié, no. 7
Composer(s): Beriot
7)
Cornet solo
Participants:  Benjamin C. Bent
8)
Operas. Selections
Composer(s): Gounod
9)
Battle potpourri
Composer(s): Downing
10)
Trovatore, Il, "Anvil chorus"
Composer(s): Verdi
11)
Paraphrase über Wie schön bist du
Composer(s): Nesvadba
12)
Ninth Regiment quickstep
Composer(s): Downing
13)
Messiah, "Hallelujah chorus"
Composer(s): Handel

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 28 May 1875, 9.
2)
Announcement: New York Herald, 29 May 1875, 3.

Includes program. 

3)
Review: New York Herald, 31 May 1875, 7.

“Over ten thousand people were present at the grand inaugural concert of the summer season at Jones’ Wood Colosseum. Major Downing, of the Ninth regiment, one of our most brilliant leaders, conducted a miliary band of 100 musicians. The programme commenced with Reissige’s fantastic overture, ‘Shipwreck of Medusa,’ which led to a charming Strauss waltz and a march from ‘The Talisman.’ ‘The Torchlight Dance,’ in C minor, by Meyerbeer, was superbly rendered, and Mr. Bent, a cornet player of rare attainments, gave De Beriot’s seventh aria, with variations, in a very effective manner. Gounod’s ‘Faust’ furnished the members of the band with an ample field for the display of their abilities, and a battle potpourri, cleverly put together by Downing, created quite an excitement. The following description may furnish an idea of the music: ‘The morning gun; peace, plenty and happiness, interrupted by the military preparing for battle; marches and counter marches by the opposing forces, represented by the extra band, drum corps, pipers and fliers; introducing Meyerbeer’s ‘Consecration of the Poignards’ and Beethoven’s celebrated ‘Battle Music,’ by the double band and drum corps; concluding with the ‘Hallelujah Chorus,’ by Handel, with auxiliary effects.” The band is an excellent one, with a leader of acknowledged ability. Manager Schultheis has opened his season at one of the prettiest summer resorts in New York under the most auspicious circumstances.”