“Steinway’s piano warerooms were crowded last evening to an extent that would warrant the space of the hall above on an occasion of the annual concert of the first violoncellist in America, Fred Bergner. The programme was very attractive, and was rendered in a style that gave entire satisfaction to the audience present. It commenced with a quartet for four violoncellos, which was rendered in a magnificent manner by the bénéficiare and his three colleagues. Then Mme. Dowland, a vocal artiste of rare ability and thorough musical training, sang the aria of Handel, ‘Lascio, ch’io Pianga,’ with such heartfelt expression that an encore immediately followed. There were other numbers on the bill equally interesting, and the great violoncellist proved himself an accomplished artist in his share of the work and a judicious manager in the selection of artists to support him. For many years the violoncello department of the Philharmonic Society has been intrusted to Herr Bergner, and the results have always been felicitous. He is an artist who occupies deservedly the first position in this city as violoncellist.”

“Lovers of Chamber Music enjoyed a treat in Mr. Bergner’s concert on Monday evening at Steinway. The entertainment opened with a quartet for ‘cellos, by Schaefer, a charming, melodious composition, excellently played. Mme. Dowland contributed two songs. Mr. Bergner played Rebling’s ‘Elegie,’ and Mr. S. B. Mills gave a magnificent rendering of one of Liszt’s Rhapsodies. But the event of most interest was the performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s C minor Trio, in which Master H. Rietzel, a son of the well-known flute player, made his debut as pianist. The little fellow is a pupil of Mr. Mills, and only twelve years old. He played clearly, with good technique and plenty of power, and showed an artistic conception of the meaning of the music surprising in one so young. Beethoven’s String Quartet in F major (Op. 18, No. 1), which closed the programme, was excellently given by Messrs. Brandt, Matzka, Schwartz, and Bergner.”

“Among the concerts which came at the end of the regular season are two which deserve notice. One is the annual concert of Mr. F. Bergner, April 19, at Steinway’s; on which occasion Beethoven’s String quartet in F major (Op. 18, No. 1), was finely performed by Messrs. Brandt, Matzka, Schwartz and Bergner. Mr. S. B. Mills played one of Liszt’s Rhapsodies; and Master H. Rietzel, a pupil of Mr. Mills, made his debut as a pianist in the first movement of Beethoven’s C minor Trio. The little fellow played surprisingly well for one so young, (he is only twelve years old) and gives great promise.”