Philharmonic Society of New York Private Rehearsal

Event Information

Venue(s):
Steinway Hall

Conductor(s):
Carl Bergmann

Event Type:
Orchestral

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
6 October 2025

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

04 Nov 1870, 2:30 PM

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Philharmonic Society of New York
2)
Symphony, no. 8, op. 93, F major
Composer(s): Beethoven
3)
Symphony, D. 759, B minor
aka Unfinished symphony; Symphony, no. 8, B minor
Composer(s): Schubert
4)
Tannhäuser, overture
aka Tannhauser overture
Composer(s): Wagner
5)
Concerto, piano, no. 2, A major
Composer(s): Liszt

Citations

1)
: Strong, George Templeton. New-York Historical Society. The Diaries of George Templeton Strong, 1863-1869: Musical Excerpts from the MSs, transcribed by Mary Simonson. ed. by Christopher Bruhn., 04 November 1870.

“Private Philharmonic rehearsal 2 ½ p. m. at Steinway. Beethoven’s 8th symphony. Much impressed by the glow & loveliness of the 1st & 3rd movements. The quiet quaint serio-comic Allegretto is always delicious. Unfinished Symphony, Schubert, may gain on further acquaintance. Tannhäuser overture grandly executed. Orchestral part of a concerto by Liszt (or Lizst—which is it?)—very vile—a catarrhal or sternutatory concerto. One frequently recurring phrase the graphic instrumentation of a fortissimo sneeze, and a long passage evidently meant to suggest a protracted agonized bravura on the pocket handkerchief. There were also coughs, snorts, & periods of choking. It’s a great work.

After the rehearsal I “bossed” a meeting of the society—presiding at the conductor’s stand & wielding his baton.

I was glad to get Johny admission to this strictly private transaction, by virtue of my office. Boys at his age feel “set up” by a privilege their friends cannot attain. This, & Ellie’s gratification are the sole good my presidency has done. So far.”