Philharmonic Society of New-York: Public Rehearsal: 3rd

“The vicinity of Irving Hall was literally choked with sweet sounds on Saturday. For twelve hours there was hardly a breath of relief in the musical plethora. It opened in the morning with the third rehearsal of the Philharmonic Society. This had scarcely terminated when Mr. Theodore Thomas’ third popular matinée commenced. Simultaneously, Mr. Maretzek opened the doors of the Academy for his last combination matinée. An hour or two’s rest was all that the musicians could enjoy ere they were called upon to take part in the first Philharmonic Concert, at the Academy, and the first Promenade Concert of the Seventh Regiment, at Irving Hall. We shall not be able to dwell at length on any of these entertainments, nor is it necessary; they were all excellent. A delightfully varied programme was furnished by Mr. Thomas, and was given with great effect by the orchestra. The soloists were Mr. Gottschalk and Miss Fanny Riddell, a young lady who possesses a fine voice, and knows how to use it skillfully. Mr. Gottschalk was assisted by Mr. Harry Sanderson, and with that gentleman, played several of the most popular duets. At the Academy of Music a splendid attendance was assembled. The whole of ‘Lucia,’ with Ortolani Brignoli as the heroine, was given, and an act from ‘Martha.’ In the latter, Miss Kellogg appeared. Her impersonation of Lady Henriette, is one of the most charming realizations of the modern Italian repertoire. At the Philharmonic Concert the instrumental features were Schumann’s Symphony No. 2; the Overture to ‘Coriolanus,’ by Beethoven, and to the ‘Flying Dutchman,’ by Richard Wagner. They were excellently played by the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Carl Bergmann. Mr. S.B. Mills, was the solo pianist, and acquitted himself with the masterly precision and healthful largeness of style for which he is remarkable. The Society was also lucky enough to have the services of Miss Kellogg, who, we need scarcely add, was thoroughly enjoyable.”

Bergmann conducted Schumann’s Symphony and all the other works with attention and energy.  Kellogg sang Agathe’s aria excellently, and displayed her skills as a coloratura in the Eisfeld variations.  Mr. Mills played all of his pieces with technical mastery.  The performance of Beethoven’s Coriolanus overture was done in a “clear and sharp” way in all its parts.  The Wagner was played with a full orchestra, which despite the attentive and skilful execution, we found too “colossal” for the work.  The music turned into ‘noise’, which seemed to have first a tiring and than a numbing effect on the audience.

Includes program. “The past fortnight has been of unusual musical buoyancy. Irving Place, the great centre of musical attraction, has resounded from morning to night with sweet sounds, only interrupted by the carpenter's hammer preparing for the great ball. On Saturday the street was alive with people at every hour, so numerous were the objects for patronage.  At 10½ , the Philharmonic rehearsal; 12, Thomas's matinee; 1½, Opera Matinee; 8, Philharmonic and 71st  Regiment Band Concert.  The amount of wind and muscle required on that day, must have been immense. Who does not envy a musician of the Philharmonic? But to commence somewhat more systematically…

The Academy was filled on Saturday evening on the occasion of the first Philharmonic Concert of the season. It must have been very gratifying to the Board of Directors to see their new enterprise so nobly sustained. It was a venture on their part to assume the expense of the Academy, but the attendance on the night of their first concert dispelled all doubts as to the feasibility of the plan. The audience was large, brilliant, and appreciative, and the rendition of the following programme pains-taking and successful.”