New Yorker Sing Academie: Concert and Ball

“The New York Sing Academie, one of our leading German musical societies, composed of seventy active male and female singers, has a grand concert arranged last night at the Germania Assembly, which was a select and well patronized affair. The concert hall was fully occupied by a music loving public and the friends and associates of the Academy. The society was assisted by Messrs. Theodore Thomas and Edward Mollenhauer, the former acting as the leader of the orchestra, composed of thirty-five men. The male and female chorus were under the direction of Mr. E. Pinkert. The first part of the programme was composed of an overture (Loidoiska [sic], by Cherubini), whereupon the baritone, Mr. Steins, sang Das Glockengelaent of Hoeltz, who in the second part rendered the Dead Soldier (Der Todte Soldat) in a very perfect style. In the New Years’ Song Miss Leisenberg and Fraulein Henriette Adler sang the duet. This Neu Yahrs Lied, by Schumann, is a most complicated composition, and was rendered with a great deal of effect by the chorus of the Sing Academie. The baritone solos in this piece were rendered by Mr. Haimer. The second part of the programme was composed of a concert overture (Op. 8, A-dur, by Jul. Rietz), a scene and aria of Euryanthe, which was sung by Miss Leisenberg, and a composition which was rendered by Sapran [sic], chorus and orchestra. The last piece was entitled Birken und Erlen, by Piarrius, with music by Max Bruch. The New York Sing Academie is a very flourishing musical organization, and is doing its part in the cultivation of music and song. After the concert the members engaged in the usual social pastimes and festivities, which were wound up by a grand ball, which continued until quite an advanced hour.”

“The Sing Academy has gained more skillful singing members in the past and the conductor Mr. Pinkert has effectively led the chorus to new heights. Thomas’ orchestra performed very well. . . .

            The “Neujahrslied” is a difficult and tiring composition; only the finale of the piece is impressive. Mr. Haimer sang his bass solo well despite the challenges in this piece. In general, the performance of Schumann’s work showed still some“unevenness” and insecurities.

            The composition “Die Birken and Erlen” was a debut here. The soprano solos were sang satisfactory by Ms. Liesenberg (sic). . . . The beautiful composition was performed mostly well by the singers. Mr. Pinkert conducted the work with attention and confidence.

            Due to the bad weather conditions, attendance of the concert was lower than deserved. The following ball lasted into the morning hours.”