Browne Organ Concert

     Program.  “Mr. Henry E. Browne, Organist of the [Anthon Memorial] church, gave an organ performance one evening last week. . . . The organ upon which Mr. Browne played is a small one and consequently gave him but little scope for varied effects or elaborate combinations.  It is one of Erben’s instruments, and what there is of it is remarkably excellent.  The pieces which displayed Mr. Browne’s abilities to the best advantage were the Overture by Adams, the Sonata by Mendelssohn, the Overture by Beethoven, the Andante by Mozart, the Motet by Haydn, and Handel’s Chorus.  In these, he displayed fine taste, refined feeling and a just appreciation of the characteristics of several composers.  He produced some very charming effects, and by his combinations and varied treatment proved his knowledge of the resources of the instrument.  His execution is neat, clear and rapid and he uses the pedals with much facility.  His style is good and in all he does he shows the earnest student.  He is very young but his ambition to excel proves that he has the right stuff in him—stuff which promises high excellence in the future.  We regard him as one of our most rising young men.

     His compositions, while they show intelligence and ability, also show the necessity of stricter schooling, of closer study of received models, particularly in regard to form.  They exhibit a fair beginning, but they are immature, and are not worthy to be placed in juxtaposition with the great works which he renders so well. [Discussion of the need for young composers to be patient.]  Browne is a rising young man, and has before him a bright future, but he must work, wait and criticize.”