Gala Matinee for the Accommodation of Schools and Families

     “Wehli and Katov.”

     “In Irving Hall . . . [the performers] will give a gala fifty cent matinee at two o’clock, with a fine programme, in which de Katow’s charmed violoncello and Wehli’s wonderful left hand with be represented.”

     “We learn that nearly all the reserved seats are sold, and that a crowded audience is expected.”

     “This hall was crowded yesterday at the Wehli and De Katow matinee; but unfortunately, Mr. Wehli’s health was such that his physician forbade him to leave his bed. The medical certificate was read to the audience, stating that the artist was suffering from severe fever – the result, we believe, of erysipelas – and that, though most anxious to fulfil [sic] his engagement, his doing so would endanger his life.  The audience accepted the apology, ‘more in sorrow than in anger,’ and enjoyed the delightful performance of Mlle. de Katow none the less for the disappointment which deprived them of the expected pleasure to hear the great pianist, who in so brief a period has established a brilliant reputation in this community. Mr. Bassford, with a kindness and fraternal feeling for the disappointment of a brother artist which does him credit, took Mr. Wehli’s place at the piano at the moment’s notice, and was most favorably received. Mme. Motte and Signor Poulicchi were the solo vocalists on the occasion.”

     General review of De Katow’s concerts.  The second most sought after concert (the 1^st is Gottschalk).  Very positive review of Wehli’s piano playing.  He is never artificial or flamboyant, because he doesn’t want or know how to be.  He doesn’t steal the show.  He plays on the stage as if he were in his living room.  When he is applauded, he just bows enough to not to seem impolite.  In Saturday’s matinee, the public was disappointed to learn that Wehli was ill. [He had a doctor’s note attesting to the life-threatening illness, erisypelas.] The public wasn’t so fanatical that it demanded the program or death. . . . Mr. Bassford, also an excellent pianist, replaced him with a professionalism that honors him, and Mlle de Katow surpassed herself to compensate for the absence of her comrade.

     Here were two matinees in the same day; but that’s not all. Matinees have become the highest fashion, and are the rage at the moment. There were no fewer than nine last Saturday; Gottschalk at the Academy; de Katow-Wehli at Irving Hall; Eaton Stone, the horse-tamer, at the Hippotheatron; Owens, the marvelous comedian, at the Broadway Theatre; the Streets of New York at the Olympic; Miss Lucie Western at Niblo’s Garden; Petrolomania at Wood’s Minstrels; a high drama at the New Bowery; finally, a great spectacle at the American Theatre. . . .

     “The Wehli-Katow concert at Irving Hall successfully competed with its big neighbor.  Mr. Harrison’s beautiful establishment was filled to its greatest capacity. Those were present had, unfortunately, to suffer a disappointment. An excuse had to be made for Mr. Wehli, who was much too unwell to play.  A few weeks since he was vaccinated, and the vaccine matter appears to have been of the government quality–that is, warranted to do more harm than good. Violent inflammation and fever have set in, and the gentleman is entirely disabled. In Saturday’s emergency, Mr. Bassford kindly volunteered to play for Mr. Wehli, and so contributed directly and gracefully to the pleasure of the audience.  Mlle. de Katow also gave an extra morceau–playing throughout with great delicacy and grace. Mrs. Motte, the contralto, sang finely, and once more gratified us with her large voice. Signor Paulicchi, the basso, completed the personnel, and Mr. Behrens was the conductor.”