Sanderson Benefit Concert

“The committee of management [of his upcoming tour] consists of a large number of the most prominent patrons of musical art in this city, who appeal eloquently, in a circular we have before us, for such a demonstration of admiration for Mr. Sanderson’s genius and of friendship for him as a man, as he deserves. They say that Mr. Sanderson had nothing to do with this movement—spontaneous as his honor—but that one who has always been so ready to respond to all calls, either of friendship or of charity, has some claim on those ‘who have sat under the sweet influence of his skill.’”

“Mr. Sanderson is, as the French would say, a child of New-York. He has, by inspirations of his own, attained a position which is both impregnable and unique. Every great pianist who has visited New-York has had to express the utmost surprise at his capacity. When it is remembered that this capacity—the playing of octaves—is agreeable as well as surprising, the secret of Mr. Sanderson’s success will be understood. . . . As a composer of light music, Mr. Sanderson is without a superior. His ideas are always clear, trenchant and uncommon.”

“This talented young man and brilliant pianist will leave for Europe early next month, in the hope of reestablishing his health, which has of late been seriously impaired. . . . We trust that enough will be found out of the thousands who have enjoyed the results of his talents for many years in this city, to crowd Irving Hall to its utmost capacity.”

“We trust that the friends of this brilliant artist, and those who have been admirers of his skill, will be well represented on this occasion.”

“[W]e hope that his concert to-night will be crowded to overflowing, for the reason that he fully deserves such a tribute from his fellow-citizens, and secondly, that he may carry away with him some grateful recollections of his last appearance in his native country.”

“The farewell complimentary concert to Harry Sanderson ‘on the eve of his departure to Europe,’ took place at Irving Hall on Saturday evening.  It was, we are happy to say, well-attended.  The hall has seldom been filled with a more fashionable audience.  Mr. Sanderson was assisted by Mrs A. Mixsell, a lady with a fine, penetrating soprano voice and much execution, but who has yet to conquer an unhappy tendency to sing out of tune; by Mme Fleury-Urban, a contralto of excellent qualifications; by Mr. J. R. Thomas, the well-known baritone and composer, and by Mr. Theodore Thomas, the distinguished violinist, who played superbly.  Signor Albites—a gentleman who we are glad to welcome back to the concert-room—was the conductor; and Signor Abella accompanied his pupil, Mrs. A. Mixsell—according to a custom which we think would be more honored in the breach than in the observance.  Mr.   Sanderson appeared but three times in the performance, and being vociferously encored on every occasion, he played more than half a dozen of his own pieces, and played them, we need scarcely say, with brilliancy.  This young American artist is gifted with more than talent; he possesses genuine genius, and with the culture which contact with the great artists of Europe will produce, we may look to him for many works better than any he has produced.  We do not overrate the latter when we say that they are characterized by exquisite delicacy of thought and perfect fluency of expression.  His concert fantasias are effectively constructed, and display the peculiar brilliancy of his style.  His polkas are fascinating and invariably command an encore. Mr. Sanderson, as we have before remarked, will shortly depart for Europe, and we trust that his health, which is but indifferent, will be fully restored by the trip.” 

“Mr. Harry Sanderson leaves New-York by the steamship of Saturday next, for Europe, to make a stay of two or three years. His departure has a double motive, one for the restoration of his health, which it is hoped, a change of scene and association, and quiet, may effect, and the other for the purpose of study, and for the benefit of the influence of high art and association. While we regret the necessity which compels the voyage, we rejoice that the path to health lies also in the direction of artistic culture.

    His recent concert was literally his farewell of his native country for some years, and we are glad that on that occasion his friends gathered around him in such large numbers.  An intense interest was taken in that affair, a large number of our prominent citizens formed themselves into a committee and disposed of an immense number of tickets, more than sufficient to greatly overflow Irving Hall, rendering the occasion a really brilliant ovation of the genius and worth of the young beneficiare.  At this concert, Harry Sanderson played brilliantly, with perhaps a little less than his wonted fire, but he warmed up toward the close, and dashed through his arrangements of the Semiramide overture, with all the old nerve and excellent octave execution.  He was applauded to the echo throughout, and played more and more of his own popular compositions in answer to the encores, playing to an audience that would not tire of his performance.  He cannot but be deeply gratified by the brilliant eclat of last appearance among us.”