Venue(s):
Steinway's Rooms
Price: $3 season tickets; $10 four season tickets; $1.50 single tickets
Event Type:
Chamber (includes Solo)
Performance Forces:
Instrumental, Vocal
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
11 August 2016
“Mr. Goldbeck adds that it is his wish ‘to give, from time to time, a similar series of concerts, gradually introducing the complete cycle of thirty-five sonatas, thus hoping to fulfil [sic] the double duty of contributing his mite to the general homage due by all to Beethoven, and also that of extending the refining influence of these beautiful works as far and as fruitfully as his own feeble power may permit.’”
“Mr. Robert Goldbeck announces a series of three subscription concerts, at Steinway’s Rooms, Nos. 71 and 73 East Fourteenth-street, to take place on Feb. 15, March 1 and 15. The intention of these soirees is to introduce the best and (in a public sense) least played works in the world, namely, Beethoven’s sonatas, one of which will be given on each evening. Several of Mr. Goldbeck’s vocal compositions will also be introduced, with competent singers. Mr. S. B. Mills has volunteered to assist Mr. Goldbeck, playing Bach’s six preludes, with the accompaniment of a second piano.”
“Mr. ROBERT GOLDBECK will give a series of THREE CONCERTS At Steinway’s Rooms . . . On THURSDAY, Feb. 15, THURSDAY, March 1, and THURSDAY March 15.”
“Mr. Goldbeck’s first concert at Steinway’s Rooms on Thursday was a complete success, the gentleman surprising everyone by his magnificent rendering of Beethoven’s sonata in F sharp. Several new songs by Mr. Goldbeck were sung, but the indisposition of Mr. Rockwood prevented the original programme being fully carried out.”
Goldbeck’s compositions are proof of his fine talent. His piano pieces display his familiarity with the instrument, his creativity and spirit. Mr. Goldbeck is a romantic through and through: he loves contrasts and has the technical skill to give them shape. However, he lacks depth in sentimentality; he is not reaching deep enough as Schumann did, whom Goldbeck admires. Nevertheless, Goldbeck deserves his place among the best composers of our time.
Beethoven’s work is difficult to play; especially for the left hand. Goldbeck is very capable of overcoming this challenge with bravura. He is not merely a fine musician, but an especially skillful pianist. If he decides to give this talent even more attention, he could rise to a significant level.
The concert was well attended, even over-crowded. A rising popularity of the musician would not allow a larger audience at this venue. This is a promising sign for Mr. Goldbeck and his subscribers.