Robert Goldbeck Chamber Concert: 1st

Event Information

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

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
11 August 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

15 Feb 1866, Evening

Program Details

Vocalist G. G. Rookwood was scheduled to appear but was indisposed.

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Henry Mollenhauer [cello];  Sebastian Bach Mills;  Robert Goldbeck;  George E. Aiken [bass];  Frantz Jehin-Prume
2)
Sonata, piano, no. 24, op. 78, F-sharp major
Composer(s): Beethoven
Participants:  Robert Goldbeck
3)
Songs, selections
Composer(s): Goldbeck
Participants:  Robert Goldbeck;  George E. Aiken [bass]
4)
Preludes, unidentified
Composer(s): Bach
Participants:  Sebastian Bach Mills;  Robert Goldbeck

Citations

1)
Announcement: New York Post, 22 January 1866, 2.

     “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.’”

2)
Announcement: New-York Times, 30 January 1866, 5.

     “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.”

3)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 09 February 1866.
4)
Announcement: New York Post, 12 February 1866, 3.
5)
Advertisement: New-York Daily Tribune, 12 February 1866, 3.

     “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.”

6)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 13 February 1866, 7.
7)
Review: New-York Times, 19 February 1866, 4.

     “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.”

8)
Review: New-Yorker Musik-Zeitung, 26 February 1866, 101.

     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.