Dawson Matinee: 1st

“Mr. J. A. Dawson, a new pianist, from the Conservatory of Brussels, gave his first matinee at Steinway Hall yesterday, before a small audience. [Lists performers.] Mr. Dawson, to judge from the manner in which he played Chopin’s impromptu fantasia, executes with neatness and precision, but his touch is sometimes dull and unsympathetic. In the charming little chanson that preceded Chopin he was more successful, and displayed abilities of no mean order as a pianist. He has too much of the French school of pianism to accord with received tastes here, and his fondness for violent contrasts and sensational effects mars his otherwise good playing. Mr. Eichberg played a concerto [sic] for violin and piano by Beethoven, with Mr. Dawson. The baritone has an alarming voice, and one which unmistakably attests the strength of his lungs.” 

“Mr. J. A. Dawson, an American pianist, recently arrived from the Conservatory of Brussels, gave his first concert here on Wednesday morning, the 12th. The gentleman possesses fine, technical skill and a French style. We admire the former more than the latter. In New-York it is not the fashion to retard or accelerate the time at random, and extreme dynamic effects—where the tone alternates from a whisper to a shout—are not always agreeable. In the sonata by Beethoven, for piano and violin, these peculiarities were noticeable to a disagreeable degree. It was almost impossible for Mr. Eichberg (violin) to regulate himself, so often and superfluously did Mr. Dawson expand or collapse with emotion. The sonata, indeed, was not well played. As a solo player the gentleman shone to greater advantage, and it is here, we think, that he will win his best triumphs. Every city has its own way of playing classical music, but in bravura pieces the pianist is left to his own individuality. Nothing could be more clean and exquisite than Mr. Dawson’s playing of Dupont’s ‘Chanson d’une Jeune Fille.’ It possessed a happy contrast of color, and an agreeable sentimentalism which we rarely find combined. Chopin’s ‘Impromptu’ was dashed off rapidly, but whatever merits in the first piece could hardly be regarded as such in this. It is certain, however, that Mr. Dawson has qualities as a pianist which will speedily lead him to popularity. His touch is good and his skill cannot be questioned. Mr. Julius Eichberg, the composer and violin virtuoso, played in the sonata and in a fantasia by himself. He has a fine tone, and plays like a musician. The vocalist of the occasion was Mr. Dochez, a gentleman with a powerful voice, which he could scarcely control.”

“This young American pianist, who has studied many years in Germany, made his first appearance in New-York at Steinway’s small hall, on Thursday afternoon before a small but critical audience. Mr. Dawson has acquired very brilliant execution, is sure of the distances and plays generally very correctly. His touch lacks very much in crispness and decision, and we judge that his style is by no means matured.  Still Mr. Dawson had points of excellence. He delivers his themes with much taste and expression and has sentiment and feeling. We think that on this occasion Mr. Dawson hardly did himself justice and we hope to hear him again. Thus we may know the full scope of his powers.”