Poznanski Quartet Soiree: 2nd

Includes program. “Piano from Steck and Co. and Cabinet Organ from Mason and Hamlin.”

Both quartets were performed with precision and sensitivity. Loretz turned out to be a fine pianist. He played Mendelssohn with softness and sensitivity, and he understood to bring across the unusual nuances of the composition with skill and understanding. Steins, baritone, was unfortunately not able to perform. Mme. Zimmermann was kindly filling in for him. Reissiger’s “Rolandseck” and the “Ave Maria” were both performed rather well by Zimmerman, the latter a debut, which was an interesting one. The grand piano provided for the concert by Steck & Co was a delight to listen to.

“A string quartet, consisting of Messrs. Poznanski, Neuendorf, Bernstein and Liesegang, professors in the Anschutz Musical Institute, commenced last week a series of semi-monthly soirees, at Steck’s Music Hall. The second was given on Thursday night, and was very well attended. Quartet playing requires long practice to obtain thorough blending of the instruments, evenness and equality of tone, as if there was but one performer, and the [illeg.] attention to every shade of color and expression. Each performer has to execute with the same care as if his part were a solo, and at the same time, he has not the freedom and privileges of a soloist. The Musical Institute quartet played Mozart’s quartet in D minor in an excellent manner, phrasing with distinctness and almost perfect ensemble. They also played Beethoven’s quartet in C major. Madame Zimmerman sang one of [illeg.]’s songs and Mr. Loretz played two of Mendelssohn’s ‘Songs without Words on the piano. The rest of the programme was equally attractive.”

Poznanski, Bernstein, Neuendorf and Liesegang performed with precision and dedication. The inconsistent unison in some parts will certainly improve. Other than that, the performance was excellent and well attended. The piano and singing parts of the concert were not beyond the average quality. Gounod’s “Ave Maria” was interesting, especially the introduction by Bach’s “Preludium”.

“The second quartette soiree of the series commenced by Messrs. J. B. Poznanski , J. Bernstein, A. Neuendorff and A. Liesegang given at Steck’s elegant Music Hall and Piano Saloon on Thursday evening. The quartette was assisted by Mme. Zimmerman, Mr. J. M. Lotetz, jr., and Mr. J. P. Morgan. Mozart’s lovely quartette in D Minor opened the soiree, and was played in fine style by the quartette company. The Andante and the Minuetto were specially worthy of praise, the performances being distinguished by great feeling and extreme delicacy. The other movements were clearly and [brilliantly?] played, and the marks of emphasis and expression were strictly observed. It was altogether an excellent performance. 

The Beethoven quartette, in C minor, was far more trying to the executants and in some parts the intricate passages were not very clearly defined, although no positive confusion occurred. The execution was not as clean and as decisive as the passages required. The ‘Andante quasi Allegretto’ was, however, delicately and expressively rendered, and the ‘Allegro Molto’ was attacked with fire, and was maintained with spirit and brilliance throughout. The performance altogether was very promising for the future, for it gave positive evidence of improvement in the ensemble playing, and proved that the artists in the practice of the works which they present to the public for the time they have worked together, have made wonderful progress, and we see no reason why they should not become the leading quartette party of the country. Mr. Poznanski’s playing was distinguished by his usual purity of intonation and refined and pure taste.

Mme. Zimmerman sang in that sterling and unaffected style which exhibits the true musician. Her voice was in fine order, and her efforts were warmly appreciated by the audience. Mr. Loretz, the pianist, possesses much execution, but he lacks style. His flights are wild and impulsive, and very much need the control of judgment. Mr. Loretz is possessed of unquestionable talent, which we should be glad to see directed in a purer channel.”

Mozart’s D minor and Beethoven’s E major quartets were performed with taste; the latter was clearly well rehearsed which resulted in the improvement of the performance. Zimmermann sang her two songs with understanding, and Loretz’ played a rather insignificant piece on the piano. The hall was well filled and it was obvious again, how well suited this venue is for chamber concerts.