Anschütz Music Institute Concert: 4th

Lists program.

“The piano for the concert is from George Steck and Co.” Lists 12/17/67 as the performance date.

“The fourth Poznanski quartet soirée at Steck’s Hall last night comprised Haydn’s celebrated G [sic] major quartet, in which ‘God Save the Emperor,’ the Austrian national anthem, in introduced, and Mozart’s E flat major quartet. The first work was finely played, the second movement, Poco adagio (the anthem), being encored. [List of members of the quartet.] Madame Varian Hoffmann sang a cradle song by Wallace in excellent style, although the accompanist almost nullified her artistic rendering by want of common delicacy of touch and phrasing. She was encored and responded with a chansonnette. Such an artist should be heard more frequently in the concert hall. Mr. Demuth played a rondo by Hummel. The audience was not large, but kind, however, towards the artist.”

“The concert drew a large and attentive audience. The performance of Haydn’s ‘Kaiser Quartett’ was nicely done, especially the second movement which is part of the Austrian National Anthem. This part was requested as an encore. At the end of this part a more subtle pianissimo would have been more effective. The significantly more challenging E flat quartet by Mozart was also played successfully. The harmony with which the four players perform, has improved greatly; the effort and passion invested here by the players deserves much recognition. Mrs. Varian-Hoffmann performed her two songs with more understanding than vocal skill. Demuth proved to be a fine pianist who has obviously given much attention to the study of classical music. In this concert a newly constructed grand piano of Steck & Co. was introduced and its perfection has to be recognized. All in all, the concert was an ingratiating one.”

“The program was quite attractive. The large audience enjoyed the second movement of Haydn’s quartet so much that the musicians had to repeat it da capo. Mozart’s quartet was also performed very well. Demuth played a modern piece on a beautiful Steinway grand piano. He is an efficient pianist; however not able to do justice to contemporary music. The success of this soiree is well-deserved.”