The most noticeable feature of the programme last night was the quartet in C minor, op. 1, by A. Ritter. The composer is young and the work exhibits some of the commonest faults of youth. In trying to be original he fails in point of clearness and simplicity. Discords abound throughout. The last movement is in the form of a triple figure, while the second presents a curious combination of fugal and romantic treatment. With all the repelling feature there are indications that a second hearing would develop others more interesting. The rendering of the quartet was all that could be desired.
The other numbers were as follows:
Beethoven, Quartet, op. 59, No. 3.
Tschaikowsky, Adagio.
Cherubini, Scherza.
All of which preceded the first mentioned work. The playing throughout was very good. Some slight unsteadiness, particularly in the inner parts, was observed at times, but was of rare occurence. In the Beethoven quartet, the rendering was much superior to some of the work done earlier in the series. The audience was appreciative of all but the last number, which proved rather too difficult of comprehension.
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