The oft-criticized First Symphony of Gustav Mahler will be played at this week's symphony concerts for the first time in many years, Dmitri Mitropoulos, the guest conductor, apparently considering it worthy of a new hearing in Boston. Mahler, late nineteenth and early twentieth century symphonist of strong dramatic tendencies, has been called a giant of composition by his champion, the Bruckner Society. The other side of the question has been opened by Lazare Saminsky, who describes Mahler's "trumpeting through immense formal structures" as merely aggravating "their queer hollowiness." The mass of opinion favors Saminsky, but it is interesting to hear and judge the symphony anew, especially after having received large doses of the works of his contemporary, Richard Strauss.

Tragedy of "Salome" to Be Played

The remainder of the program consists of "The Tragedy of Salome," by Florent Schmitt, noted modern French composer, and Metropoulos's own arrangement for orchestra of Bach's Fantasia and Fugue in G minor for organ. The former was composed near the turn of the century and was intended to accompany the ballet of the same name. It is generally regarded as Schmitt's best known orchestral work and by incorporating the lurid scenario into the music gives both brilliance and dramatic atmosphere. Unlike many modern orchestrations, it does not attempt realistic methods (as, for example, did the Rivier overture in the program for last week.)

Vienna Choir Boys Return

In a quite different vein are the two concerts which the Vienna Choir Boys are to give in Jordan Hall on Friday night and Saturday morning of this week. Incomparable in its field, the boy-choir sings the best in church and folk-music as well as presenting short operas. The perfection in their performances is something deserving respect and praise; one's musical experience is incomplete without having heard at least one of their programs.

It is worthwhile to call to attention at this time the visit of the Philadelphia Orchesra under the well-publicized Leopold Stokowski to Boston on April 14. The advance sale is so heavy that those who desire tickets had best write in to Aaron Richmond's office in Boston without delay.