August 18, encouraged by his triumph, Chopin gave a second
concert on the same stage. This time he played the Krakowiak and
his talent for composition was discussed by the newspapers. "He
plays very quietly, without the daring elan which distinguishes
the artist from the amateur," said one; "his defect is the non-
observance of the indication of accent at the beginning of
musical phrases." What was then admired in Vienna was explosive
accentuations and piano drumming. The article continues: "As in
his playing he was like a beautiful young tree that stands free
and full of fragrant blossoms and ripening fruits, so he
manifested as much estimable individuality in his compositions
where new figures and passages, new forms unfolded themselves."
This rather acute critique, translated by Dr. Niecks, is from the
Wiener "Theaterzeitung" of August 20, 1829. The writer of it
cannot be accused of misoneism, that hardening of the faculties
of curiousness and prophecy--that semi-paralysis of the organs of
hearing which afflicts critics of music so early in life and
evokes rancor and dislike to novelties.
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