Dwight’s Journal of Music, vol. 2, no. 11 (Boston, 18 June, 1853), pp. 86-87.

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Letters from Germany

[…] Tuesday, the last day, was occupied by the rehearsal for, and performance in the evening, of the Artist’s concert, of which the marvel was JOACHIM’S wonderful performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. He introduced the three cadences which he has composed for it and lately published; the one in the first movement was

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truly superb — masterly; the second is merely to unite the Adagio and Finale, very short; and the third is nearly as long and as fine as the first. I never saw an audience more enthusiastic, and they had reason to be, for Joachim is perhaps the first violinist now living, and the effect of his genius is heightened by the perfect calmness and simplicity of his manner; he seems to ride over the most tremendous difficulties as if to him they were mere child’s play. And the applause hardly touched him more than if it were addressed to his neighbor. All this quiet self-possession, and yet the greatest power and passion held in with bit and bridle, controlled, or let loose at will.

The rest of this closing concert was made up of a Concert Overture by Tausch; Schumann’s Concerto, beautifully played by his wife, CLARA WIECK, who you are aware is considered the best lady pianist in the world. I should also mention that Mme. Schumann accompanied Joachim when he was encored, and called upon by the audience to play Bach’s “Chaconne.” […]