• Estates Theatre orchestra: participating orchestra

The works are specified in performance order according to the Dalibor 1/12/1859 review. Škroup’s aria from Fidlovačka ‘Kde domov můj?’ was sung in unison by his pupils. W.H. Veit’s Symphony in E minor, arguably the most effective and accomplished symphony by a nineteenth-century Czech composer before 1870, had received its first performance in Czech lands on 18/5/1859 in Cheb, given by an ad hoc orchestra of local amateur musicians and members of the Františkovy Lázně spa orchestra directed by Veit himself. The greater part of the Dalibor 1/12/1859 review concentrated upon describing this symphony, the work clearly creating a profound impression upon the Dalibor critic: ‘Although on first hearing it is not possible to judge this work sufficiently, immediately it may be affirmed that this symphony can be included among the most significant of such productions, for imprinted in all four movements is the seal of nobility. The summit of this work seems to us to be the particularly original scherzo, which appears to describe a country scene. In the recitative phrase of the bassoon with which the scherzo begins, lies the profound lament of a Czech shepherd, which goes on to arrive at consolation. The whole of this movement is fresh and spirited. Not less distinguished is the last movement, in which are found the most elevated ideas, and which captivates and carries away the listener until the end. The orchestration is individual and never overcrowded, testifying that the esteemed composer excellently understands the character and tone colour of individual instruments and is masterfully knowledgeable of their use. In essence, this symphony is beautifully planned, characteristically orchestrated and woven with handsome ideas; it is a work of tranquillity, vehemence, and the passion of simple genius, which although it deeply affects us, never forces its effects. The performance was irreproachable and very cleverly nuanced.’

A review appeared in Bohemia 28/11/1859, although no report of the event appeared in previous issues of the periodical. This described the concert as ‘a brilliant success’ for both the ‘perfect performance’ as well as for the ‘highly interesting numbers’. Škroup mounted the rostrum to loud applause and received the same after each item. The vocal numbers were sung by 10 pupils of Škroup’s Singing Institute, and two of the works had to be encored. Mildner ‘amazed’ with his performance of the first movement from a violin concerto by Rubinstein and was recalled to the stage three times. ‘The highlight of the programme, and for Prague a doubley interesting novelty, was Veit’s E minor Symphony a brilliant composition of the highest rank.’ It ‘delighted in even the smallest details’, the performance was thought to have had as much verve as the work itself. After each movement there was a storm of applause.

No news of this concert was published by Prager Morgenpost. Prager Zeitung published a lengthy and enthusiastic review, signed ‘!!’ of the event on 29/11/1859, which included a detailed description of Veit’s Symphony. Unlike the other specified sources this text noted that the participating orchestra was that of the Estates Theatre.