The unsigned Dalibor 10/4/1859 p.87 review noted that Schubert’s C major Symphony was performed in an arrangement for six pianos. Although the review provided no indication as to which of Schubert’s two symphonies in this key was played, the fact of the work being arranged for six pianos favours the symphony being D944, the Great. This was published during the second half of the nineteenth century in arrangements for different combinations of pianists and multiple pianos. According to Fr. Pazdírek’s Universal-Handbuch der Musikliteratur, 27 (Vienna: Pazdírek, c.1910), the earlier Symphony in C major, D589, had only been published in a four-handed piano arrangement.

According to the Dalibor review the concerto by Mendelssohn was given by ‘five young ladies in unison’, presumably with the orchestral part performed in piano arrangement. Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser was performed by six ladies and six gentlemen, although no mention was made as to whether the work was given in unison from a single part or, as with the symphony, in an arrangement for multiple pianos. Particular praise was accorded by the Dalibor critic to the contralto Miss [Marie] Müllerová. Her voice was considered to be ‘strong, rounded, resonant and already beautifully uniform; it is guaranteed to her, that if she will continue in her study of singing, for certain she will have a magnificent future.’ Her talent was regarded as indicative of the excellent method for teaching singing of František Škroup, her teacher (also the tutor of Emilie Rastelliová). The review then remarked that Škroup ‘in some years educates more singers than the Conservatory, where sign. Gordigiani teaches singing.’ During 1859 and into the early 1860s Giovanni Gordigiani was subjected to much criticism from Czech nationalist circles, expressed firstly through Dalibor and then from 1860 through Národní listy. He was considered to be too unsympathetic to the nationalist Czech cause, apparently refusing to teach Czech song, or to be supportive of Czech opera productions.

An advertisement for this event was published by Prager Morgenpost 5/4/1859. This gave the date, time and venue of the event and stated that tickets were available from either the institute itself at ‘nr.776-2 Wenzelsplatz’ [Václavské náměstí], or from the music shop ‘zum Beethoven’. Admission was 1fl to the main hall and 50kr to the gallery.