Critics once scoffed at the idea of a music hall so far uptown. This is the story of Carnegie Hall. Many doubted people would travel so far just to hear music. Let’s journey back to the late 19th century, when Leopold Damrosch, a musical visionary, arrived in New York City.
Damrosch noticed a problem. Existing music halls were too small. They primarily showcased pianos. Stages couldn’t accommodate large orchestras. Opera houses were booked solid. Leopold dreamed of a dedicated music house. He envisioned a space for symphony and oratorio societies. Leopold instilled this dream in his son Walter.
After Leopold’s death in 1885, Walter carried on his father’s legacy. He directed both the Oratorio and Symphony Societies. Walter met Andrew Carnegie on a honeymoon cruise. Carnegie was intrigued by Damrosch’s vision. It was in Scotland, at an estate called Kilgraston, that they discussed a new concert hall in New York City. Carnegie committed a portion of his wealth to the project. Thus, the idea of Carnegie Hall was born.
Construction began in mid-1889. The location was uptown in what was then the outskirts of New York City. It was previously known as Hog Town. William Tuthill, secretary of the Oratorio Society, was chosen as the architect. Tuthill designed a six-story building. It would have three auditoriums. The main hall would seat 2,800. There was also a small recital hall for 250 and a lower-level theater for 1,500.
Interestingly, the building had no steel support beams. Instead, it used thick concrete and masonry walls. This proved fortunate for acoustics. The Italian Renaissance-style facade was striking. It featured terra cotta and iron-spotted brick. Construction finished in 1891. The acoustics were superb and still are.
William Steinway, a piano manufacturer, was initially skeptical. He thought Carnegie Hall would be a “White Elephant”. Steinway monitored the construction progress. He drove by the site in his horse and carriage. Steinway even decided to convert Steinway Hall’s performance venue into piano studios. But Steinway had to book his artists in other venues.
Carnegie Hall opened on May 5, 1891. The opening featured the legendary Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The New York Times declared, “IT STOOD THE TEST WELL”. The article stated the city now had a building for all kinds of concerts. It was a gift from Andrew Carnegie. Despite the successful opening, initial bookings were few.
Steinway booked a young Polish pianist named Jan Paderewski. Paderewski’s initial concerts were at the old Madison Square Garden Hall. The Steinway representative warned Paderewski not to expect European success in America. However, Paderewski became very popular.
Steinway took a chance and booked Paderewski at Carnegie Hall. He sold all 2,800 seats. The larger venue paid off. The success of Paderewski’s concerts encouraged other artists. Selling out Carnegie Hall became a benchmark for success.
Today, Carnegie Hall remains an icon. It stands as a testament to a dream and the power of music. Every auditorium has a Steinway piano. The bond between Carnegie Hall and Steinway endures. In 1925, Steinway Hall moved to 57th Street, near Carnegie Hall. What a difference 30 blocks made.