Leopold Stokowski’s musical gifts are of a nature difficult to describe. What thrills come to one at the remembrance of certain moments, the first hearing of the Bach “Passacaglia,” the “Prelude and Liebestod” from Tristan, the symphonies of Brahms, Schubert and Tschaikowsky, Mahler’s Eighth, where the chorus “Alles Vergängliches ist nur ein Gleichniss” soars aloft, Beethoven’s Seventh, and the Ninth with the Mendelssohn Choir of Toronto. But why mention special moments? The audiences have come to expect every concert to be a “special moment.” Philadelphia is to be congratulated that the orchestra bearing its name is in the hands of Leopold Stokowski, master musician. It is constantly advancing. When one peak on the climb is reached, the clouds roll away and another comes into view. Let no man speak its doom by proclaiming that the summit of Parnassus has been reached by the Philadelphia Orchestra. * * * * * The name of Alexander Van Rensselaer, Esq., appears on the first page of this book. It is fitting that it should also appear on the last, for the president’s activities encircle the orchestra. Many records of his deeds appear in the annals of the Association, and many more are engraved in the hearts of his fellow-workers and fellow-townsmen. He is the only person, however, who knows what sacrifices his devotion has entailed. For although a president may appear to enjoy more sunshine than other individuals, he also bears the shock of all the storms. The responsibility of such a post for twenty-five unbroken years is a heavy burden for a man to bear. To say that he has borne it and continued to hold the respect and affection of Philadelphians is the finest tribute that could be paid him. The story told in this book has been made possible by the president of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. IN MEMORIAM THEODORE THOMAS BORN OCTOBER 11, 1835; DIED JANUARY 4, 1905