HERR CARL SCHMITT'S CONCERT.

By "The Duchess."

The concluctorship of Herr Carl Schmitt marks an era in the history of the Auckland Choral Society. Before his advent it lay amidst its ruins, inert, lethargic, almost defunct. But a new society lias arisen, Phoenix-like, from the ashes of its sire. No one who watched the masterly wielding of Herr Sclmritt's baton on Thursday 17th inst, could fail to see that tilings must go right under that skilled conductor. JN T ow that the homes of the people are more scattered than they used to he, and lovers of the "gaie and gentil" science no longer all live under the shadow of St. Paul's, would it not be a good idea to have other choral societies, affiliated to the Auckland, say at Ponsonbj'-, Remuera, Onehunga, but under the same leader, who might, three or four times a year, meet together in the Choral Hall. There would be no lack of good and trustworthy choruses. Mais rcvenotis a nous moutons. Musical criticism is at a very low ebb here. Either it is all butter and no bread, as in the Star, or a lady is said to sing Hat when she does not, as in the Herald. Now what is wanted is the truth, without favour or fear, and by all means let us have it and we shall know better what we are about. The concert on Thursday evening was so excellent that there is not much room for criticism. Herr Schmitt was so ai rajiport with all the performers, both vocal and instrumental, that nothing could go wrong. Mr Forth's song was fairly well sung and well received. The tiio for piano, violin, and violoncello, by Mrs Judson, Mr C. Hemus, and Mr F. Edgar, was a most finished and recherche performance, and has not received half the praise that it deserved. It was very difficult, very intricate, each instrument was thoroughly well played, and the harmony of the three was perfect. The first quartette was much marred by Miss Corbett's absence, but Miss Fenton's young, fresh voice always sounds well, and she woxUd have sung still better if she had not been suffering from a cold. I shall not say anything about Herr Schmitt's violin solo becaiise it would take me too long to do justice to his wonderful power over this prince of instruments. The duet for soprano and tenor from the opera of " Cazille," was well rendered by Miss Fenton and Mr Edwards, Miss Fenton's voice appearinng to great advantage. The overture, ' ' Poete et Paisan," was one of the gems of the evening. But who shall say how charming was Mrs Dacre's aria "Alia Stella Confidante, "and Herr Schmitt's violin obligate In the refrain one could not tell where the voice at last blended and was lost in the instrument, so voice-like sounded the strings of the violin. Could we only have heard the words it would have been more charming still. If Mrs Dacre would only cultivate articulation we should have no amateur to excel her. Mrs Upton sang better than I have ever heard her sing before Sullivan's beautiful song "A Dream within a Dream," and her enunciation was perfect. I need not say that only a flat would call her flat. She possesses a clear, powerful voice, and throws her heart into her song. But the second quartette, for male voices only, threw almost everything else into the shade. It was magnificently rendered and a genuine treat to all lovers of good music! In conclusion, I trust that the orchestra of the Choral Society will not allow many more months to pass before they give us another selection.