THEATRICAL & MUSICAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1501, 21 August 1880, Page 20

THEATRICAL & MUSICAL NOTES.

By Puok.

Misa Clara Stephenson'a company at the Princess Theatre are playing to moderate honses. Bachelder'a Pantasoopeat the Qaeen's/Theatre has done better busineas this week. The owners of the Zealandia Panorama inform a Northern paper ;that they intend to adopt the following plan of operations at Home j A hall will be engaged and thrown open free to the publio in the day-time. Round the walls of the hall will be placed photographic views of New Zealand-something like 1000 piotures, representing every town in the Colony, being already in the possession of the proprietors. In addition to these photographs there will be a museum of curios, tho liberality of Sir George Grey placing a large varioty of articles as the disDosal of the management. After whetting the" curiosity of the English public by the free exhibition, the Panorama will be shown in the eveningß, a handbook containing a letterpress description of the views, photographic and panoramio, being on Bale. At the first rehearaal of the Melbourne Exhibition cantata the attendance waa very large, and included several fine bodies of 1 trained singers — the Philharmonic, the two Liedertafel Societies, 1 ! St. Patrick'a Cathedral and other large choirs all being present, mustering in the whole a mass of voices over 700 in number. The Sydney Bulletin has the following items : Miss Beatrice and Mr Ogden are in Sydney waiting for something to turn up. Darrell's benefit was a bumper, Ketten returns to Melbourne during Exhibition time. Sam Poole is back in Sydney, aud forming a variety company. Lingard says that his wife and self had a dead sot made against them in Adelaide. The Kelly and Leon estate is expected to pay 6a 8d in the pound. Blondin has been giving representations in Bucharest (Roumelia) of his feata on the high rope. The Pall Mall Gazette, in a notice or a burlesque, speaka of the dances common to entertainments of this class as " those extraordinary contortions which consist in showing how long a very tight-laced woman can continue to hop from one leg to the other with her knees turned in, varying tho motion by an occasional kick-out sideways." John Brougham, tho actor and author, died in New York on May 7th, aged 70. He was stricken with paralysis and bereft of speech. Dresden papers announce the death in that city on May 16th of Karl August Krebs, the Court musical director, at the age of 76 years. He has been well known in the German musical world for 54 ,years as an excellent musical director, both for concert and opera, and also aa a composer of many charming and popular songa. But his reputation goes back to the time of hia childhood, as when six years old he was celebrated for his admirable rendering on the pianoforte of some of Mozart's concertos. His second wife was the much-esteemed alto Binger, Mdlle. Michalesi. Their daughter, Marie Krebs, enjoys tho highest reputation aa a pianoforte player. Their only son was killed in the war of 1866. The " Danites " have shifted from Sadler's Wells to the Globe Theatre, opening at the latter house on June 29th to a brilliant; audience. Afi Sadler's Wells Mr Saker's revival of " A Midsummer Night's Dream " is proving a great attraction, the acting 1 , scenery, and music being alike effective. A new comedy by Dion Boucicault, entitled " Forbidden Fruit," was to be produced at the Adelphi on July 3rd. " The New Babylon " was to have been withdrawn from the boards of the Duke's Theatre in favour of " The Eviction " a couple of nights before the fire which destroyed the house. Clarence Holt reappeared in his original character of Flotsam on June 28th. " Les Cloches de Corneville " ring merrily in their new home at the Olympic The Dake of Edinburgh, aays the World, played on Saturday night, May 22nd, at the Albert Hall, the violin obligate in Gounod's " Aye Maria "to Marie Roze's soprano solo. It seemed, that although accustomed to fuce the publio, his Royal Highness was at first a little nervous, and hia bow seemed slightly lo tremble ; but aa ho went on his wings unfolded, and he went to work boldly. Mavie Rozo, iv a gold brocade dress and diamond eyes, Bang, rivalling the intonation of the violin, and an encore was the unavoidable consequence. After his performance tbo Dake packed his two fiddles (a Guarnerius father and a Guarnerius son) in the famous leather oa6e, locked it with his key, and waa off again to Ireland, to help where help ia needed. Sarah Boruhardfc's engagement in London has terminated. Her " Frou frou " is admitted on all sides to be a masterpiece of emotional acting. She sails j for Anierioa shortly to fulfil an engagement there. She has been adjudged to pay

100j000£ damages and costs, and to forfeit the amount standing to her credit in the funds of the Oome'die, which is about 44,000f, for quit, ting the Come'die Franchise. The Judgment stated that the damages were based on considerations of the rank occupied by the actress in the theatre and the favour in which she was held by the public, on the services she had rendered in the past, and which might be expected from her in the future. Madame Eleonora Robinson has made a highly successful debut as Leonora in Fideleo at Her Majesty's. She is a fine aotress, possesses considerable personal attractions ; and has a fine and melodious voice, which is extremely rich in the upper register, and has been highly cultivated. At the other house a debutante, in the person of Madnmo Sembrich, appeared on June 12th as Lucia, and created a genuine sensation. She is little short of a wonder, being a sound musician, a skilful violinist, and admirable pianist, and an accomplished linguist. Her voice is a soprano of delightful quality— rich, penetrating, feasible and of extraordinary compass. She brought with her excellent testimonials from the Royal Opsra, Dresden s and judging by the enthusiasm which her Lucia has evoked she will quickly attain the highest honors on the London operatic atage. The Homo News says "As a brilliant and sympathetic vocalist, she has scarcely a rival, and many years have elapsed since so great and legitimate a success haa been achieved by any debutant." The debut of Miss Nevada, an Amerioin, was not enoouraging j and she ia not likely to be heard of a«ain in London. Among the other spiteful acts perpetrated by the ruling powers of the Come'die Franchise against Mdlle Sara Bernhardt, is the publication of that lady's age. From the official registers of the Conservatoire it appears that she waajborn in 1844. The programme for Sara's benefit matinee was an extraordinary one, displaying not only the skill, but the versatility, of Mdlle Bernhardt, who appeared succeasf ully as the heroine of "Jean-Marie," a Normandy version of the Auld Robin Gray story 5 as Dona Sol in the last aot of " Ernani 5" >nd as Posohumia in " Rome Vaincue," an old woman's part, sustained with wonderful force and pioturesqueness. When she came on to the stage to Bay farewell, she was the subject of a rare ovation. From Mr Hollingshead'a hands she received a wreath of emeralds j and she was surrounded by a pyramid of bouquets. When the mail left, the Gaiety Theatre was occupied by the Palais Royal Company, who play the lightest of light-comedy parta in perfect Btyle. Saia has undertaken to return to the Gaiete after her Amerioan trip, and to give 15 representations, for which she ia to receive £2000. Mdlle Alice Burvett, of Sydney, was the solo pianist at the annual conversazione of the Royal Colonial Institute. The seventh Triennial Handel Festival has just been held at the Crystal Palace. The performers, comprising in the aggregate over 4000, alone 'presented 'fa] sigbfc nob always to be witnessed. Sir Michael Costa conducted. On the first day the " Messiah " was given. The music of the gigantic and magnificent composition was attacked in a manner which, considering the large body of voices, oan only be spoken of as marvellous. Coming to the solos, it seems hardly necessary to do more than chronicle the fact that they wera given by Madame Albani, Madame Patey, Mr Barton M'Guokin, Mr Maaa, Signor Foli, and Mr Santley ; but still especial reference must be made to the rendering of " I know that my Redeemer Liveth " by Madame Albani and " He Bhall break' them " by Mr Maas. The seoond day was given up to a selection from Handels oratorios and operas. The march in the occasional overture had to ibe repeated. The chief f eaturers of the selections from " Judas Maccabeus " were Mrs Osgeod's " Pious Orgies," and Mr Vernon Rigby's "Call forth thy Powers. Madame Trebelli then gave "Lord to Thee," from " Theodora." In the selection from " Samson " which followed, Madame Adelina Patti gave the air with the taste and excellence to be expected of her. Madame Patti scored a great success by her exquisite rendering of the difficult air, " From mighty, mighty kings," from " Judas Maccabeus." Mr Rigby, in " Love sounds the Alarm," and Mr Stantley, in "Oh, ruddier than the cherry," did good service, and completed the solo portions of " Aeis and Galatea." The choruses from the charming aerenata oomprises the pastoral, " Oh, the pleasures of the plain," " Wretched lovers," and " Galatea, dry thy tears." Madame Trebelli gave with great effect the expressive air, " Verdi Prati," from the opera " Alcina," and the Nightingale Chorus ("Solomon"). The many rend the akies" ("Alexander's Feast") led up to the final number in the programme, "See, the conquering hero oomeB," the trio sung by Mra Osgood, Mrs Suter, and and Madame Trebelli. On the third day the composer's masterpiece, "Israel in Egypt," was given, the soloists being Madame Lemnions-Sherrington, Miss Anna Williams, Madame Patey, Mr E. Lloyd, and Mr King. Miss Williams in "Sing ye to the Lord" proved her olaiin to highest rank as an oratorio singer ; and Mr Lloyd's rendering of "The Enemy said" was simply grand. He wag obliged to repeat it. Sir M. Coata, on taking up the baton to lead the final choruses, was saluted with round after round of applause from the great audience. The total attendance at the festival of 1880 was 70,643; ia 1877 it was 74,124 ; and in 18/4, 78,839. Arrangements have been concluded for bringting to Victoria during the time of the Exhibiion one of tho celebrated Austrian bands, whose performances are described as being of a very high class. About sixty performers, formerly belonging to the band organised by Strauss, the well-known maesV'o, have been engaged, and will arrive by the d. Cuzooon her next voyage. The undertaking ia a private speculation, the promoter beiug Mr J. S. Godwin, the oost cost being estimated at not less than £10,000. Negotiations have been opeaod < with the Exhi bition Commissioner 1 for a series of concerts to be given at the Exhibition. The Lingards, with an opera and comedy company, have arrived at Auckland. j Mr Ketten, being unable to remain in Sydney I to take part in the performances being got up there for the relief of the sufferers by the Viotorin Theatre fire, sent his cheque for £50. Wednesday's cablegrams from Europe report the death 0* Madame Noilson. One of the dailies gives an obituary notioe of Christine Nilsaon, the celebrated singer 5 but I am unable to say wb.el.hor its surmise is correot. Adelaide Neileon ought to bo on her way to Auokland. Tho first performance of " Piuafore" at the Melbourne Opera-houao by Mr Lyotor'a company haa boon an uuqualiiiod auooeas. Ovor 1111 hour before tho opora bogan the house was crowded to exceos. Tho Avgus says of tho pxoduction :— The mannjremonb in this Jiusrauoe appear to have spared no pains fco produce tho work in a complete mannor. Tho aot sooneof the ship and tho baokgrouud of tho whole pioture avo all that could bo desired. But ifc ia not in mere appomtmont that wise management has been nhown. Tho chorus oonslata of a (strong body of oxporionoodaiugors, who pvoaent their share of tho work in an almost new light, and advance tho ohoml Binging to the place or importance for whioh it waß evidently intended by tho composer. This part of the " Pin»s*« repreeentation ia really beyond praise. All the requirements of oostumo, of general drill and grouping hftve boea veryiproperly coved, for, And

for the tonal value of the chorus the effect has never been equalled yet. The employment for the first time in Melbourne of the original band parts imparts a delightfully fresh colour to the instrumental music, in whioh the insidiously sweet effects of oboes and horns are heard for the first time. Sir Joseph Porter, Mr Ricoardi 1 ; Captain Corcoran, Mr G. Verdi ; Ralph Rack, straw, Mr Armea Beaumont; Dick Deadeye, Mr B. Farley ; Bill Bobstay, Mr G. Leopold ; Buttercup, Mrs Fox j Hebe, Misa Royal ; and Josepheene, Madame Rose Hersee. O? Madame Hersse I read that her appearance ib very pleasing, and her manner, bo far, has^ a certain quality of dry humour about it which willbe fully developed by another rehearsal or two. Her singing is charming, and we now have the air " Sorry her lot" performed with all the exquisite finish to be expected from a vooaliat of such acknowledged talent. The duet with Ralph, "Refrain, audaoious tar," was another inatanoe of the high style of vocalisation which we bear for the first time in the performance under notice. Mr Beaumont aa Ralph Rackstraw deserves unqualified praise. Hia performance of tha part deserves to rank with his Don Cfflsar de Bazan. Mr Beaumont discovers an exquisitely keen sense of humour in hia performance. He makes the admirable fun of the situation plain to every understanding. Hia manner has just the serio-comic air about ifc whioh, while it really interests^ the^ onlooker, betrays him every now and then into irresistible laughter when suddenly confronted^ with the overpowering absurdity of the position. Mr Beaumont sings, of course, admirably, and positively warms the whole performance by the influence of his presence. The audience took to him in the most hearty manner j they had never seen or heard anything before bo good in this play, and Mr Beaumont is to be credited with having made a distinguished .success. Mr Verdi, with his fine personal appearance, his rich voice, and a very good understanding of the work allotted to him, made a great impression in each scene in whioh he was concerned. Sir Joseph Porter, as played by Mr Riocardi, is an admirable portraiture of pompous aelf-suffi-oienoy, a really good dramatic study, and an excellent vooal performance. Mr Farley is to be complimented upon doing justice to the difficult part of Dick Deadeye. We look upon it as a very clever performance. It should be added that Mr J. C. Williamson superintended the production of the piece. The many friends of the Kennedy Family in this district will be pleased to hear of their continued welldoing. In May last they were at Milan, in Italy, and the local La Perseveranza writes of one of their performances aa follows : —" The Rev. Mr Ard, the inoumbent of the English Church, organised an English concert, whioh came off yesterday evening, May I7th, at No. 11 Via MoriggL The prooeeds were devoted to a fund for the purchase of an organ for the English church. The English Colony responded unanimously to the appeal, and the room was filled with handsome ladies and misses, as well as a large number of gentlemen, headed by the worthy and sympathetic consul, Mr Kelly. Several English and Amerioan lady and gentleman artists, amateurs, or students of the vooal art, took parE in the concert, The programme consisted entirely of English musio, selected from the works of I Bishop, Balfe, Arthur Sullivan, &o. The attraction was Mr Kennedy and his two sons, who belong to a nest of fourteen. Celebrated for his comic and patriotic songs, Mr Kennedy, 1 although advanced in age, still possesses a powerful voice, and combines humour with musical talent. He had a genuine suoceaa, and we regret that, singing in a foreign lam guage, he cannot command the applause also of the Italian public" A pen and ink Bketoh of Adelaide NcUbou Is furnished by "Silverpen" of the Auckland Herald: — "A lady about the middle height or a little over, neither thin nor stout, with a face . that has set thousands of those easily .crazed creatures called men almost out of their senses. The eyes are very dark, but perfectly indisoribable as to expression, large, lustrous, mournful, or sparkling at will, and full of a beauty which casts a spell over men and women alike. I have never seen another pair of eyes like them, A mouth somewhat full, but disclosing a set of most perfect pearly teeth ; and a smile like summer sunshine. Miss Neilson haß in private life the most bewitching manner, and, indeed, you would scarcely credit that the oharming, home like, girlish-looking creature is tho actress who holds multitudes spellbound. ' Did you come out as a star, Misa Neilson, or begin at the beginning ?' ' Oh,' Bhe said, laughing, ,' I came out as a star ! Went up like a rooket and came down like a stick, and after three weeks, which assured me that I was a wretched failure, I began at the beginning again, and was glad to get through the provinces.' ' But you are at last rewarded. Your Juliet is a creation or your own, and the greatest ever seen.' • Oh, if you knew how Bick and tired I am of it, and the whole thing,' ahesaid, laughing merrily. 'Just think of playing 290 nights at a stretch, and I rehearsing all day.' ' But you are going to leave i the atage.' ' Yos, lam going into private life,' she said, laughing, aa much as to say, but not for long. She ia supported by Mr Oompton, a son of the well-known English aotor of that name, to whom rumour says she is to be married. The Juliet of Misa Neilson ia at onoe the moat superb and wonderful impersonation of the loveliest of Shakespeare's heroines ever seen. The scene ia the balcony is entrancing, and unlike that of any of her predecessors. Her movements are those of some ethereal being— the incarnation of grace, and so perfeotly natural withal that one forgets this is only indeed a piece of aoting. It is the very perfection of art, inaamuoh as there is no art visible. Thia great artist gets 500 dollars a night, and the prices are (raised, |the dead-heads being severely left out in the cold." At the Brighton Aquariam are on view three of the most remarkable men in the world— the giant Chang, a tea merchant of Pekin ; Brastad, a tall Norwegian ; and Ohe-mah, deaoribea as " the Chinese dwarf, the smallest man in the world :" are not muoh given to talk themselves, but have their history related for them by a ohowman. It appears that Chan* is the largest giant in existence, that he stauda 8 feet 2 mohea, and is highly eduoated, Bpoakingfave. different languages including Bnglwh. He w 8 feet high without his boots, he measures 60 inohea round the chest, weighs 26 stone, has a span of 8 feet with hia outstretohed anna, and aiana^his name without an effort upon a signpost 10 feet 6 inohes high. Chang ia 33 years of age, and it ia about 15 years since he was lv Eugland. Since hia last residence in this country Chang haa grown several iciohes— six, it ia Baid; he haß a benevolent Mongolian face, a oourtly manner, aud wears a riohly embroidered dresa worked for him by hia sister, who ia, like the rest of his family, of only ordinary stature. Next to Chang, aud next by no long interval, stixnda Brustad, about 7 feet 9 inohea high, very nmsoular, very broad backed, haviug aa great a givth aa Ohaug, and a wider Bpan in proportion to his height. He haa a low forehead, but spoaka English fairly well. His weight ia 23 atone, greater than Chang's, for hiß bonea are more massive. His age ia 35. Che-mah, the dwarf, gives hia nga aa 42, singa a Chinese elegy, dosoribea himself with muoh fluenoy and varioty, and as his height is only 25 inohes, ap< pearß to be what he is dworibed—the emalleiif man in the world,