THE THEATRES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1643, 21 May 1919, Page 9

THE THEATRES.

THE LIEDEETAFEL "AT HOME." Of all the many "music-makings" Which occur in Christchurcli there are few more generally satisfying than those of the Liedertafel, whether it bo their smoking concerts or those espeeijilly designed for the entertainment of the ladies. And the reason is not far to seek. In each case there is the liappy admixture of both mental and physical refreshment, which produces «n atmosphere of sociability, admirably adapted to the enjoyment of music; for Hie absolute enjoyment of any form of art is greatly dependent on mood, aud the setting up of a mood is a matter which can be largely affected by extraneous circumstances. Last night, at the Choral Hall, the choir was "at borne" to its numerous supporters, and provided one of its accustomed wellcontrasted programmes, embracing much excellent concerted singing and some not so worthy, additional to a capital selection of songs and a pianoforte duct. Of primary magnitude were the cantata of Grieg's "Lankorkenning," containing some fine picturesque and descriptive vocal writing, the solo part effectively sung by Mr 6. March; istainer's" ex-client and difficult glee, "Bind My Brows"; and Dr Callcot.t's majestic "Queen of the Valley." The latter would have been better for a smoother and more elastic, treatment, but its manifold beauties were nevertheless strongly in evidence. Its gifted author was a man 'Of unbounded enthusiasm in the cause of glee-writing, over 160 of his works having been published. It was the custom in earlier days for many of the glee clubs to offer prizes for the best composition in this .form, and in 1787 Callcott, who was then but 21, submitted nearly 100 pieces to the Catch Club, only two of which succeeded in winning the coveted distinction. His reason for so doing was "to show that if deficient in genius I am not lacking in industry," but this had the effect of causing the club to limit the entries of one composer to 12. In a later year the indefatigable composer again competed, Font in the full number of pieces allowed, and carried off the whole of the 12 prizes. The balance of the programme in which the choir was concerned included a series of part songs of variable value, the most satisfying being Zoeller's "He's the Man," containing that unusual concomitant of the German school, independent writing for the voices; a quaintly humorous item, "The Carpenter," the ingenuity ■nnd effectiveness of which makes one wonder why the composer's identity is bidden; and "All Sole Alone" (Braun), the words of which would appear to require re-translating. They are certainly not English as they stand. On the occasion of this concert the Liedertafel choristers did not distinguish themselves as much as usual there being noticeable weaknesses in the direction of enunciation, intonation, and the nbsence of strongly-marked contrasts. Coming to the soloists, Mr J. 11. Cocks deserves unstinted praise for the intelligence and finish of his "Devout Lover," to which he added "The Arrow/and the Song." This gentleman's work always interests, so great is the power of interpretation over mere voice. Mr A. L, Cropp, another attractive performer, was not so well suited in his choices as is usually the case. Brahms's songs, "The Sapphic Ode" and "The Vain Suit," are classics, and fine examples of the vocal work of this prolific genius, but they contain more than Mr Cropp seems able or willing to give us. The encore, Harriet Ware's "Boat Song," was morg successful, and enabled the display a capital "legato" style, always a difficult acquirement. ' Many young singers might do worse than emulate Mr C. D. Morris, who in three Irish ballads, showed what simple means nnd the legitimate use of the voice may accomplish. The accompaniment to "Oft in the Stilly Night," by the way, is a poor affair, and not even the experienced handling of Dr Crooke could relieve the monotony of . its "tonic" and "dominant." In Schumann's Andante and Variations for two pianos, the society's accompanist and conductor joined hands in a performance which was notable for its commendable technical and artistic unanimity. As but one of the instruments was fully opened, this must bo taken as a tribute to the physical powers of Dr Crooke, or, shall we say, the genteel reticence of Mr Worsley? Much thoughtful care was bestowed on the stage and hall furnishings, inducing a f ding of comfortable checriuess not usually associated witli the Choral Hall.

OPERA HOUSE. Quite the most sensational offering on the current entertainment at the Opera. House is that given by Sa-Hera, who completely mystifies her audience by her-startling powers as a thoughtreader. Several parodies on the song 4 ' Katie' are given by Alphonse, and he and his partner, Wendy Dale, combine in two really dainty sketches. A flattering round of applause demonstrates the audience's liking of the excellent melodies obtained by the Campbells from the concertina. That master of the xylophone, Murfaync, has a fine budget of selections that wins hearty applause. Follard and Jackson, the operatic singers, are beautiful in duets and solos, "Sympathy" being a great favourite. In his illusions, Victor the Great is masterly and puzzling. The other artists who appear are Bay and Gray (patter) and Do Car (the acrobatic waiter). GRAND THEATRE. The story of "In Judgment Of," at present showing at the Grand Theatre, concerns May Manners (Anna Q. Nilsson), who possesses the occult power of mind-reading. Mary's father, who is a power in the political world, and her mother view this gift with uneasiness, as it enables their daughter to read their unformed thoughts, often causing them great embarrassment. A delightful love story is unfolded, and the way Mary clears the mystery surrounding a young physician -makes an enjoyable entertainment. Frauklyn Farnum acts well in the role of the young doctor. Showing on the same programme are "A Desert Wooing," with Enid Bennett as '._ chief player, a Mack Sennett comedy, and a Christie comedy. libertyYheatre. Madge Kennedy and Tom Moore are associated in "The Kingdom of Youth," a rollicking photoplay presented each day at the Liberty Theatre. Prominent in the story is a widow who has long since renounced her claim to the "kingdom of youth," and is forced to all sorts of artifices to disguise her lack of natural charm. The ending of the picture holds an interesting surprise. A World feature also accompanies this main offering, this being "The Family Honour." June Elvidge and Robert Warwick are starred. CRYSTAL PALACE. There is a trace of tragedy, abundance of pathos, and many emotional incidents in "Troublemakers," the star film this week at the Crystal Palace. The keynote, however, is humour, and in this connection it is but, necessary to state that Jane and Kathcrine Lee take a hand. A drama, "Atonement," and a comedy, "Nearly a Hero," are the supporting items, QUEEN'S THEATRE. Exceedingly clever acting makes "The Devil's Needle" a very fine and enjoyable offering. This is the headliner this week at the Queen's Theatre, the leading parts being taken by Tully Marshall (an artist) aud Norma Talmadgo (a model). "Cassidy," featuring Dick Bosson, is another fine picture. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. That line exponent of Western roles, Wm. S. Hart, is seen daily at Everybody 's Theatre in his latest production, "The Apostle of Vengeance." This is a tale of a mountain vendetta. Other fine pictures are filmed. STEAND~THEATRE. Three feature items are on the current picture bill at the Strand Theatre. These are: "Next of Kin" (Wallace Reid), "Rebecca of Suunybrook Farm" (Mary Pickford), and "The Eagle's Eye " SEATING RINK. The many enthusiastic patrons of the Colosseum Rink are finding skating of much benefit on chilly days, and a large crowd enjoyed itself last evening. Many are to be seen daily practising twostepping and waltzing in preparation for the carnival to be held on the evenings of June 10 and 11. The great success of last Saturday evening's practice has prompted the management to arrange similar events, and these will be announced later. The four sessions daily are: 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 2.30 p.m. to 5, 5.30 to 7, 7.30 to 10.

ANTONIA DOLORES. The concerts to he given here by Mdlle jAntonia Dolores, the celebrated French soprano, are arousing unusual attention, as, indeed, they should, for the visit of such an artist must stand out as a landmark in the musical history of this town. Mdlle Dolores appears on Saturday next in the Choral Hall. This great _singer comes here in the zenith of her 'wonderful vocal charm and as this is her farewell tour of this part of the world, every opportunity should be taken by all musical enthusiasts of hearing her, for she returns to Prance at the conclusion of the present tour. The liberality and variety of Dolores's lyrical offerings are conspicuous. Besides showing how to sing—and students should take special note—she is equally exemplary in choosing what is w T orth singing, by no means a trifling consideration nowadays. Dolores is equally at home in every phase of vocal effort, brilliant or pathetic In her interpretation of her songs, she "gives her student-hearers one of the best music lessons it is possible for them to receive. '' For Dolores is a superb singer, in voice, method, and all the other ele-j incuts that constitute a vocal artist. An item that always makes a Dolores recital increasingly popular is the fact that the words of her songs are printed on her programme, even the "foreign" words being translated. A specially attractive programme, rich in all the musical gems from this artist's wonderful repertoire, will be given here, so that a musical treat is in store. Seats for the concert here can be booked at The Bristol Piano Company from to-day. The unreserved tickets will also be available at Woodward's on Friday. Country patrons may reserve by post by enclosing the necessary amount, while concessions are announced for students and schools. Mr Duncan Neven is manager of the present Australasian tour.