MADAME UNKNOWN CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1892, Page 2

MADAME UNKNOWN CONCERT.

No prophet was needed bo foretell that 3. large anil brilliant house would greet Madame Bahnson, the well-known soprano, on the occasion of ia.-.fc night's concert. "Song-birds are rare," as Patti once said to the impressario who demuried at- £800 a concert, "and the public love them."' Mis Bahnson has nob only the rare gift of song, bub made for herself a host of friend*, antiright gladly did they welcome her reappearance in Auckland. It is needless to describe, and, describing, praise Madame liahnson's extraordinary' vocal gifts, her complete mastery of "the art of singing, for the benefit of Auckland readers. Since; Madamo left, concert companies with belauded sopranos have come and, gone, hub we have heard none whose, gifts'were worthy of comparison with hers, as none have approached her in technique. Last night she gave most ample proof that her sojourn in Australia has in no way impaired the purity of her voice, has not diminished its power nor weakened the execution aliro. Madame returns the better for her absence, and she has never sung better in Auckland than she did last! night. She was received with applause before she began to sing, and this rapidly readied an ovation when her first) song had beeu heard. Tho dove solo from tho " KFarriage of Figaro " was given in German, and, needless to say,, tho rendition was perfect. The recitative was given as only a" practised vocalist could, give it, and the exquisite aria would have delighted the great composer whose centenary was celebrated all over the world last month. The audience weraenraptured, and very inconsiderately clamoured for an encore, In vain Madame tried to escape by repeatedly bowing her thanks. The audience, with littla regard for the exertions needed in bhe long; and dilficulb solo, persisted greedily, andfinally Madame gavo bhe Spanish "Veritable Manolo." In this, perhaps, onejudges best of tho singer's power. The sustained notes were magnificent, and the rippling refrain was given with matchless delicacy, the pianissimo passages, followed, by the same passages coll a voce, being wonderful indeed. " Pack Clouds Away," with clarionet solo by Mr S. Jackson, also aroused the audience bo a forgivable enthusiasm, and a portion-was repeated in answer to plaudits that would nob cease till the soprano gavo the required encore. "Castai Diva," from "I'sorma," was given and proved a musical treat of the highest order. Bellini's music was interpreted by one who telt every word, ef en note, she sang. In expression, enunciabion, and vocalisation id was without fault, and the voice was pure and clear as a bell. The dueb with Aliss Hardy was likowise an imniease success, bub Miss Hardy's voice has hardly the depth and fulne%s necessary for the rendition of her part. It went admirably, bub one cculd not help longing for a contralto of tho same calibre us the soprano. Miss K. Kardy has a pleasant and wellbrained mezzo - soprano voice of rather greater rango than is usual. She sings with plenby of expression and taste, and was warmly received. The difficult cavabina " Nobil Signer" was deservedly encored, and in response " Jock o ! Hazeldean""*' was given. In "Voi die Sapete" Miss Hardy proved herself a most aecom* plished vocalist, and he.-; part in the duet* with Madame was taken •in unexceptionable style, though her voice is bub a mezzo - soprano. Tosti's " Good Bye" was likewise beautifully sung, and in response to a vehement encore, Miss Hardy sang "Love Has Eyes." Mr Tom Jackson sang "Sunshine and Rain," in bis usual style. He was in excellent voice, and warmly encored, "My Sweetheart Wheii a Boy " being the second song. In part two of the programme, Mr Jackson was again encored, and after a somewhat ill-mannered and childish display of temper, affected or real, condescended to repeat a portion of the song, which uas " The Message." Mr Jackson's tour has still further improved his singing, and Inst night he certainly sang .beautifully. The pianoduetwith which bheconcertopened was by Miss Power and Miss Hardy, and both acquitted themselves most creditably. Miss Essie Chew playedwith most commendable taste and'expression the " Spinning Song." She promises to bo a first class 'cello player. Mr S. Jackson contributed a clarioneb solo, and Mozart's Quartette No. 1, by Messrs Clouglr, Triphook, Cook, and Edger (Ist violin, 2nd violin, viola, and cello) was enjoyable. Mi*s Hardy was somewhat weak as an accompanist. Otherwise the concert) ?vas a mosb pronounced success.