THE BELLE COLE SONG RECITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 203, 7 September 1901, Page 2

THE BELLE COLE SONG RECITAL.

After an absence of seven years from Auckland Madame Belle Cole, the world-known contralto, made her re-appearance at the Choral Hall last night, and was welcomed with enthusiasm. The spacious hall was crowded in every part. Even the chorus seatg

had to be made use of so great was the attendance. On this occasion tho songstress was assisted by Mr John Prouse the popular baritone and Miss Florence Harding, pianiste. As Madame Cole entered to sing her first solo she was cordially greeted, and throughout, the concert the audience were demonstrative and enthusiastic at the end of her contributions. Cowen's fine ballad "The Promise of Life" received an expressive interpretation and displayed the low notes oi the vocalist to rare advantage and also gave those present an opportunity of hearing how long sustained interval ought to be sung. Much applause followed this contribution dnring which the singer was presented with several floral tributes. Beethoven's "Creation's Hymn" was admirably suited to display all the qualities of the canta. trice's splendid voice, of which the low tones are of rich timbre and vibrate with telling effect. The opening bars were declaimed with majesty and power of voice and as the solo pro-\ ceeded much expression and artistic phrasing was thrown into the delivery of the music; ' while very telling and pleasing wag her triumphant singing of the low notes at the end of the aria which were exclaimed with marked force and earnestness. Her delivery of this ■number aroused her auditors to a display of unrestrained enthusiasm after which she sang the song "Genevive." Verdi's recitative and air, "0, Don Fatale," was excellently interpreted. The soloist threw herself into the spirit of the theme, revealing its many hidden beauties in a most delightful fashion. Into her singing of balladi Madame Cole infuses a charm peculiarly her own. She lives the song she portrays, and knows well how to reach the hearts of her auditors. _ Her enunciation is particularly distinct, and she phrases, beautifully, while her voice is under such perfect control that she can modulate from the most vigorous fortissimo to the sweetes* pianissimo, on any degree of the scale, - without loss of intonation, and her knowledge of the art of respiration enables her to sustain bars of note* and carry her phrases to completion without any effort apparent to the listener. For her exquisite delivery, of Moir's grand ballad, "The Harbour Bay," Madame Cole was warmly and deservedly recalled, in reply to which she rendered the well known air, "Love's Old, Sweet Song" in her own inimitable manner. She also threw much intensity oi expression into the varying cadences of Hawley's song,i "The Sweetest Flower That Blows,'" and unstinted applause followed her sprightly delivery of Dudley Buck's; "In May Time" which ended in an additional song being sung. Much enthusiasm was aroused by Madam« Cole's expressive interpretation of Kellie's worn to death ballad "Douglaa Gordon," and at its termination the delighted audience w&ffld iiot?.est content, though it was the last item on: the programme, until the performer came back and contributed another solo. The baritone, Mr John Prouse, once more renewed favourable opinions by giving splendid interpretations of his numbers. He was in capital voice, and sang throughout the concert with freedom and ea-se. Molloy'g favourite song, "To-morrow Will be Friday," was the best liked of his contributions, and which secured for him the warmest applause. In his singitfg of it he entered fully into the spirit of the music and the poetry, and his enunciation and intonation were particularly pleasing. Korbay's Hungarian folk song, "Shepherd, See ; Tliy Horse's Foaming Mane," received a vigorous and dramatic rendering. Tschaikowsky's "Don Juan Serenade" Was given with much power of voice and character* istic freshness, and provoked a hearty recall. Needham's "The Brow pf Nefin" suited Mr Prouse's style admirably, and he gave a capital rendefc; ing of it, and in reply to the demands' of the audience at it's conclusion ha sang the favourite Hungarian . air, "Had a Horse." The accompaniment* were played with sympathy and feeling by Miss Harding'who had a great deal to do, and she did it well; Arrangements have been made for'; a farewell song recital on Monday night.