DAME CLARA BUTT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 18, 22 January 1926, Page 9

DAME CLARA BUTT.

SECOXD CONCERT. Another very enjoyable and notable performance was given in the Town Hall last night by Dame Clara Butt and her concert party. There was a crowded attendance, and the artists ■'were requested to add extra solos after every appearance. The eminent contralto was at her very best in regard to tone production, enunciation, and temperamental expression, whilst the force of her personality appealed as much as did the beauty of her singing.

Dame Butt's memorable performance of Aiitonin Dvorak's five songs tipon Old Testament subjects, which are written in an elevated and resourceful style, was the soloist's greatest achievement and the best thing she has done in Auckland. It was a remarkable performance of an inspired creation. Her singiiiET of the graphically written ''Clouds and Darkness" revealed a wealth of vocal resource and grip of the author's meaning, whilst the cantatrice had a brilliant and telling organ obligato rendered by Mr. Bernard Page. A prayerful and deeply solemn rendering was given of "Lord Thou Art My Kefuge," and her earnest tones and vivid word colouring in '"Hear My Prayer," made a deep impression, whilst Psalm XXUI received a reposeful and comforting unfolding, in tones of rare beauty and finish. The concluding, ''I Will Sing," was expressed with a voice large and deep, which was opened out to its fullest extent as the solo proceeded, the artist building up to an overpowering climax at the close, which made a triumphant termination to a joyous and exalted work. The organ part was treated orchestrally by Mr. Page, and added further beauty to the interpretation. Tremendous enthusiasm prevailed at the end, the visitor being many times recalled, after which very softly and impressingly rendered was '"The Angelus," to which was added a devotional organ part by Mr. Page. Avherein he used the carillons effectively. It is to be hoped that Dame Butt will include this great work at some future recital before she leaves Auckland. The artist also gave much pleasure in the charming style she treated Terry's "Shenandoah," Lies' "Soft Footed Snow," and Lohr's "So Little Time." In reply to a determined demand Sullivan's "Lost Chord," was given in a grand manner with organ and pianoforte obligato. This was again so much appreciated that the cantatrice had to sing "Oh, It's Quiet Down Here.' ,

Vaughan Williams' '"Silent Moon" ivas pleasingly expressed by Mr. Kennerley Rumford. He also gave a dainty and tasteful reading of Davies' "When Childer Play" and a bright delivery of the tame author's, "I Love the Dance." He was also heard in solos by IrelandBridge, and Stanford, securing hearty applause at the end. The gifted and accomplished pianist, Mdlle. Marie Aussenac gave a virtuoso rendering of the showy and attractive salon piece, "La Campanella," displayed unerring and clear finger work in Bach's "Overture,"' played with , grace and facility GlazonnofFs "Valse Russe," and gave a poetic performance of Chopin's fragrant and beautiful Etude Op. 10, No.°3. Deserving encores were warmly awarded the artist. Mr. Roy Ellett capably and effectively acted as pianist. A very fine concert concluded with the delightful singing of Goring-Thomas' duet. "Night Hymn at Sea," and the audience Vould not depart until the duettists returned and contributed the popular "Keys of Heaven," after which an inspiring'and telling rendering was given of the National Anthem by solofsts, organist, pianist, and audience. Another concert will be given tomorrow evening, and the final performance is announced for next Monday night. when a popular and attractive programme will be submitted.