The press.

Press, Volume XI, Issue 1303, 10 January 1867, Page 2

The press.

THUESDAY, JANUABY 10, 1867

Mb. Daybbll Reed's Congest.— The weather last evening was not propitious for the success of a concert, yet we honestly congratulate Mr Reed on a decided success. The audience, as far as numbers go, evidenced that there is among us a keen appreciation of classical music, and the programme led to no disappointment in the hearing. Mr Eeed gave two of Mendelssohn's " Songs without Words," Mozarfs delightful tema in A, a gavotte and fugue of Sebastian Bach, and the '• Harmonious Blacksmith," all in a style whish calls for remark, as showing the result of zealous practice combined with a thorough comprehension of what is great and good in music. In addition to these pieces, assisted by Mr Bonnington on the violin, whose vigorous bowing, purity of tone, and neatness of execution we cannot sufficiently admire, Mr Reed also acquitted himself in a delightful manner in Beethoven's ever charming sonata in F major, and the lovely Romance in the same key, opera 50. Surely these form attractions sufficient to draw veritable amateurs through any discomforts, and the repeated applause which greeted the artists sufficiently proved the fact. The success of the evening was materially enhanced by Mrs Beechey's admirable rendering of the scena from Der Freyschutz, "Calm slumbers brought each morrow." We felt inclined to regret that this lady's talents wero bestowed in the second part on a song by Blumenthal —a palpable rechauffe of " Eobert toi que j'aime." In so classical a company it was an incongruity ; and we must apply the same objection to the songs sung by Mr Hockley, although without doubt " The Bell Ringer" is a composition which Wallace may be justly proud to have written. But after so delightful an evening we do not fear to say too much in praise of Mr Beed's spirited endeavour to place before the public a class of music upon which is founded the only true musical taste. It is an undertaking which in a material sense may or may not fail—but for such an advancement of the cause of true and high art Mr Reed deserves every encourage- | ment which it may be in the power of every j lover of music to bestow. It does not always rain—and we venture to hope that, in view of the fact that the wet prevented many who with him enjoy good music from availing themselves of the chance hitherto so rare, offered to them latt night, Mr Reed may be induced to repeat his concert, and we heartily trust with such encouragement as may induce that gentleman to persevere in a repetition of his efforts to give us talented and intelligent renderings of the great masters. We must by no means omit to notice Mr ZingraflPs excellent services in the accompaniments. Lyttelton Volitntbeb Artilleby.—We understand that Mr Wm. Rayner has been appointed secretary and treasurer to No. 1 Battery. Accident neab Kaiapoi.—On Tuesday evening last Mr Henry Hinge, of Woodend, while riding after cattle on the sand-hills near Kaiapoi, was thrown from his horse, sustaining serious injuries. Dr. Welch was speedily in attendance, and found that dislocation of the shoulder had been the result of the unlucky accident-. AGBICTTLTtrBAL AND PASTOBAD ASSOCIATION. —The annual meeting of this association was to have been held yesterday in the Town Hall, but owing to the afternoon proving so very wet it was postponed until Wednesday, the 23rd. Theatre Boyal.—A benefit will be given at the theatre this evening by the members of the late Dramatic Company, in aid of the widow and orphans of the late Sergeant-major Darby. The bill is an*attractive one, and nearly the whole of the seats have been already engaged, bo that a very full house may by expected. The entertainment will be under the patronage of the officers and members of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Visit op the Governor.—Reliable information was received in Christchurch yesterday that his Excellency the Governor would positively arrive in Canterbury from Wellington on Monday next.