PLAYERS AND SINGERS OF THE SEVENTIES.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12443, 5 March 1906, Page 8

PLAYERS AND SINGERS OF THE SEVENTIES.

(sr-ECIAIXY WRITTEN" FOR "THE PRESS.'*) By G.R.H. >

Xo. VIII

Us with, the dramatic and variety performances, so in opera and music generally, the playgoers of the seventies were well, catered for. Though not coming within the- scopo of the present series of articles, it may be interesting to refer to the first operatic season ever given in Chrietchurch. Mr Shadnich Jones, of Dunedin, who was the lessee cf the Princess Theatre, Dunedin, in 1864, arranged for a visit to New Zealand of the Lyster Opera Company. Mr John L. Hall, then manager of the Christchurch Princess Theatre, entered into negotiations for the appearance of the company here, and the first performance was given in October, 1864. The opening opera was "Lucia Di Lammermoor," the principals being Madame Lucy Escott, a soprano of great sweetness and also a good actress; Mr Squires, an exceptionally good tenor; Mr AVharton, a powerful bass singer; Mdlle. Rosalie Durand, who was excellent in light opera ; Messrs F. Lyster, Arnios Beaumont and Trevor. There was a strong chorus and orchestra, and generally (he company was a good all-round one. During the season Christchurch. people wore afforded an opportunity of hearing all the best operas, as a mention of the different ones produced will fehow. Those included "La Traviata," '•Emani,' , "Rose of Castile,"' ''Don Giovanni," ''La Somnambiila," "Fra Diavolo," "II Barbiere," "Lre Huguenots," "Bohemian Girl.' , "Faust," "Marriage of Figaro," "Martha," "Linda Di Chamoni," "Don Pa.squale," , and "Dor Freyschutz"— not a bad programme for a season in the sixties; yet owing to the high prices which had to be charged for admission, the speculation was not a succere. ClirLstclmrcli was then hardly sufficiently advanced to support a highciass opera company. In general music we had a visit of Madamo Anna Bishop, a celebrated vocalist of the time, who camo accompanied by Mr Chaw. Lascelle.s, a very fine pianist. Amongst other items sung by Madame may l>e noted " Let the Bright Seraphim."' tho cornrt oliliR>ato to which was played by Mr Charles Coombs, now living here. • But the prime concert favourites at this time were the Ca rand in is, then including Madame, Mi*s Rosina (now Mrs Palmer), and Mr Sherwin. They always drew crowded house*, and gave excellent programmes of high-class music. In 1871 the firet Italian Opera Company seen in Christchurch—the Cagli-Pompei Company—opened an opera season at the Canterbury Music Hall hi Cathedral square, thfc. wooden building still forming part of. "Warner's hotel, to which reference lias already bpen made. The com party was an exceedingly strong one, including Signorinas Zenoni, Bosisio, Kiboldi. Cortesi, Coy and Polli, Signori Rosnati, Dondi, Coliva, Coy, Grandi and Tonrneri<\ The stage was excrodingly and it has often been a matter of wonder to mc how the various operas were produced; With a dozen people on the stage it ivas crowded. However, it was done, and several operas were produced which have never since been seen hero, notably " Saffo," *' Macbeth " and " Don Giovanni." All the operas wore sung in Italian, and it was very peculiar to hear ihe familiar "Macbeth" declaimed and sung in a foreign tongue. The buffo singer, Signor Grandi, was especially tunny. He created quito a furore in " Pipele," a comic opera. At the close of the piece, which was" played on tho last, night of tho season, ho tore off the wig he wore, tossed it in the air. and sang "Auld Lang Syiie" in broken English, evoking roatfi qf laughter. The prices were high, front seats 106 ; back seatfc, 7<s,-.and gallery 4s. The building had a gallery at the end and along each side. Though compared with our present prices, the tariff of admission was what migjiit bo I'ogarded as prohibitive, tho season was remarkably (successful, the Hall being crowded ovorv night. Tho season lasted fifteen nights, during which .fourteen operas were produced. During tho visit of the company they gave Roeeini's "Stabat-Meter" and "Mwse Solemnello" assisted by the Mendelssohn Society. Mies Carrie Emanuel, a brilliant >&prano,, with Mr Alfred Anderson, a clever pianist, cave a- concert wason in the Oddfellow/ Hall in 1874. Mr Anderson, it may bo noted, afterwards married lima Di M'urska, the wonderful vocalist. Mr Molchor Winter also took part in the programmes. Mr Howard Vernon. who still delights ins in Gilbert and Sullivan opera, made his first appearance in Christchurch in April, 1874, with the Alice May Opera Company, at the theatre. The company includecf amonpeb others Misses Alice May and Lambert, Messrs Howard Vernoii. H. Hallam (here with the Josephine Staunton Company). Templeton, and T. • RainfonL- The prices were 7.S 6d. ss, and ».s. The operas produced included "Maritana, , "Lily of Killarn«.y," "Blue Beard." "Grand Duchess,-' "Genevieve Do Brabant," "Satanella," "Bohemian Girl," and "Fra Diavolo." Of late years we have had a succession of eminent pianists, but a remarkable event at the period lam, referring to was the appearance in Christchurch of Madame Arabella Goddard, then the most distinguished pianist of her time. She tho auspices of Mrll. S. Smvtiic. and appeared at the Oddfellows' Hall, then the favourite place for musical events. The company included Mrs" Smythe (soprano). Messrs Skinner (tenor). Rainford (base), and HeiT Doehler (violinist). Madame wa> a magnificent player, and was a strong, advocate for continuous practice. '1 play scale exercises," she once to.d mc, "for four hours evp.ry day."

Tho Simonsen Opera Company, a very excellent combination, commenced a season in 1876. Amongst the members of the company was Miss Minna Fischer, now one of the most celebrated teachers , of the day. The others included Madame I Fanny Mto B. A. Lambert, j PignoY Cannini Morley, Messrs Flor- | ence (a splendid teuor singer), Albert Richardson, Barririgton. bteinbacn. | ]'Iwart, and tho Leopold Family, clever dnnccr*. During the season "The Hermit's Bell," "La l'orichole." and "La Fille De Matlamc ■Ansot" were played for the first time in Christchurch. In the same year M<lllo. lima Di Miinska I pnvo a concert season at the Oddfellows' Hall, assisted by Sign&ri' Rosnati Susini (vocalists) and Signor Giammona' (flautist) end Mr-Hill (pianist). Mdllo. Di Murska had the most wonderful voice i> the matter of execution I have over heard. Her singing of "Lo, hear tho Gentle Lark." to which Signor j Giammona played the flute obligato j magnificently, was c marvellous performance. So also was her 'Shadow Dance" from "Dinorah." Amongst the most notable of hor iteme were 'The i Carnival of Venice," the mad scene from '■Lucia di L-ammermoor.' , "Jenny Lind'e Echo Son<?," the "Jewel Song" from "Faust/ , and "Softly Siglis" from "Der Frieschutz."

In 1877 another Italian opera company, under the direction of Signor Creari, mnde their appearance at the Theatre. This was the first visit hero of the Into 51. Caron, who was tho musical director and conduotor. Signora Venosta also made her first appearance here as Azucena in "II Trovatore." The company included Signorinas Guadagnini, Camnti Vita, and Miss Bessie Royal. Signori Gambetta, Oamero, Taladini. Tessandro, and Borzoni. The e;rcnt ovent of the scaeon was the production of Verdi's Egyptian opera "Ai-da." This was. a. perfect revelation in tho matter of stage production. ■'Loh<*npxin'' was played during tho season for the first time in Christ church.