THE MTSSES WELLS' CONCERT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12592, 7 September 1906, Page 7

THE MTSSES WELLS' CONCERT.

The interest evinced in the return from Germany, the home of music, of two local etudonta at the 1/eipsic Conservatoriuin—Misses Ghristalwl and . Alma Wells—ires strongly evidenced by tho crowded audience ■which aseeinbkd. in the Choral »Hall last night. Seldom, if ever, hae a private concert been so largely attended, and the iavouraWo anticipations formed of the progress made by the young ludiee in the etudy of their respective instruments we.ro more than realised. Mies Christabel Wells, who has selected tho violin as her instrument, posseesce great power of execution, coupled with breadth of tc».> in the more massive items of the programme. To this is added much delicacy of interpretation in the softer com positions. As illustrating tho first of tbe*e qualities 'her very fine performance of Bach's air for the G. string and Wionawski's concerto in D Minor, with which Hie programme opened, was noticeable. Aβ a rule- the violin playing of a lady lacks the strength necessary to fully bring out the points of this"class of composition, but Mise Wells's playing exhibited a virilitly and power, mdded to great executant ability, which stamped her as a player of lar more than ordinary capacity. In tho concerto tho second movement, a beaututil romance, was charmingly played, and in tho third Miss Wells infused a groat deal of iire and spirit, fully illustrating the etylo of the composition. Miss Alma Wells played the piano part of Uio number with much artistic power. In tho more tender style, Saint Saens's charming piece, '"I'lie Swan," was played with great feeliug and delicacy, combined with a clear decisiveness which showed a thorough perception of the manner, of the composer. A quaint carusonetta by D'Amhrosio and a "Humoesko' - by Dvorak, were also given with a great deal ot success. Jriuoays "Hojre Kati" was played with all tho firo and colouring which are its essential features, aiW three lovo scenes by Uecker were also epleoididly given. Like her sister's violin plying, Miss Alma Wells's piano work was conspicuous for its strength and brilliancy. At the same time she showed by her interpretation of tho three bracketed Chopin numibexe that she was aho a devoted and finished student of the tender tone poet. The "Impromptu iaG Flat" and the "Etude in G Major" both afforded an opportunity for tho display of brilliancy, coupled with sympathjv, which was fully* taken •advantage of. "Ballade in A Flat" was also beautifully played, all the diiferent phases ot light and. shade with which it abounds being brought out most fully. Another noticeable quality of Mise Wells'e pl«y-. ing waa her power of interpreting special compositions having for their motif the representation of » particular mood, or a strongly marked tone picture. Of this the Strauss "Reverie" and Sinding's "Rustle of th« Spring" were notable examples. Both were most artistically played throughout. Liszt'e wonderful composition, "Sermon to the Birds," was perhaps the most striking item of the concert. In this the composer has taxed tho ability of the player to tho utmost, inasmuch as it requires not only delicacy of tone but great execution. Mies Wells played this number very finely ' indeed. She also accompanied Aer sister's playing most sympathetically. iMns power-Burns, who was in excellent voice, sang "Spring," by HenSchel, very well indeed, the bird voice refrain displaying tho flexibility and tone quality of hor voice to great advantage. For an encoro she gave a fine song, "Allah Be With Us" with much succese. In the second part Alre Burns waa heard to groat advantage in Deli Acqua'e sparkling "Villanelle." A, pretty ballad wae given as an encore, and was also well eung. Mr Hamill failed to give the dramatic colouring which was requisite to Elgar'e "War Song," iut was more euccoasful in his encore number. In the second part he sang Florence Aylward'e "Deep in the Valley"-well. For an encore, he gave "The Yeoman's Wodding," a composition which has certainly earned retirement from long service. It waa, however given with a good deal of success. Mr Wells played the acoompanimente to the vocal mim'bere with much ability and expression.