AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13904, 1 December 1910, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

VOCAL RECITAL. It was quite pleasant in the present dearth of musical talent in Christchurch to hear such an and artistic singer as Mra l'irtli. in ncr recital last night. The about Mrs Firth's singing, apart Irpm the mirity arid melodiousness ot nei voice* was the artistic manner in wnicn she? used the piano and forte effects. This was particularly noticeable in the oratorio numbers markedly so in- v Thou that Tellest," and "He Was Despised." The runs and shakes in the former wero taken with much ease and accuracy, and the two items were very finely sung. Gounod's great song. ' " Divine Redeemer," was another illustration of the artistic skill with which Mrs Firth manages her voice. u Uj"° other items on the programme Blumcnthal's "Sunshine and Rain, Needham's sweetly pathetic cradle song, "Husheen," " with its characteristic national melodiousness, Liddle's setting of "Abide With Me." and Sullivan s "God Shall Wine Away AH Tears, arc oerbaps the most- noticeable. All tho numbers were, however, sung with a success which made the recital most enjoyable. This was enhanced by the sympathetic and skilful organ accompaniments, played by Mr Firth, who also gave several short organ solos. All of these were admirably played, but special mention may be made of the ''Pastoral Symphony," from "The Mes- ■ siah," and Durand's "Sous lo Bois," i

FULLER'S PICTURES. Scenic films formed the most attractive feature of the new programme presented at the Colosseum last evening. One of the most picturesque was that showing a voyage from Norway to New York. Thero were some beautiful sky and cloud effects, and tho sea was shown in both calm and angry moods. The storm scene when the liner pu,t her head into the seas, was one of the most realistic ever presented here. There were several other films which unfolded beauties of river, sea, and lake, and each was appropriately tinted. The dramatic pictures were capital studies of their class, and each worked out to an interesting conclusion. There was a smack of the Wild West in the "Girl of Triple X Ranch," with its cowboys, horses, and hard riding. "The Little Angel of Luck" presided over a distinctly American plot, but the idea was .pleasantly worked out by the precocious artists. The programme will be repeated this evening. OPERA HOUSE. The Opera House was again well patronised last evening, when the current programme was repeated. All the variety turns were enthusiastically received, and the stirring picture of the exploits of the Kelly Gang was greeted with warm approval. The same bill be presented this evening. HAYWARD—WEST* PICTURES. The current programme of the Hayward—West Pictures was repeated 'last night at His Majesty's, and was received with numerous marks of appreciation. The same excellent set of films will be exhibited again to-nigbt. ORCHESTRAL*' SOCIETY. The popular concert to be given by the Orchestral Society in aid of their Music Library Fund will take place at the theatre on Wednesday next. There is a very excellent programme of orchestral music, and the vocal soloists will be Mrs Arthur Mead and Mr E. A. Caerlyon Bennet, of Napier. The plan of reserved seats opens at 9 a.m to-day at the Dresden. MUSICAL UNION. The rehearsals of tho "Messiah," which is to be given at Christmas by the Musical Union, as their last concert of the year, are progressing satisfactorily. The soloists will be Mesdames Gower-Buras and Pidgeon, and Messrs Vincent and March.