AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14884, 26 January 1914, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

THE DUFAULT CONCERTS. Tho second concert of thoir short season took place on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal, and in it Mr Dufault stood once more alono and aloft in solitary grandeur. He is a singer fascinating enough that one could be well content to hear him all alone. But convention and managerial wisdom combino to cling like lichen to mixtures of inequality, and both are hard to kill. In Mr Dufault's own portion of the programme there were incorporated a goodly number of songs of his repeatedly heard; a few, perhaps, too often. This policy of conservatism simplifies at least the onerous task of criticism. His first number, tho aria from Massenet's "Cid," as such musically much inferior to that from the "Queen of Sheba," still offers ample scope for effective declamation, well within tho powers of our gifted interpreter, although his voice in its presentment sounded less fresh than it did the first evening. It was, however, in the bracketed group of songs. "How's My Boy?" "Si Jβ Pouvais Mourir, and A Spirit Flower," reversed to indicate the order of merit, that his whole artistic nature, standard and equipment , - came to supreme exposition; the pathos of the first, the emotion and passion pourtrayed by the second in the language of the poetical French chanson, forming the admirable climax of the whole concert. No need for more to say in praise of masterly performances extending, with rare declines, almost over the whole series of his songs. No less than six encore numbers, all old acquaintances, swelled his share to a formidable list. "Sylvelin," "A Bowl of Roses," "A Boat Song, ,, - "Au Tays," "Iv a Garden,"

;md "Invictus." Mr Dufault'e thoughtiul practice of announcing his encores from tbe platform might well find imitation; it is wholly commendable. Neither Mr McCormack nor Mr Dufault have roused our enthusiasm, as far as the intrinsic musical value of tho songs chosen tor their concerts is concerned. To be just, the pendulum swings towards Mr McCormack'ssido. All in all. it is the art of the singers, not of the makers of the songs, that has carried us away, a truism implying a, compliment and a reproof in one. The Dufault concerts have, so far, included no works of the first rank in vocal art; some quite excellent in their way. no doubt; some not objectionable, because so tinely sung, and others beyond a saving. We flattered ourselves here of late that we had learned to assimilate fair doses of the best there is. That (he programmes wore printed in Invercargill seemed ominous from the outset, but had they come from Auckland or Sydney, even, it would have been the same; we feel entitled to something poised on a higher plane. In theory that is. but we may well ponder the Scriptural words: ''Be not wise in your own conceits." For, when musical assemblies endorse, as ours have done, the choice and execution of every unit by fairly equal applause and recalls indiscriminate, it behoves the humble critic to blush in contritiorr and retract in humility his rash beliefs. Of Miss Pauline Bindlcy's contributions, we liked best her '-Mother Dear," .sung with genuine feeling, and. next, McDowell's "A Maid Sings Fair." We are more often impressed by her skill in conveying the spirit of "the words rather than by tho means and modo employed in the vocal execution. The legitimate repertoire, at the disposal of the solo violinist is still so narrow" that a. happy cho;ce is by no means easy, and he may be forgiven evon the frequent repetitions which should be denied to tho pianist. But one cannot help in our cay, looking askance at operatic jumbles on the violin, even when they bear the signature of Sefior Snraeate and tempt Mr Ernest Toy to trust to the popularity of Faiistian tunes. The pretty madrigal by Simonetti was very tastefully P l a y O d, and Wieniawski's rather threadbare "Valse Caprice" showed the performer in the best light I'cliabJo and efficient, Mr Harold JUjttie fulfilled again his afduois duties con amore. wn £s iV ? his J*** concert at tho Iheatre Royal to-ni"ht An paied for tins farewell concert. Mr Dufault will sing tho famous tenor ana, 'Celeste Aida." His programme ff ,lj also include a musical setting of Ivmgelcy's well-known poem. Lorraine, Lorraine. Lorreo." as well as a number of ballads which he sings with such inimitable charm. With Miss Bindley, Mr Dufault will 6 ing the duet, "Barcarolle," from tho •lnles of Hoffmann. ,, Miss Bindley s numbers will include an aria from "Traviata," and a group of English ballads, including the delightful "Poor Wandering One," from "The Pirates of Penza nee." Mr Toy's violin solos will include Hauser's "Hungarian Rhapsody." Mr Harold Whittle will again bo at the piano. The bos-plan is at the Dresden. OPERA HOUSE. There was a capacity house at the Opera House on Saturday night, and the last night of tho special vaudeville programme was much enjoyed. Tonight, Messrs Brennan-Fiiller have pleasure iii announcing for a season of six nights and one special matinee on Saturday, January 31st., at 2.30, the special and exclusive starring engagement of the Royal Banzai Family of Japanese equilibrists, contortionists, and Risley workers, appearing in a most gorgeous 6tago setting of gold, silk, and velvet, valued at £5000, the whole act combining a blaze of Oriental splendour. The special and exclusivo engagement, direct from America, of Huntress and Company, featuring Huntress, tho famous femalo impersonator and classic dancer, carrying a carload of special scenery, and effects; the important engagement and first appearance in New Zealand of the Straub Sisters, presenting their original creation, "Old and New Century Fads and Fancies of Girls" ; the special engagement, direct from England, of Salmon and Joy, England's nrcmier comedy sketch artists; and the welcome engagement of Margaret Corby, the charming Australian soprano; supported by the favourite artists, Sayles and Wharton, the great coloured comedians ; Maurice Chenoweth, tenor; Gale and in their song scenes, and tho versatile American artiste, Jewell and Jordan, the human mocking birds. Booking plans are at Milner and Thompson's. HAYWARD'S PICTURES. To-night's now feature at His Majesty's Theatre will be Pathe's 'reproduction in colour of "Psyche," which faithfully follows the beautiful legend of tho ancient Greeks. Tho production is 3000 feet long, and the story is described as being detailed with the exactitude so necessary to proper representation of the mythological classics. Pathos work in this film is said to be remarkable. The principal parts are sustained by Mdllo. Napier Konska and Mdlle. Andree Pascoll. The films shown in support of "Psyche" are stated to be all pictures of merit. These include "Children's Hour," a drama founded on Longfellow's poem; "Railroad Inspector's Peril." sensational drama; "Schnitz, the Tailor," Keystone comic; "Beautiful scenes in Chevreuse," coloured; "Which Way did he Go?" with John Bunny looming large; and "Pathe'e Last English Gazette." Hayward's Orchestra will render overtures and incidental music. Box plans for the season are now open at the Dresden. FULLER'S PICTURES. Both sessions at tho Colosseum on Saturday were -well attended, and pations expressed satisfaction at the entertainment provided. The customary change of pictures will be made tonight. Pride of place is given to a picture-drama entitled "The Call." It is by the Vitagraph Company, and is said to bo exceedingly good, the acting being, realistic and the kinematography exceptionally clear. Th» picture features a great sma-sh on an -American railway. Tho supporting numbers aro tho latest "Gaumont Graphic," which contains a budget- of news in illustration: "A Deal in Oil" (drama), "Spots on the Oregon (jcenic), "Tho Doctor's Duty ,, (Edison drama), "N.Z. Animated News" (topical). ''Stereoscopic Study of. Flowers" (educational), and two comedies: "How Filmy AVon His Sweetheart" and "Tommy's Fresh Love Affair." Tho new music promised will enhance the entertainment. GRAND THEATRE. "The Queen's Jewels/ an Italian drama of 3500 feet, will bo the star picture at tho Grand Theatre to-day and to-night. It is one of the Bertha Nelson series, and is said to be a drama of exceptional merit, in which tho staging and photography are special features. There will be a varied programme, in which will be shown the ■'Eclair Journal," depicting the Car-pc-ntier-Wells fight, and Pegoud, the airman, performing evolutions at a great height, a drama, "'Broncho Billy's Reason," and a comedy, "A House Divided." At tho evening sessions, tho football film of 1000 feet, showing the All Blacks in the test match against AH America, will be screened. This picture is described as being a particularly clear one, in which individual players are easily recognisable. SYDENHAM PICTURES. There was a large and appreciative audience at both, matinee and evening performances at the Sydenham Pic-

tures on Saturday, when tho current proo-ramrne was shown for the last time. To-night a complete new programme will be shown, including the Pat hecolour fairy legend "Psyche." a tale of the love of tho god Cupid for the mortal, Psyche. Other films will be: — "The Pathe Gazette" (London topical X •'The Railroad .Inspector's Peril'] (drama). ''The Children's Hour' 'drama) "Beautiful Scenes in Chevieuse." -'Schnitz, the Tailor"' (Keystone comedy), and a Vitagraph comedy, "Which Way Did He Go?" in which John Bunny* and Flora Finch take the leading parts. QUEEN'S TriEATRH. "From tbe Bottom of the Sea," the I sensational film showing the work of la submarine torpedo-boat. will be shown at the Queen's ■Continuous Picture Theatre to-day and to-night for the last time. The programme will also include two '-specials" shown on Saturday—'The Exiles from Erin" and "The Indian and tho Child." The biweekly change of programme will be made to-morrow. GLOBE PICTURES. The i.ew films to bo shown at the Globe Theatre to-day will include: — "The Riddlo.of the Tin Soldier," "Tho Clown and tho Prima Donna" (dramatic\ "Types of the Caucasus" (scenic), "All on Account of Daisy," "Love and Potatoes'' (comic), and •'Warwick Chronicle" (topical).