GRAND OPERA QUARTET

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27705, 8 July 1955, Page 7

GRAND OPERA QUARTET

FINAL CONCERT IN CHRISTCHURCH

The Italian Grand Opera Quartet gave their last concert here in the Majestic Theatre last evening. Except for four items the programme was the same as they sang on the first programme, and two of these were on the second programme. This would suggest that in repertoire, as in several other respects, this group of singers falls short of what was claimed in their advance publicity. This is. frankly, not good enough. It was clainied that three entirely different programmes would be sung. They were not. Nor did the singers .show either the vocal or interpretative ability which could reasonably be expected from persons who claim to be principals from La Scala and the Rome Opera.

After all, a critic judges performers partlv on the standard that they claim for themselves. It is only fair to the public that he should. There are sb many visiting artists in these days, and most bf them are excellent. The prices charged for admission are, of necessity, fairly high. Many people cannot afford to go to all. It is necessary, therefore, that the public should be able to relv on reports about such performers. Some people have, no doubt, wondered why the critics on this paper h ,zo been severe to these visitors. rr ’ -’ain facts of the case are that th° ingers have fallen short of the s' lard which could reasonablv be expected of them. There was some improvement at this concert on what had been heard at the first one. but. even at that, much remains for these singers to do in the wav of balance, sincerity of characterisation. and general vocal finesse before one could agree to the claim made for them, that they are “world renowned artists.” —C.F.E