ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 163, 3 April 1908, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CHAMBER MUSIC. AN EVENING WITH SCHUBERT. : The Sydney Street Schoolroom was fairly well filled last evening on the occasion of the first of a series of lecture-recitals, arranged by Mr. Robert Parker, L.T.C.L., and Miss Beatrice Richmond. The idea is to arrange from tho works of a particular composer a short' programme of tho most characteristic of his compositions, prefaced by a brief biographical sketch, and interspersed with references to the particular numbers to be interpreted. The audience is thus .placed on a more intimato footing with the composer. It need hardly bo said that a recital of this class docs not, unfortunately, attract moro than a very 6mall section of the community..

The entertainment began last ovening with an interesting biograplnal sketch of Franz Schubert (1797-1828), by Mi'. Robert Parker. It was probably as a song-writer, said Mr. Parker, that Schubert became most widely known to tho general public. Beautiful as were his instrumental compositions, it was in the department of song-writing that he was-first in order of time as well as of greatness. It was reserved for Schubert to practically create tho art-song, and to set a model for succeeding composers to follow, a model 1 which served 'as tho starting point for Schumann, Brahms, Robert Frauz, and the rest of the splendid galaxy of nineteenth century song-writers. Two of the very finest belonged to tho da.vs of his boyhood. Of those, the one called "Margaret at the Spinning-wheel" had been placed on tho programme. The two songs, "Withered Flowers" and "Impatience," on tho programme, were from a delightful song-cycle Dased on , a group of twenty-five poems. The former seemed to have been struck off in a white heat of inspiration, while tho latter was an, exquisite example of Schubert's felicity in colouring tho words with tho must appropriate, music. Tho next group of songs included "Hedge Roses" and "Slumber Song," in lighter vein, and following these caine three songs, masterpieces of the composer's last'and finest period. They were: " The Linden Tree," " Her Picture," and "Tho Organ Man." Tho concert which followed whs a most enjoyable one. Mr. ,P. Hockley sang "The Wanderer," "Withered. Flowers, '• "Impatience," "The' Linden Tree," "Her Picture," and "Tho Organ Player." Miss May Newman, whose singing was excellent, sang "Margaret at the Spinning-wheel," "Iledgo Roses," and "Slumber Song." " Tho Wanderer" fantasia (pianoforte) in 0 major was capably played by Miss Beatrico Richmond. A 1 series of selections from tho shorter pianoforte compositions of the composcr was played by Mr. Parker, and tho concert concluded, with a quintette, "Tho Trout," playbd by Miss B. Richmond (piano), Herr Max Honpe • (violin), Mr. H. ■ Tombs (viola), Mr. A. Hamerton (cello), and Mr. A.. F. Robertson (bass .viol).

■ WEST'S'PICTURES. West's Pictures concluded a very successful season at. the Town Hall last night, when, another large gathering assembled to' witness ah excellent series of film's; HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE; The Royal Pictures! • which are being presented nightly at His Majesty's- Theatre,\continue to draw large and delighted crowds., The current series of films is a. particularly fine onel There will be a prize matinee on Satur-' day. ... THEATRE ROYAL.' .". ■ /' V ; Tho attendance at . the Theatre Royal, last night was as numerous as -usual. Among tho chief attractions this week nro the Franklyns, who cleverly, present comic sketches; the Harmonious Huidiams, who"aro' particularly ..well worth hearing; the Banvards, acrobats'; Jack Scottish "comedian; ..Eva. Leo and.- her picarinies; besides' other '.artists ./.who* 'also .possess great ability. To-morrow "evening there will bo a new ; programme.'- " ■ 1 WELLINGTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY. Encouraged by tho success of their first production ("Dr. Bill"), tho Wellington Dramatic Society has. decided to stage another clever comedy, entitled,'"Tragedy." Wellington playgoers will have an opportunity to judgo ot tho quality of both the performance and tho play at tho Opera House on June 17 and 18 next. The initial performance (the first in Australasia) will, however, tako place at Masterton on June 3. Included in the cast .are the following Messrs. Hubert Fairweather, F. W. Millar, C. Ben tley Russell',' D'Arcy,' and HUx-: ford, and Misses Mollie Marshall, M. Bedford, Ivurz, and Sinclair. THE ROYAL PICTURES. . . , A large attendance witnessed tho programme of now pictures at His Majesty's -Theatre last night. / The main feature of the entertainment is the excellent manner in which , the programme is arranged. The pictorial appetite is not "allowed to get satiated with' one class of subjects, judicious placing enabling patrons to enjoy tho programme. "Wild Birds at Home," "The Haunted 'House," and "The' Incendiary Foreman" are the "star" subjects of tho series. Tho same programme will - bo i epeated to-night. On Saturday afternoon there will be a matineo, at which every child will receive a present. At the Boys" Instituto last evening, an enjoyable concert, was given by Mr. Hankins, assisted by Misses L. Hanton, E. Moran, and E. Strickland, and Messrs. 1 L.; Moran, V; Gibson, B.'Galloway, F. Moran, D. M'Williams, Armit, and J. Major., Between- 90 ■ and 100 boys and their: friends 'Were present. .