MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1097, 8 April 1911, Page 9

MUSIC.

(Br Thedle Clef.) Searching for Talent. During his tour round the world in search of voices for the Melba Grand Opera Company, Mr. John Lemmono called upon Jean do Reszke at the latter's beautiful residence in the Rue do la Faisandario, That do' Reszkc derives a very great income from his labours as a trainer of operatic aspirants, is indicated by the suinptuousness of his abode. He even has a miniature, theatre in the establishment, capable of holding 86 people, and boasting a stage, scenery and boxes. A staff of teachers are employed, both for vocal and histrionic training. When Mr. Lcnraiono stated the reason of his visit, do Reszkc told him, that he had six good tenors available. But Mr. Lemmoue was not in quest of amateurs. He wanted tho very best and most experienced talent which he could find, and told do Reszke that, amongst others, lie was negotiating with the famous voung Russian singer—Mdlle Axarinc. Tho well-known teachcr remarked that he thought that J. C. Williamson would indeed be fortunate if they secured her services, but 110 did not think that there was much hope, though he would do what 110 could in the matier. When he afterwards heard that the arrangements wore complete, ho again emphasised tho importance of the engagement, and the treat that was in store for tho Australian public. Ho also hoped to persuade Mr. Qucsnel, tho French tenor, to join the company.

Leonard Borwick to Tour Australia. Mr. Leonard Borwickj the English pianist, will make a tour of Australia this season. He is highly esteemed in England and Europe, .and Mr. F. S. Kelly, a brilliant Sydney pianist, who is intimately acquainted with llr. Berwick, has been the means of inducing him to pay the Commonwealth a visit. He will lirst he heard in Melbourne in June next, and then will appear in recitals in Sydney. Mr. Borwick lias a great reputation for his playing of Scarlatti's harpsichord pieces, and he shares with Lamond the honours of his native land. .Ho was a pupil of Henry A. Bird (London), and then of Madame Schumann. tie made his debut in London at the Philharmonic concerts in 1890.

Opera at Covent Carden. In .connection with tlio '"Coronation season" of opera at Covent Garden, the London "Times" announces that the subscription rates will not. be raised, the prices being—for boxes, £2 10s. to £7 per night; orchestra stalls, £1; balcony stalls, Ids.; amphitheatre stalls, 10s. 6d. for the first, and second rows; 7s. 6d. for the third and fourth lows, and os. for other rows. Among the soprani will be Mine. 31olba, Mine. Tetraz7.ini, Mile Destinn, Mme. lidvina, and lime. Kousnietzoff. The contralti will include Mme. Kirkby Lunn, Mme. Herat, and Mme. de Georgis. Among the tenors are M. Amedco Bassi, 31. Eiccardo .Martin, Mr. John M'Con uack, 31. TCdmond A\arnery, 31, C. Dalmores, and 31. D'Oisly and 31. Paul Franz, tiic leading tenor of the opera in Paris. The season will open on Saturday, April 22, and close on Saturday, July 29. There will be a special scale of prices for the gala performance following the Coronation. One hundred Hussian dancers— the cream of the. Tsar's ballet —havo been engaged for a. series of seven spectacular dances. There will be two operatic novelties —Puccini's musical version of Belasco's "The Girl of the Golden 3Vest," and "Thais " It is understood that iladamo Melba will appear in "La Boliemo." "Lucia di Lainmcrmoor," "Otello," "RigoleUo." "La Tosca," and "Borneo and Juliet."

31me. 3lelha, who is still on the operatic warpath, cabled to Mr. J. ('. Williamson that she had just engaged two more, tenors and Kdmond fiourke for her September season in Australia. 3Jr. Bourke is a young basso who appeared as Mephisto both at the 3lotropolitau Opera House and at Covent Garden, and in each instance Ti'as verj favourably revieivedi