OPERATIC CONCERT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3687, 9 May 1883, Page 3

OPERATIC CONCERT.

As wo anticipated tho operatic concert given at the Theatre Royal last evening in aid of tho orphan children attending tho Napier Convent schools attracted a crowded attendance. Making due alWance for tho fact that all the performers Avere amateurs, with but one or two exceptions in tho orchestra, it may be truthfully said that the concert Avas a success from nearly every point of view, and higly creditable to our local talent, both vocal and instrumental. Although there exists a journalistic rule—a rule, moreover, Avhich avo cannot help but think is sometimes more honored in the broach than in the observance—to leave amateur performances given for charitable purposes severely alone so far as anything like adverse criticism is concerned, it may do no harm to offer hero a feAV remarks ou the details of last night's concert. The principal faults avc had to find Avith the performance were (1) that with only a very few exceptions tho various items on the programme Avere taken in a style savoring- of tho ftiiioreul, _ul (2) thsit in _. feAV instances the music avms rather above the capacities of the performers. Mr Sheath is ontitled to great credit for the manner in Avhich ho fulfilled hisduties as director, as are also Mrs St. Clair, pianist, and Mr Spackman, accompanist. Mr G. Garry, avlio Avas described on the programme as organist, was obliged at the last moment to take the (kit cornet, tho gentleman who should have taken that instrument failing to put iv an appearance. AYe need hardly add. that MiGarry filled his position Avith much ability. Punctually at 8 o' clock the Cornelius March (Mendelsolmn) was played by the orchestra, and Avent very Avell indeed. This was succeeded by the chorus from "Norma," Norma Cometh, which Avas rendered AA'ith precision, although it somcAvhat lacked volume. It Avas, hoAvover, as avc have said, very correctly performed, arid reflected much credit both on tho chorus and their director. Tho trio '' Ti Prego '' (Curschmaun) was rather out of place, and failed failed to make an impression Avith the audience. Its rendering Avas sonieAvhat marred, too, in consequence of one of the gentleman avlio took part being (evidently) suffering from a cold. Miss Large next contributed an air from " Kenilworth Castle" (Donizetti), aud completely took tho audience by surprise. This young lady possesses a voice of remarkable purity and flexibility, and avouUl bo a valuable acquisition in musical circles anywhere. Her upper notes aro beautifully clear and SAveot, and sho manages her runs and shakes Avith the skill of all experienced singer. Her staccato movements were also woll done. In response to a rapturous encore Miss Largo gave the pretty ballad " It was a dream," in Avhich she Avas again highly successful. The duct AVhat a Chatter from "Martha," had the fault of being

taken quite too sloAvly, and as a consequence is fell rather flat. In the grand scena from

"II Trovatoro" Mrs Sheath sustained the _010 part iv a stylo that showed a just appreciation of the difficult —yet very beautiful music' Hor undoubted' abilities as a vocalist of a high order had a fitting theme iv Verdi's beautiful composition, and avo

can only regret that it did'not meet with a more enthusiastic reception. Tho invisible chorus, tho performance of Avhich is always attended with difficulties,' was capably done.' Tho Soldiers' Chorus, from " Faust," concluded tho first part, and avrs capitally rendered by the gentlemen of the company, Part second commenced AA'ith ail overture by tho orchestra, "The ' CroAVft Diamonds" (Aubor)." This was rather "ctraggy" and unsteady, soVcral of the instrumentalists appearing to be playing •fintirply on their oavii account. The piece would havo boon more acceptable had tho limobeeii faster. Tho choruses Avcnt much butter in"the second part than in the first; in fact tho Taunhamser March (AVagner) was one of the best pieces of concerted music avo have ever heard in Napier. Miss R. 801 l has improved Avoiidorfully since her last public appearance as a vocalist, and sang the, cavit|na, >'Eru.an| Ernani luvolawi,"

in a maimer that did her infinite credit, and evoked the heartiest tokens of recognition from the audience. Her voice has a purity and freshness about it that might Avell induce em-y, and Avcro her vocalisation only a little more distinct there Avould bo no fault of any moment to find Avith her execution. Miss Bell retired from the stage amidst a perfect, shower of bouquets, and Avas imperatively encored. Mr Loughnan was eA-idently not at home in his song " My Queen " (Blumenthal), although ho succeeded in pleasing the audience. Tho execution of the piece was rather melancholy, besides Avhich Mr Loughnan, not being the possessor of a tenor voice, Avas overweighted. Undoubtedly the gem of the concert Avas the duct Deh Conte, from "Norma," by Mrs Sheath and Miss Large. In every particular almost their rendering of this IoA-'cly duet Avas Avorthy of tho highest admiration, and at tho close the audience, who wore held spellbound throughout, burst into genuine tokens of gratification, and Avere only satisfied on a portion of the mu-io being repeated. Coming after this triumph of vocal power Miss Pirani, avlioso name appeared next on tho programme, Avas placed rather at a disadvantage, but she succeeded nevertheless in thoroughly pleasing the house by her interpre'.ation of a selection from " Lucrczia Borgia," and in response to an encore she bowed her acknoAvledgemcnt. AYe should mention that the stage Avas very prettily arranged, and presented from "the front " an artistic appearance. The orchestral accompaniments Avere a, new feature here in entertainments of this description, aud, being avcll played, added much to the success'of the affair. The practical result of the concert Avill, wo believe, bo a substantial assistance to the good cause the promoters had in vieAV.