THEATRE ROYAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5603, 8 February 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.

Mr Bum’s benefit drew a good boose bet night. The principal attraction was Mdile. Chur bonnet’s pianoforte playing, which charmed her heaters as usual with its perfection. Hera is the true, artistic style which completely —.tinflw the requirements of the most fastidious taste. With all the freedom; and variety otnature cultivated to the utmost hr art, she realises the most exacting ideal in all that she plays. The exhibition of her powers is sue to obtain for her a European reputation. These ahe showed to very much advantage last night in the grand seherta of C&rpinj whith she always plays with such brilhancyand power; in the “Victoria” waits of Scholon, which displays the energy anH variety of expression which makes her musical talent so remarkable; In the " Presto Finale*'of Mendelssohn, which brought out her power and thoroughly classical spirit, and in to cetobr»t»d “lntitation f ” which she gave with the grace and refinement that ■hw poeseases in so high a degree. As usual; she was applauded and recalled after each number. ...

Signora Tenosta, who was in fine voice, has found .in Tito Mattel's song, of the returning sailor, “Oh! Oh! Hear the Wild Wind Blow,” a song that suits her voiceandstyle admirably. She moved, the audience by her dispiaj of these qualities, and had to repeat the second verse. In our opinion it would be better to take 'the second movement faster. To do so would be more in accordance with the spirit of the? composition, which represents the .sailor exulting as his ship dashes homeward through the waves. The movement is full of life and vigour, which are lost if the time is re* tarded. “ Hon 6 Yet ”. Signora Venosta sang well, but the song is too light for her voice. The other one gave far more scope fcr Mass*Colville recited the poem “Mary Queen of Scots” with the good elocution and ■ sympathetic voice that she always devotes to tnis piece. She received the well merited compliment of silent attention to her reading, and marked applause when she had finished. The scene from “The School for "Scandal” she played with her old spirit, Mr Hill giving her fid* support as Sir Peter Teazle. MrsArtnur Toke contributed a piauo solo, “Plnie de Corail,” tastefully, and, having been recalled by the audience, played again. Mrs Toke is a good pianists, but it was. not to advantage to appear on the same'occasionas Mdlle. Charbonnet. Mr Marshall sang • “ Haney lee,” and “Hurrah for Merry England ” with, plenty of power, obtaining much favour from, the audience. Signor Luisetti succeeded better than nsual with the Doctor’s song from the ** Elisir d’Amorejnngihg it on ; this occasion with English words, but did not’ in hisseoond number sncceedin keeping always in tune. Some overtures and selections, nicely played by (be band, tinder Mr Biinz's leadership, formed the rest of the music. The comedietta, by Mr and Mrs Hill, the Misses May, and Mr Stark ended the entertainment in an amusing fashion- as before.