THE TOY CONCERTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11870, 20 April 1899, Page 6

THE TOY CONCERTS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—As one of the Christchurch musical public will you allow me, through your columns, to express my surprise at the very meagre patronage which is being extended by that body to the Ernest Toy Concert Company now at the Choral Hall. I had the great pleasure of being present on Tuesday evening, but regret to relate was one of an audience sufficiently large to about pay for gas. I have recently had the privilege of hearing the very finest of European violinists and other instrumental, also vocal executants, and consider Mr Toy qo take very high rank, even amongst European exponents of violin playing. I cannot agree with your critique that his performance suffers any by youth, although no doubt, as in everything else, experience and age exert improving tendencies. His technique and soul exhibit _in both branches great genius, whilst his favourable impression is augmented by freedom from mannerism and by ease and grace. Regarding speed, I have heard Sarasate jffay his own Zigeunerweisen, and he takes it just as fast in the last movement as he can go. I- do not think Mr Toy has the fault of hurrying. The other members of the company are also very good. Christchurch claims to be a. musical city, but if this is tho kind of patronage extended to high-class European artists, then no wonder we see so few.—l am, etc, ERNEST M. SAND STEIN.