ENTERTAINMENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 904, 28 December 1923, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

MADAME LIPKOVSKA,

AN ARTISTIC TRIUMPH,

Full and ungrudging tribute was paid to a great artiste by the fairly largo audience which''attended the Opera-House last night to hear tho celebrated Russian prima donna, Madame Lydia Lipkovska. Much has been written about her,, and a great reputation preceded her to Palmerston North, but it is doubtful whether those who attended the Opera House last night were prepared for such a’ least of vocal gems as was offered them; Seldom, if ever before, has a Palmerston North audience been privileged to listen to such a voice which, long before life programme was concluded, had roused* the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. Her singing was a revelation -in tho art of voice production, and, combined with marked histrionic gifts, was tho vehicle which conveyed a wealth of enchantment to a wholly delighted audience. Madame’S voice is remarkable for its range, its delicate timbre and faultless tone. Every note is pure and mellow, and oven in the , higher registers these qualities are never absent. Entirely free from shrill or strained effects her voice, perfectly balanced and controlled, takes the highest note with faultless ease,.and in tho sustained passages' the tone is as clear as a bell.

A fitting- introduction was RimskyKorsakov’s “Chanson Indoue,” which served to reveal the rich ■ quality of madame's vocal talents, but it was-her second number, Verdi’s “Ah, fors, e lui,” La Traviftta, which brought out the full strength of hexvoice. This popular and exacting number was treated in a manner of which only a tried operatic star, such as the vocalist, is capable, and the dramatic power which she infused into her interpretation was something to be remembered. It was, however, in the rendering of her English cycle of songs that the artist registered hel' greatest triumph, of the evening. “At Sunset’’ (Eric Coates) was a most pleasing item and gave full scope for the beauty of expression and delicacy of feeling which maclame has at her command. McDowell’s “Deserted” and Cyril Scott’s “Lullabv were charmingly rendered, particularly the latter, which is one of the most restful and soothing melodies it w oil Id, be possible to hear anywhere. Versatility was the key note of Controne’s "Laissez-'moi Hire” (Let Mo Laugh). Claimed to be a masterpiece of expression it is, for that reason, seldom hoard, as it is beyond the capabilities of al but the most highly trained and skilled vocalist. Demanding all the art of a great singer and the emotion of a real artist. Madame Lipkovaka was. perhaps, seen her best in * her interpretation of this difficult song. Her treatment of it was marked with the touch of genius, and, apart from the vocal triumph she achieved, she gave a finished dramatic performance as a fitting accompaniment. Of great charm was her treatment of T. 11. Bayly’s “Long, Long Ago.” Carey’s “Pastoral,” “When I was Seventeen” and “Tit for Tat (Poutel). The two latter items were characterised by many light touches of comedy, and the coyness of the youthful feminine, the theme of both songs, was delightfully portrayed by the artist. Equally pleasing were the items by i noted Russian composers, and this cycle included Varlaittoft's "Old Song,” “T he Islet,” Dargoinijsky’s “Olga’s Song” and Cretchaninolf’s "The Snowllakes” and “The Snowdrop.” The former of the two lastmentioned items was characterised by a great volume of tone and sustained efiort, the (Inal note being held for a lengthy period and with perfect ease. Madame Lipkovska was accorded an ovation after each item, and'she responded with several encores. Her closing number “lit For Tat” was greeted with vociferous applause and the audience were loath to part with .her. She responded to the ovation with four extra numbers, her concluding encore item being “Homo Sweet Home,” which proved to b<> the crowning achievement 6f the evening. Never Was the old song rendered with a greater or more poignant appeal, and it proved a titling finale to such a wonderful performance. x Madame Lipkovska wore some charming and costly drosses during her recital. Most arresting was the niediaeval Russian costume in which she sang the songs of her native land, but she gained the most striking effect of all when she appeared in an early Victoria crinoline costume for the rendering of her English numbers. Mention must bo made of M, Alexander Svcrjcnsky who acted as madame’s accompanist anil who demonstrated his abilities as a pianist in his rendering of several piouoforte solos. His ■ best effort was Liszt’s “Rhapsody No. 15,” in which be negotiated some exceedingly difficult chord work with consummate skill. The appreciation of' the audience in the efforts of the pianist found expression in insistent demands for encores and which were graciously responded to by M. Sverjcnsky. The second concert will bo given at the Opera House to-morrow night.

EVERYBODY'S,

PICTURES AND VAUDEVILLE.

“Trapped in the Air" is the chief picture in an attractive programme for this weekend at Everybody ’s, it is a story of dramatic adventure in .Nature’s own settings, the only true locale for genuine romance. A supremo tale of adventurous romance, it is set in the High Sierra region, and passing thence into the cerulean blue of the heavens, where the iiero and the villain' stage the most thrilling aerial combat ever filmed, 'ihe vaudeville items were supplied by the ever popular pantomime comedienne, Winifred La France, who comes again to us as fresh as when she toured the Dominion with Tail’s pantomime company as principal boy. Her songs and quips were well done and she deserved the enthusiastic reception she received. Lester Sinclair, as a low comedian, was equally well received and had his big audience in roars of laughter. The orchestral accompaniments were well played.

PALACE. “THE RIGHT THAT FAILED.” An excellent Metro comedy-drama, “The Right that Failed,”, is the loading subject in the now programme at the Palace Theatre. “The Right that Failed” was produced by Bayard Vaiilcr for the. Metro Film Corporation. W hoa Mr Veillcr first read the story, ho immediately saw the entertainment value of it, and chose the overpopular Cert Lytell as the only man who could do full justice to the leading role. Audiences will readily agree with his views after witnessing this fine, production, for the picture is a real feast of enjoyment that cannot fail to please. Notable features of the picture are Johnny Dufl'ey (Bert Lyiell) in the boxing boiits, and ' the last light, when in spite of a broken hand, Johnny beats his man. It is hard to recall a Bert Lytell picture in which the Metro star has been seen to such advantage as in “The Right that Failed.” It is full of fresh observations and characters that are new to acroendom. The excellent supporting cast is headed by Virginia Valli, who gives of her best in tills unusual picture, Good supports include a “Roaring Lions,” and the latest Bathe Gazette.

ROSY. y “THE CAVE,GIRL ” “Tlio Cave Girl,” which opened a three days' run at the Kosy Theatro yesterday, is a photoplay of high merit, one that can boar comparison with everything that lir.s been' said about it in advance. Toddie Gerard, famous on the English stage, has returned to her native America for the express purpose of making her debut as Margot, the young lady who plays the title role. Miss Gerard's acting is cap-, able and she is very charming. Iho Cave Girl” is her first apeparance before the camera and picture patrons have ad* ditional surprises in store after she oocomcs fully acclimatised to the studio., “The, Cave Girl” is a unique character in the annals of the screen. She can fight her own battles and chooses her mate much in the manner of her primitive ancestors. Withal, she is loyal, steadfast and true blue, iiover for an instant losi ing other people’s respect or her own self--1 respect.