SISTINE CHOIR SOLOISTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 2 December 1922, Page 5

SISTINE CHOIR SOLOISTS

A GREAT DECEPTION SINGERS REPEATEDLY ENCORED The appearance of the Sistine Choir Soloists had been awaited with the keenest interest by Nelson music lovers, and a crowded house greeted them at the Theatre Royal last evening. Glowing accounts had preceded the visitors from Italy, and these were found to be fully justified, for the. concert last night ranks amongst the outstanding events in local musical annals. The first number was sufficient to assure the audience of an outstanding musical treat, and thereafter success followed success, un|;il the listeners were worked up to an; intense pitch of enthusiasm and demonstration. A programme of twelve numbers was added to by no fewer than 21 items. This band of happy singers seemed to enjoy the giving as much as the audience did the taking. They did not stint the enjoyment of their exceptional gifts, and such a pleasant relationship was established between performers and listeners that the formers could have “sung all night,’ ’and the latter would never have tired of the music. That the whole of the programme was given in Italian, made not the est difference to the audience. Indeed, one almost forgot that it was a foreign language that was being used. But it has been truly said that “musi) has only one language.’ On. four occasions last night the soloist was recalled three times. That fact alone sufficiently indicates the musical triumph secured. The visitors have certain little mannerisms which put a British audience in quite a good humour. They denote a spirit of cordiality between the various singers themselves and with the conductor. • The opening item was “La Vorgine degli Angeli” from Verdi’s “La Forza. del Destino,” chorus and solos, the fatter being taken, by. Signors Pagarielli and Belli, and the applause following the rendering demonstrated that the singers had* “made good,” a repetition being given. Signor Sarti then gave the Neapolitan song, “Core Ingrato’ ’ (Cardillo), He is a lyric tenor, and has a most pleasing voice, and gave an admirable rendering. As an encore he sang “Lusinga” (De Curtis). Signor Constantini, £s' bussbaritone, won favour for his singing of a song from from “Ebreo” (Apolloni), and responded to a recall with Tosti’s “Peuso.” Then came a perfect gem—a duqt from Act IV. of “La Boheme,” by Signors Facchiui and

Rasponi, for which the singers were twice recalled. In a romance, “M’Appafi tntt 11 Amor,” from “Marta” (Flotow) Signor Paganelli was again heard ns a soloist. Ho has a tenor

voice of entrancing beauty, and gave an.exquisite rendering of the number. Recalled, he sang Gounod’s “Ave Mawhich led to another recall, when Verdi’s “La Donna e Mobile”

(“Rigoletto) was sung. The audience still insisted and Signor Paganelli again appeared and aroused a storm of applause by his singing of “Lolita.” The “Soldiers’ Chorus” from “Faust” brought the first part of the concert to ia close. Remarkable volume was achieved by the limited number of and the spirited rendering was quite tto the fancy of those preent, whose applause was rewarded with a repetition. The prayjof from Rossini’s “Moses in Egypt,” which opened the. second part, was beautifully sung by the fnu company, with solos by Signors Paganelli, Fa echini, and Rasponi; a repetition being given. There followed , a series of four songs by Signor, Belli, whose exceptionality fine bass-baritone voice ranks amongst the very best heard. in Nelson. His programme number was a song from “Simon Boccanegra” (Verdi), but he had to contribute three encores’ before the audi- * ence would let go of him. His encores included Berte’s “Ballata del Fischio”

or the “Whistling Ballad” ; a Rossini composition; ana Matei’s “None veil” The “Drinking Song” from “Cavalleria Rusticana” was happily rendered by the full company and -was another fine piece of concerted singing, It also gave an opportunity for hearing' still another solo tenor. Signor Pasinati, who gave as an encore the Neapolitan song, “Voce e Nottc” (De Curtis). Signor Easponi then took complete charge of affairs ior quite a spell. His magnificent baritone voice was first heard in a song from Donizetti’s “Don Sebastiauo,” but he Had sung threemnore songs before he was finally allowed to depart, including “Oi Mari” and “0 Sole Mid” (De Curtis) and a serenata. The same reward awaited Signor Facchim,' who was thrice recalled for his sing-

jug of “ Vesta le Giubba” (from “Pagliacci”), and gave “Mattinata” (Leoncavallo), “Queata o Quella” (“Rigoletto”), and “Boh erne.” The concluding item was the chorus and solo “Funiculi Funicula,” the soloist being Signor Facchini. This was accorded demonstrative applause, and was re- - peated. It* memorable concert was brought to a close by the playing , of God Save the JOng.” . • The conductor and acompanist was Maestro Casolari, who rendered valuable assistance at the piano. This evening there will bo a complete change of programme. With the heavy hooking to-day another big house is assured,