"POMARE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7914, 5 April 1887, Page 6

" POMARE."

Some thirty or forty ladies and gentlemen assembled at Mr. Barnett's residence on Thursday evening last, when a recital of %ie comic opera, " Pomare, , ' was offered for criticism. His co-worker and librettist, Mr. J. L. Kelly, has succeeded in laying his story far aw#y from the everyday realms of opera ,boau"e. Isle of Tahiti possesses such a scope ior the scenic artist, that his work alone might be sufficient to ensure the success of the opera. We are glad to say, however, that its claim to success has a more substantial basis. Of the libretto we had no opportunity of judging; but the short sketch Mr. Kelly gave prior to each act proved the plot to possess every requirement for an abundance of rollicking fun. It is therefore principally with the music that we have to deal. Speaking casually, one might feel inclined to say that it was too good for opera-bouffe, bat there is no reason why light opera should not possess sound musical construction. When a cultured reader takes up a book for the sake of a little light reading he is careful to select some work that has at least purity of thought and correctness of diction. A musician would look upon Mr. Barnett's work as the reader does on his novel. Its main enjoyment lies in the bountiful supply of humour and solidity of style. It abounds in extraordinary harmonic effects and progressions. The "Moon Song," one of the leading strains in the opera, although not exactly a " liedmotif," is a notable instance. On its firat introduction, it is harmonised in a peculiarly monotonous manner, intended probably ae a Xahitisn characteristic In the finale, at its re-introduction, there is a stupendous contrast, a miscellaneous assortment of chromatic chorda, some of the most extreme type, being employed as a foundation for the melody, which is given out by the full chorus in unison. The " Native March," on which a little diversity of opinion was expressed by some of the critios present, we consider one of theealient features of the opera. It is grotesqueness itself. a twangy melody, accompanied by bare fourths and a'ftho, Ingenious in rhythm and construction. We feel confident that this number, heard to a disadvantage on Thursday, will, when played on the instruments to which it is allotted, provo an undoubted success. However, the opera has more than its humourous side, aa those who have heard the charming, " Comes my Lover from the Sea," con (testify. The melody is gracefully harmonised, and with the other numbers shows extreme carefulnees In detail. This, with tbeecena, "My Heart is Wildly Beating," we would predict to be the success of the opera. It is difficult to select particular numbers for notice where the workmanship is so wholly consistent, and we trust to have a more advantageous platform for criticism than that of Thursday evening. We believe the first performance will be given to the public of Australia, and there is no doubt, its success assured, that some enterprising manager will entertain the Idea of producing it in a manner worthy of its merit, in the sister colony. We wish Mr. Barnett every succeßS, and hope the reception of his firat work will induce him to eoniiinue his labours in the new field he has opened in the matter of comic opera.