CITY HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8680, 24 September 1891, Page 5

CITY HALL.

THE PAYNE FAMILY.

The large audience which assembled at the City Hall last night to welcome the Payne family of vocalists, instrumentalists and bell-ringers on their return to Auckland, and. tho enthusiastic reception accorded to them, was surely proof that on their previous visit they had established themselves as public favourites. The dress circle was crowded, standing room only being available for many, and tho pit, stalls, and orchestra stalls wero well patronised. The audience had no reason to bo otherwise than pleased, for a charming programme was prepared for them, and every item was applauded, the greater number being encored, so that there was almost a double programme to go through. The opening part song, "The Bells," was rendered as only this company can render it, and it was a splendid introduction. Tho beautiful and exact reproduction of the bell chimes was marvellous in its accuracy, and the air itself, one of Hart's most prominent compositions, was an exquisite harmony which was vociferously applauded. The varied accomplishments of the individual members of the company are extraordinary. Their manipulation of tho handbells is perfect in the production of harmony, and accuracy of tempo, as was amply manifested in the various selections which were introduced last night, and Mr. Steele's beautiful performance on tho musical glasses was quite a treat, the silvery tones exquisitely modulated being listened to with rapt attention. As violinists Misses Lizzio and Maud Payne displayed great culture, perfect confidence and great delicacy, as well as a thorough knowlodge of technique, and nothing could be moro perfect in harmony than tho violin duet " Within a Mile of Edinboro Town" and "Annie Laurie" played by those ladies, and when Miss Maud as an encore to a fine contralto ballad substituted the violin solo "The Mocking Bird" she electrified the audience by the elegance and culture with which she reproduced the bird notes of this difficult composition. The solo " Tara's Harp,' played as a fantasia, by the same lady, was also a fine piece of executive ability, eclipsed however by " We Won't Go Home Till Morning," in which towards the end. she introduced the hiccoughs and broken voice of the man who stayed last at the banquet, eliciting roars of laughter. Amongst the other novelties was the song, " My Dream" (Seward), sung by Miss Lizzie Payne, the accompaniment beirio; vocal instead of instrumental, and tho effect was not only striking but charmingly melodious, and it was greeted with warm appreciation. Agroatfeatureof bheentertiunmont throughout was the humourous; element, which was so effectively introduced. The quaintly humourous quartette, "Sobbing," was received with roars of laughter, and the three ladies sang " Three Littlo Maids From School," from "Tho Mikado," with such spirit and humour as to keep the audience in a titter of merriment. The trio," Tickling,"by Miss Alice and Messrs.'Payne and Steele, was another specimen of genuine.fun and excellent music, which spread merriment all round ; and when, as an encore, the Messrs. Payne and Steele gave "The Sneezing Trio" it set the audience in roars of laughter ; but the climax was capped in the finale, "Johnny Schmoker's Band," sung by the wholo company. Last night's performance was from first to last thoroughly enjoyable as well as artistically excellent. The musicians are cultured, tho selections such as possess peculiar charms for all classes, and throughout there is combined with genuine pleasure a feeling of refinement- which pervades the whole. To - night's performance, which will'-be an : entirely new one, will bo the last which the talented . family can give in this city during the present season, as other engagements have been ontored into,. ■ ■ ■' v_; '--V "