AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8982, 13 September 1892, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

ITALIAN OPERATIC CONCERT COMPANY.

At the City Hall, last night, the Italian Operatic Concert Company gave the first of its three farewell performances, and attracted a considerable audience, and certainly there was no lack of interest in the programme. As the artistes appeared and gave their selections they were received most enthusiastically. The audience listened with marked attention to the various numbers, and were not slow in showing their approbation when they were pleased. Chief among the features thai contributed to the result of a successful concert was the excellent singing of Signora Cuttica, the prima donna of the company. She was in splendid voice, and gave her solos most delicioußly. Her first solo was Gounod's serenade, " Quand-tu-Chantea," which she sang with her usual combination of natural and artistic charm. The gradual swelling and diminishing of the voice, and the performance of the arpeggio passages, were exquisitely executed. The audience did nob, however, appear to appreciate the number so much as the rendering of the composition deserved. Signor Rebottaro played most effectively a flute obligato to the solo. In the emotional and expressive cavatina " II Cor nel Sento," from Meyerbeer's opera " The Prophet," Signora Cuttica was heard to exceptional advantage. She sang the part with remarkable vocal charm and vivacity of manner whilst the singing of the concluding cadenza was quite a revelation. No sooner bad the aria finished than the audience burst into a hurricane of applause, and bestowed on the great artiste several floral tributes, and after a most enthusiastic double recall, the singer came forward and gave a second rendering, much to the delight of her auditors, and for which she again received much applause. Remarkable variety and intensity ot feeling was thrown into the interpretation of the famous solo, " Ah che la Morte," from the exquisite Miserere scene in "II Trovatore," whilst Signor Uuttica sang with much power the tenor solo, his fine voice ringing out with the greatest clearness. A slight mishap, however, took place in the opening of the chorus part, through the accompaniment being played in the wrong key. Notwithstanding this unfortunate slip, the chorus and solo parts went fairly well. The singing of the great scene caused quite an ovation, the audience being aroused to the greatest enthusiasm, and demanded a repetition, which was graciously acceded to. This time, however, all went splendidly, the chorus and voice parts being sung in a most finished and refined manner. A brilliant rendering, and one which deserved more applause than it got, was she popular drinking song, "II Segreto per Ksser Felici." from "Lucrezia Borgia," by Signorina Matiola. It was given with the greatest charm of voice, and the delivery of the florid passages, and the head notes were quite features of her performance. The bass singer, Signor lorio, was heard to great advantage in the solo "Fu Dio Che Disse," from Apolloni'a " Kbreo," and for which he received an encore. In the picturesque and stirring aria, Toreador Altento,' from Bizet's " Carmen," the baritone, Signor Sisco, sang most vigorously, declaiming the part with much power and dramatic effect ; in response to a persistent recall and a floral tribute he repeated the solo. Very effective was the singing of the charming quintette, " Buon.i-sera," from Rossini's "Barbiere," by Signora Cuttica, Signori Cuttica, Sisco, Travaglini, and lorio. To this performance the audience listened with rapt attention, and appeared to enjoy the singing immensely. Signor Travaglini put tremendous power of voice into his part; and in the finale the voices blended together most exquisitely, and the greatest agitation and impetuosity were thrown into the concluding part, whilst the clear head tone:! of Signora Cuttica added much to the success of the piece. Spontaneous plaudits were accorded the grand conception at the close. Signorina Matioli and Signor Travaglini sang in glorious style the brilliant duo, " Qui Uhiamata-m-avete," from Pouchielli's opera, " La Giaconda." Signor Travaglini infused great dramatic intensity into his singing ; and the pleading, anxiety, and grief displayed by Signorina Matioli were very fine. However, the audience failed to see the beauties of the singing or of the piece, .<o wero not lavish in their applause. The great quintette " Chinipena," from Lucia, was rapturously applauded, the ringing tones of the soprano in the high notes and the exquisite blending of the voices were simply unsurpassable. Each part was sung with perfection, the whole effect being particularly pleasing. Signori Sisco and lorio achieved a great success in die duo " Piscatorio," by Mau/.OCchi. Just as fine was the rendering of the trio from Verdi's "Un Ballo, : ' by Signori Sisco, Travaglini, and lorio. An excellent number was the flute solo given by Signor Rebottara. Bellini's cavatina, " Vi ravioso-o-luoghi Amenni," from Sonnambula, which describes Rodolfo's delight in revisiting the scenes of his youth, was the solo which was chosen by the great basso Signor Travaglini. It was a fine pieco of singing. His full deep voice gave out the beauties of the solo to perfection, and eminently deserved the plaudits and recalls which it evoked. Miss Brabazon played with exquisite taste and good touch the piano solos and added much to the success of the concert by her finished playing of the accompaniments. The singing by the entire company of " Funiculi, Funicula" terminated one of the most successful concerts of the season. tonight's CONCERT. Special numbers have been selected for tonight's concert, amongst which Signora Cuttica will sing the grand aria from " Traviata," " The Carnival de Venice," with vocal variations, and with Signor Cuttica, the duo from " Sonnambula," and with the entire company the great last scene of the third act of "Ernani." The programme (which appears in our advertising columns) comprises picked selections from "Faust," " Rigoletto, " "Sonnambula," " Ernani, " "Martha," and "Traviata." Tomorrow night this really great and grand company will appear for the last time in Auckland, when the occasion promises to be a memorable one. Indeed to-night and to-morrow being the very last opportunities that will ever be afforded of hearing these artistes, each evening should witness a crowded house.

Tho season of thcGrattan Riggs Company closed at the Opera House, last night, when a capital double bill was presented. Tho first part of the programme consisted of Broughton's delicious little one-act comedy, " Written in Sand," in which several of the principal members of the company were seen to great advantage. Miss Appleton scored a decided success as the charmingly piquant Kate Shirley, and every point of her clever and witty lines received ample justice. Mr. In man was excellent as Frank Seaton.and the rollickingno'er-do-well,Tom Potts, found a capable representative in Mr. Inglis. Miss Andrews made the most of Sister Winifred, but Mr. Dunbar's Kendall was not entirely satisfactory. The two-act farce, "Handy Andy " followed, with Mr. Riggs, of course, as the blundering Irish boy. It is needless to say that Mr. Riggs revelled in the part, or to mention that ho created endless and uproarious merriment. The other characters were suitably represented by the members of the company.

This evening at the Opera House the Auckland Orchestral Union tender to their conductor, Mr. Arthur Towsey, a complimentary concert. Miss Itimmer, Mr. G,. M. Reid, and Mr. A. J. Tapper will each contribute a song, and will also sing u trio by Macfarren. The newly-formed Liedertafel will give two part songs. The orchestra will perform some choice selections from favourite operas, including " Mignon" and "Lohengrin." Mr. Towsey will play the "Moonlight Sonata "on one of Brinsmead's grand pianos. The Orchestral Union have been very successful with the concerts given to their honorary members, and are to be commended for giving the general public a chance of being present at one of their very enjoyable performances.