THE FOLI CONCERT COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9012, 18 October 1892, Page 5

THE FOLI CONCERT COMPANY.

Another splendid programme of music was given by Signor Foli and his concert company at the Opera House last night, every item being excellent of its kind. The audience was by no means so large as the merits of th» concern warranted. A piano and violin fantasia by Schumann, Op. 73, excellently played by Miss Wood and Herr Ziinmormann, opened the concert. Signor Foli was set down for three items, which was increased to six numbers during the performance, the delighted audience insisting on a second solo at the end of each piece, which ho most graciously acceded to. The baritone solo from Mendelssohn's operetta "Son and Stranger," "I Am a Roamer Bold and Gay," was his first effort, which was rendered most vigorously with great rapidity of voice, whilst the maestoso movement received a dignified and masterly interpretation. It was rendered in the key of D flat major. Tremendous enthusiasm was showered on the executant at the close, and in response to a double recall he sang one of the most favourite of melodies, by Schubert, '"From Hoary Mountains," or better known as "The Wanderer," in C "major. Wonderful effect, intense feeling, and melancholy sadness characterised the whole conception ; especially beautiful was the singing of the adagio, "I Wander on in Silent Care." An exceedingly bold and energetic delivery of Pinsuti's ballad, "I Fear no Foe," was given. It was strongly accentuated, well-pronounced, and sung with much emphasis. Hatton'a song, "The Wedding of Shan Maclean," delighted the audience, who appeared to appreciate the freedom and fluency that was imparted to the rendering. The effective song, "Out on the Deep," composed expressly for Signor Foli by F. N. Lohr, received a descriptive and ponderous interpretation, the quality of tone of the low chest notes being particulary rich and sonorous. Equally pleasing was the old German drinking eong of Frank d'Alquen, "InCellar Cool, the high note F being made to vibrate most clearly. Miss Rosso probably never sang better than she- did last night. Her voice was fresh, and her style was perfect. The passionate love song " Caro Nome," which is not alone remarkable for its delicacy and richness of melody, but also for the richness of its bravura, called for rare ra*ge and flexibility of voice. It was charmingly given, and characterised by great finish and execution. The fair cantatrice was equally successful in the cradle song, " O Hush Thee, My Baby" (Scott), and " Our Dear Homo" (Watson). Madame Cole's singing again found favour with the public. She was the recipient of much applause at the close of each of her efforts. A finished performance was given of the song, " Out on the Rocks" (Dolby), and the "Garden of Sleep" (I. DeLara). Mr. Middleton appeared to greater advantage in his solos than previously. For his successful rendering of " Molly Bawn" he received h well-merited recall. Miss E&Jiin Wood was enthusiastically applauded tor her excellent and finished performance of two piano pieces by Kowalski, namely, "Ventre a Terre" and the charming composition, " In the Woods " (Dans lea Bois), which the composer played with so much success when in Auckland. Herr Zimmermann played with his usual good tone and finish a composition of his own, op. 13. It is to be regretted that the management have failed to follow the usual custom of publishing the programme previous to the concert, and a great improvement might be made with advantage to the present appear* ance of the stage by having more light, and a few hangings and flowers. The contrast is most striking, after the excellent taste displayed in this important matter by the Italian Concert Company.