THE BLACK-PREMYSLAV CONCERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13482, 5 July 1907, Page 3

THE BLACK-PREMYSLAV CONCERT.

A SPLENDID SUCCESS.

ItATrtEB more than a year ago Auckland music lovers bad occasion to be delighted with the vocal recital.* given by Mv v Andrew Black, the renowned English Jbaritone. The skilled singer is' with us again, ']this time bringing with him a violinist of ■ remarkable calibre in the person of M. | Leopold Prcmyslr.v, a native of Poland. The numerous audience at. the Choral | Hall last night was more than ordinarily lenthusiastic,I enthusiastic, as indeed it had occasion to be. Mr. Andrew Black return.'', to us in the full plenitude of his powers as a vocalist, and his numbers last evening were sufficiently diverse in character to ■ display the singer in manifold moods. Mr. Black's opening solo was " Victoria, Vittoria'" (Garrisimi). It was a splendid effort, arid whether in vocalising the incisive phrases or gently . undulating jlines the singer was equally well suited. I The second bracketed item was Schuj mann's "Two Grenadiers.*' In thi_ Ithe mezzo voce effects were prominent tea. tures of the earlier verses, but subsequently the growing intensity of the music called into plav the more fiery declamation of the artist, whose every word was I listened to with closest attention. The closing " Marseillaise" section was magnificently interpreted, Mr. Black so rous- „ ing his "hearth's that a hurricane of plaudits swept, the auditorium. The applause continued, and Mr. Black returned to the •platform, this time to give an inimitable rendition of the old Gaelic, song, "Turn Ye To Me." This number, embracing all shades of expression, was a memorable effort. The second portion of the programme was opened by Mr. Black singing the bracketed items," " Hail .a. Horse' j(Korbay), and ~'".O Ruddier Than The Cherry''' (Handel). The singer's' resonant vocal qualities were evidenced in the first-named, while Handel's great aria, with its attendant recitative, " ! Rage, I. Melt, I Burn," was a masterpiece of vocalisation The rapid diatonic passages and intervals upon which the aria is constructed .were a matter of small moment to Mr. Black, while his phrasing and admirable breath control were ever prominent. The outburst of applause which ensued was only assuaged by a delightfully humorous rendition of " The Little Irish Girl." Mr. Black's concluding songs were the old Border ballad, "Kirkconnell Lea." and Rossini's "Gill La Luna." Needless to say. these were given with the greatest artistry, and though the Inst mentioned number marked the conclusion of the concert, the audience, were in no wise satiated, but with a pardonable inconsiderateness born of enthusiasm, clamoured for more. Mr. Black then goodnaturedly sang "The March oi tho Cameron Men," as only he can sing it. M. Leopold Premyslav is a violinist off quite uncommon attainments, There is a breadth of stvle about his playing, coupled' with a full," beautifully smooth, and resonant tone, and brilliant execution. Add to .these qualifications for artistic success flawless intonation, phrasing, and a correct, musicattemperament. and it- will readily bo understood" tluit PreinysTav is a violinist whose equal is. all too infrequently heard in these parts. His opening contribution was Paginini's "Concerto in D Major,", h* ....■ which the executant displayed a consummate mastery of involved technicalities. The cantabile portions were exquisitely given, while .the double stopping was robust in" character as well as a sufficient tost of ability in intonation. With M. Premyslav, however, mere notes—-and - dynamic indications too, for that matter—are merely, the means to an artistic end, and it 'is needless to state that the termination of the occasion meant an ovation for the player. Saint-Saens' "Le Cygne," arranged by Sarasate, was given with charming cantabile and finish, while the "Ungarischj Tanze" (Brahms) was given with intelligence and power. Home surprising staccato'and pizzicato executive flights .were remarked in -tho« violinist's recall • number, "La Rondo des Latins" (Bazzini). In ".the second part M. Premyslav contributed tiho bracketed selections, *" Humoregque" (Dvorak) 'and "Zigennerweisen" (Harasate), both of Which were listened! to with'rapt, attention. Being again ovated, the instrumentalist played "Clmuson sans 'Paroles" as a recall item,

Madame Chambers was in good voice, and gave in pleasing '/manner, us weir as volubility of style, the vocal " numbers, Softly Sighs," from Weber's "Der Freifichutz," and. "■.■Vainka's.- Song" (Von Stutamann). She was recalled after each of her

selections. , ' r ) Miss Bessie Beattie is the solo pianist of the company, as well as accompanist. Her duties in the latter capacity were onerous and capably performed, while as a soloist her work was quite in accord with legitimate demands. Her technique is at all times satisfying, a.nd her interpretations refined. A broad reading was given of the " Scherzo in C Sharp Minor" (Chopin). The ample chords were delivered with precision and voluminous tone power, while the more delicate effects were given with, crisp, yet subdued; touch. Her other solo numbers were " Melodic" (Paderewski) and '■' Witches' Dance" (Maedowell). ~: The latter selection called for much rapidity of lingering,, and it is worthy of mention that speed was never detrimental to accuracy. The rendering throughout was poetic, and appropriately _ delicate in the pianissimo phrases.. Miss' Beattie was warmly recalled after each' of her .selections. ','.*. Tho second concert takes place at the Choral Hall to-night, when Mr. Andrew Black will sing, among * other numbers, " Young Dietrich," "It Was a Dream," "Blow, Blow thou Winter Wind," "The Land of the Leal," etc; while Leopold Premysla-v will include a fantasy on "Carmen" (Bizet) and " Hiirnoresque" (Dvorak) among his violin numbers. ;*._.,;, .... .