ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13722, 11 April 1908, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

AUCKLAND LIEDERTAFI-X.

FIRST CONCERT OF THE SEASON.

The Choral Hail was crowded last night, on the occasion :of the first 'concert of the season by the Auckland Liedeitafel. Dr. W. E. Thomas hud his choral forces well under control, and throughout the- programme there was alertness in attack and release, as well as roundness of tonal quality in the"various numbers essayed. Considerable attention was directed to the expression scheme, and the instances' were few where any nullification of the composers' directions in this respect was evident. As at previous concerts the pianissimo singing of the members was a feature; and in several numbers these effects reached a high standard of excellence. Particularly was this noticed in the part song, *' Nightfall" (Alfred Dard), which as an instance of expressive phrasing was one of the outstanding efforts, the first and second tenors voicing their sentences in artistic style, while the resonant tones of the basses formed a satisfactory foundation to the general harmony scheme. In the verse beginning, " Hark to the wind's mysterious moan," a charming impression was conveyed by the first tenors in their solo portion to a subdued humming accompaniment by the other parts. This number was redemanded. In the part-song, "Kiss, Me, Sweetheart" (Smith), the solo was sustained acceptably by Mr. G. M. Reid, whose tones blended musically with the other voices. The male-voice' choir were much at home in a special arrangement of Baife's somewhat hackneyed vocal duet, "Excelsior.*' In this case/the original harmonics have been augmented, with the result that the familiar theme received an added lustre. The lights and shades were clearly portrayed, the volume of tone in the stentorian passages was of rich vocal quality, while the accelerando finale was well done. This composition— to the Liedertafel by the members of the Lyric Quartetwas ■ heartily encored and repeated. An agreeable rendering of Kreutzer's part song, "The Chapel," was given in the second part of the programme, prominent features being precision in the detached syllables and meritorious intonation. Dudley Buck's fine number, "In Absence," received a broad interpretation.. The sudden tone transitions were neatly achieved, and the melodic portions by the second basses are worthy of remark. The numerous final sibilants distributed through the sentences found the performers seldom wanting ir. simultaneous release. Hatton's setting of Longfellow's "The Village Blacksmith," received a vigorous interpretation where such was demanded, and reference may be made to the subdued religion:) effect secured in the third verse, where the swelling and receding volume of sound was praiseworthy. Other choral numbers meeting with acceptance were, "Come, Let Us Join the Roundelay" (Beale), and "The Happiest Land" (flatten). Mr. Herbert J. Bloy, as solo violinist, gave his usual artistic readings of the programme numbers, "Ave Maria" (Schu-bert-Wilhelmji), and (a) "Le Cygne" (Saint-Saens), (b) " Valse" (Chopin), being encored in each instance. The cantabile nature of the first, with its intricate double-stopping in the repetition of the subject, was faithfully presented. In "Le Cygne," the melting tenderness of the thematic material was carefully treated, and in the Chopin " Valse" considerable digital facility was evidenced. Mr. G. ' F. Snowden's resonant and cultivated bass voice was heard in the numbers, "J Triumph ! I Triumph !" (Carissimi), and " The Gauntlet" (Stark). His encore numbers were -" Four Jolly Sailormen" (German), and " The Roast Beef of, Old England." Miss Grace Lam bourne's songs ; were. "Smiles" (Heron-Maxwell), and " Vorrei" (Tosti). She was recalled for her effort in the first part of the programme. The various accompaniments wee capably played bv Mrs. A. W. MacAndrew, Dr. W. E. Thomas, Mr. T. E. Midgeley, and Mr. H. £. Simmonds.

. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. There was again a capital audience at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when MacMahon's living pictures were extremely well received, the humorous films in particular calling forth the unqualified approval of those present. Miss Lorraine Tansley contributed a number of illustrated songs 'most acceptably. The two farewell performances will be given to-day. For the matinee, which will commence at 2.30, a specially interesting programme, appropriate to children and families, will be presented, while for tonight's farewell event the management will, in compliance with a generallyexpressed desire, reproduce their popular and widely-known picture-drama, "Robbery Under Arms," together with a selection of the star subjects of the repertoire. .JULIUS KNIGHT SEASON. An important dramatic announcement is that of the reappearance at His Majesty's Theaire, commencing on Easter Saturday, of Mr. Julius Knight, Miss Ola Humphrey, and Mr. J. C. Williamson's Dramatic Company. The opening production will be Orczy-Barstow's romantic play, " The .Scarlet Pimpernel," which ran for over 1000 nights in London, and having been recently revived, is again proving a strong attraction. The Sydney public, it is said, endorsed the English verdict by crowding the Theatre Royal far seven weeks during the run of this play. 'The dramatist is said to have constructed a stage narrative of engaging interest on the exploits of that romantic personage, "The Scarlet Pimpernel." The story abounds .in thrilling situations, stirring incident, and picturesque charm, with a liberal amount of bright, clean comedy relief. ME Julius Knight as Sir Percy Blakcncy is said to be placed in a most congenial role, as f is!Miss Humphrey as Lady Marguerite BUkeney. Mr. Williamson's Company inchi.lt.-s Messrs, Dudley Clinton, Reynolds i' Dejmisfcon, Harry Plimmer, Herbert J. Bentley, Edgar Harris. Leslie Victor, A. IS. McKay, Walter Hunt, Geo. Chalmers, ;Rege Rede, Rupert Julian, Alf. Andrew, WaipoJe, Chas. Cullman, Fred. Thome, Mioses Ada. Stirling, Elwyn Harvey, Mary/Marlowe, Katie Towers, K. Chalmers! and Jean Martin. The season will extend over 18 nights, and the productions to be staged are " The Scarlet Pimpernel." !. "The: Prisoner of Zenda "• *'Claudian,"/ and "A' Royal Divorce. ' j The box plans for ,the first six nights of " The Starlet Pimpernel" will be opened at Wild man and Arey's on ( Tuesday morning. r ; ' „ ~.,. _.„__ —. —