MADAME ARABELLA GODDARD'S SECOND CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4260, 14 November 1874, Page 2

MADAME ARABELLA GODDARD'S SECOND CONCERT.

» (by an occasional contribdtor.) Lately there has been such a superabundance of entertainments, both musical and dramatic, each of which has been criticised as having outrivallecl all predecessors, that in writing favorably of any entertainment the reader is liable to read it aa a matter of course, and having read it, think of it little afterwards. Again, on the other hand, if instead of this general and very liberal distribution of favor-. able criticism, it is found necessary to point out certain shortcomings on the pai-t of the artists, it is attributed to a desire to be singular, and in writing.the following notice of the performance we do not desire either to be regarded as singular, or that we should write to no purpose. Our object at present is to point out to those less acquainted with the delicacies of musical (instrumental) performances the salient points of the performers' execution. The performance commenced with a trio, " The Magic Wove Scarf," by Mrs. Smythe, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Rainford, which was tastefully sung. "The next piece on the programme was a- song by. Mr. Rainfofd, " The Wanderer," by Schubert Mr. Rainford's appearance on the stage as a'solo singer was the signal for a most marked reception from the audience, which, under the circumstances, must have been as gratifying to him as it was deserved. He also sang, in the second part, Russell's world-renowned song, " The Old Sexton," which was encored, and in response was given " Nil desperandum" with great spirit and truth of tone. Mr. Skinner afforded considerable pleasure in his part-singing with Mrs. Smythe and Mr. Rainford, but as a solo singer .was hardly as perfect in his cadences as one would expect from him. Of MrS.. Smythe it is not necessary to say more than that both in part singing and also as a solo singer she acquitted herself favorably. Next comes Herr W. Doehler, who without doubt is violinist of the first order—one of the best that has ever played'here—though he seems to be singularly unfortunate in his selections. Having heard Herr Doehler play Rhode's "air rarii," it is difficult to believe that any artist, having at his command, aud in truth at his fingers' ends, such pieces as lie subsequently played . could have selected such a bye-gone air as this. Of his performance as a whole, it may safely be said that Herr Doehler astonished those who heard him, under unfavorable circumstances, on his first appearance, and has by his playing last night firmly established himself as a really good violinist. His stoccato bowing (only equalled by Martin Simonsen), being very clear, and his pizzicato with both the left hand and right hand has not been excelled. His " Carnival of Venice " being encored, a thema by Hauman was played as an encore piece. As regards Madame Arabella Goddard's performance, it is impossible to speak too highly, the clearness with which the most rapid passages of'cromatic notes were played, was perfectly marvellous, and although apparently simple, cau only be the result of long years of the most r.atient aud intelligent study. Passages in .octaves were as easily parformed as if only single notes, in the most prestissimo time, e ich note telling clearly I oth in the piano and forte passages; and las', but

not least, is the unequalled grace and simplicity with which all this great work of art 13 performed. Here is a lesson which is well worth the attention of many young musicians, who may learn much by close attentiveness to this great acquirement. It is needless to say that Madame Goddard gained an encore each time of appearance, only two of which were replied to, a nwrceau by Jules de Sivrai and Arditi's "II Bacio" being played with great skill and infinite taste. Madame Goddard's last concert in Wellington, prior to her departure for Dunedin, will take place on Monday, on which occasion the great artists will perform Handel's beautiful composition, the " Harmonious Blacksmith," besides tlireo of her brilliant fantasias, thus making four pieces on the programme, an undertaking which will not fail to be appreciated by her many admirers, and also to please the most fastidious. Before concluding this notice we may perhaps be allowed to compliment the conductor, Mr. Harcourt Lee, on the most efficient and careful manner in which, he presided at the piano. La'dy Fergus-son was present throughout the entertainment.