MR MACDUFF BOYD’S CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LV, Issue 9969, 2 August 1893, Page 2

MR MACDUFF BOYD’S CONCERT.

A large audience of lovers of good music was present at the annual concert given by Mr MacDutf Boyd at tho Academy of Fine Arts, Whitmore street, last evening, The first number was a serenade for strings by E. Voltmann, given by the orchestra in excellent style. The next, a 'cello solo entitled ‘ Sonia Is Baleen,’ from R. Wuerst, by Mr 11. F. Edger, was a gem. There is something in ’cello music when ably interpreted that reminds the listener of the rich warm tones of a perfect contralto voice, and when in the hands of an artist breaths a soft melody and deep harmony that at times challenge the clear, belllike tones of its master —the violin, Mr Edger is a lover of music, and cn rapport with his instrument. Mt F. 11. Pope’s singing of the ‘ Miser ’ was good, and the following number, a violin solo by Miss Minnie Elliot, shoved the young lady to be an instrumentalist of no mean merit. She chose as her selections a nocturne by Warner and ‘Soriana,’ by Papini. Although hardly yet within the inner circle of the musical cognoscenti, her performance was worthy of praise, and proved her at least an earnest student. Tne Ave Maria from • Cavalieria Kusticana,’ was a pretty morceau well delivered by Mias Johnson. Tho grand inspiration felt in tho ’ Ave ’ of a Gounod was lacking,as was the wealth ofjtone of a powerful voice, but there was a delicacy present that humoured the fancy and pleased the ear. ‘Drink to me only,' by Master H. Widdop, was well given, and received a merited encore. The first part concluded with a serenade for piano and strings, Mr Eobert Parker acting as instrumental soloist. The second part opened with a violin solo by Mr Mao-Duff Boyd, the piece chosen being the ’ -M-.rurka de Concert,’ by Mpsin. Ifr Boyd is a violinist far and away above Die average, but ho should haye recollected that'tlia selection ho gave was still fresh in tiro memory of his a misuse, as it was played by the maestro himself, and that naturally contrasts would be made. Ovide Musin, great artist as he was, in Iris performance of this piece ydejed to the violinist, the fire of the' composer,' and his playing was per? feet. Mt B»yd gave » technically correct interpretation, blit excellent as it was, it lacked the sensuous sweetness with which the composer imbued it, and gaye the impression of a classically correct copy in marble of a living, breathing individuality. Tho artist received an enthusiastic encore, however. Miss Johnson sang ‘ Bid Me Discourse,’ after which a serenade for the oboe was given by Mr C. D. Mackintosh. Miss Greig and Mr Mao Duff Boyd followed with a duet from Mendelssohn i after whioh Mr F. H. Pope sang 1 Honour and Arms.’ The concert concluded with a farewell symphony of Haydn’s. Altogether the concert was most enjoyable. It is a pity that such musical treats are not more common in Wellington.