AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3437, 19 May 1898, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

MR DURWARD LELY. The first recitalgiven by MrDur.vard Lely, the Scottish tenor, in this city attracted an exceedingly large audience to the < v pora House last irgbt. His entertainment was entitle 1 “Scottish Son*? and Story.” 'lhe “ auld Scotch sangs,” from their humanity, their poetic spirit, their humour and their appeal to a tar wider circle than the i:»habitanta of the land of Lady Nairne, Burns and Allan R unsay. In this country they find a response in the hearts of very many who are not exles, permanent or temporary, from Scotland. It was for this reason that last night’s great audience, whilst including a strong element, almost indeed a preponderance, of tho race moat likely to be intoroated, was at the same time cosmopolitan to a degree. Among those noticed in the dress circle were the Hon W. 0. Walker 'Minister of Education), the Bishop of Wellington, Mr Justice Donniston and other prominent members of the r community. So numerous was the attend anco that many persons had to stand and be content. Tho character of the entertainment was such as to prevent any discontent re- ! maining in their minds.method is to connect the songs be sings with snatches of history, little bits of philosophy and appropriate anecdotes. In this way he greatly increases interest in his vocal selections, which in any case would be snre of favourable reception, for his voice is cap\ble of interpreting every class of song, from those of war to thosa love. He U an accomplished singer, and his long operatic experience enables him to use his exceptional organ with both facility and felicity. In appearance Mr Lely is tall at:d soldierly—“a fine figure of a man,“ as the phrase goes His pronunciation of the “ Soottia toung ” may be found fault with by the hypercritical because of its very carefulness, but it is certainly mo-U pleasant to listen to. Ten well-contrasted songs bo gave, commencing with Dr BotUuna’s “ 0 Sing to M© the Auld ;-c -ich with its triple tune. This did not rouse the audience, but “ Annie Barrie ” did to a remarkable xtent. In Mr Lely’s bands “ The Laird o’ Cockpen ” was n new Bong. It was given with clever pantomimic action, free to boldness, but successfully carried through. So much pleasure did the last verse give that the discomfited laird had to ride home again. The narrative of Burns’ “O Open the Door” was very finely told, and the first part of the programme was closed with tho Jacobitieh “Hama Came oor Guidman at •Von,” in which there was a humorous differentiation of the dialogue. After tho interval came “O’ a' tho Airts the Wind Can BUw,” “Come Under My Plavdie,” “The Land o’ the Leal” (most sympathetically rendered), “ the Burrin' o’ the D'or ” and “ Allistcr McAllister.” During the dancing song the aud-eivo were hard put to it to keep their feet still, and felt quite relieved when Mr Lely himself broke into tho Highland fling. A repetition of tho step was insisted upon. After showing that “ Auld Lang Syne ” is not a convivial song, the tenor made his exit amid loud applause. In the opinion of everyone present ho had proved himself a*, worthy successor of Wilson and Templeton as an exponent of Scottish song. Each part of tho entertainment was opened with .a so’o by Frauleiu Elly Fuchs, the talented young violinist. She first gave, unaccompanied, “ Amoroso ” and variations (Paganini), in which sho displayed wonderful executive ability, and treated her hearers to some novelties in bowing. Twice was she compelled to bow her acknowledgment of the liberal applause. For her charming performance of Wiouiwaaki's “ Mazurka,” to which Mr Gunter played the accompaniment, she was encored.

In consequence of Fraulein Fuchs* engagement, Mrs Durward Lely’s piano selections were cancelled. Mrs Lely, however, played her husband’s accompaniments very judiciously and unobtrusively, evidently recognising, ai she avoided, the dancer there is of a piano accompaniment detracting from the peculiar charm of the old Scotch songs. This evening Mr Lely will present a varied entertainment, entitled “ Rose, Thistle and Shamrock,” in which English and Irish, as well as Scotch songs, will be introduced ; and the first part of tho programme will conclude with the cavatina 4 * Come into tho Garden, Maud,” in his singing of which only Sims Reeves is said to have surpassed tho Scotch tenor. The Governor and Lady Ban* furly have intimated their intention of attending tho Opera House to morrow evening, when “Hintin’ Rovin’ Robin” will be presented. Both to-night and to-morrow Fraulein Elly Fuchs will perform, GREYES* BRIGHT LIGHTS. Greyes* Bright Lights, a variety organisation that inaugurated a series of bi-weokly entertainments at tho Exchange Hall on Saturday night, opened again last evening to a fairy numerous downstairs audience. The first part of tho performance was of the ordinary minstrel type, gongs being interspersed with remarks anl anecdotes of a more or loss humorous nature. Ail of the vocali-ta’ contributions had been chosen with a due regard to popular taste, and many were redemanded, Mr Curran, a singer nf pleasing style, being warmly received The second act served to introduce a performer with an unusual capacity for lifting heavj' weights with his teeth in a surprisingly rff-hmdod manner. The Leno brothers, in au Irish song and dance, Mr Lasker, who give a character sketch, Mr Curran with a budget .cf descriptive songs. Mr A. Greyos, Miss Lilian Moore and ; Miss Etbcl Laurie all acquitted themselves efficiently. Tho entertainment concluded with an amusing faroo, “ Our Hus’ and.”

Tho company perform again on Saturday night.

WEDNESDAY POPULiR CONCERT.

Tho amusement loving public do not ecera to be aware of tho excellent entertainments which the management of the popular concerts ace providing weekly. The items are well chosen and given by the best talent procurable in tho city. Tho Skating Rink was about half filled last evening, an-1 judging by the enthu-iasra shown, future concerts should receive much hotter support than has been accorded in the past. The programme opened with an overture, “ The Caliph of Bagdad,” capably interpreted by an orchestra of six performers This was followed by “ The Message from tho King/* sung by Mr McDonald, who has a good baritone voice. Ho was encored. Mr McDonald contributed “Plymouth Sound” in the second part. .Miss Woodward is a eo* prano of much promise, and her song “'Jho Three Wishes” was 1-mdly encored. “ The Plight of Ages,” by the same performer later in the evening, was also honoured with an encore- Master Amadio, who made hia final appearauos before leaving for Australia, contributed Do Jong's fantasia ou “ Faust,” and for an enthusiastic eccore played a “Graceful Dance,” by John Lemmono. His second part items were “Le Babillard” (Etude Caprice), by Terschak, and (in response to an encore) Harrison's “Home, S-weet Homo/’ Mias Sheen, who was in splendid voice, sa»!g “ For All Eternity,” and, in response to an encore, “ ibis and That.” Later on she nang Denza’s charming ballad 4< A May Morning,” an imperative encore oliciticg “Zaaite.” Tho condo element was provided by Mr Charles Zacbariah, and both his items were londly encored, and deservedly so The management has arranged a splendid programms for next Wednesday, when there should be a crowded audience. MADAMS AMr SHESWIK. After a successful tour of the northern towns, and especially Auckland, where i ho hall was packed every night, Madame Amy Sh'-rwin, with her popular company, has returned to Wellington to'say farewell. To-night madamo will sing in the Skating Rink, Vivian street, some most popular and delightful music, including such songs as “ i-oftly -ighs ’’ (Weber), “Lo here the Gentle Lark,” “I ho Lost, Chord,” and that delightful little “ coon ” song “ O, Ma Babbie,” which has caused such a furore. The admission tariff is framed on popular linos. In order to prevent confusion and crushing at tho ticket boxs*, the public are advised to obtain tickets beforehand at the Dresden Piano Company’s warehouse. Full particulars of the concert are given in oar advertising columns.

An entertainment is to bo given in tbo Skating Rink on Tuesday, tho 2Uh instant, (Queen’s Birthday), the night of tho Fire Brigade’s sports. The whole affair is in the hands of Mr VY. B. Cadzow. Popular prices are to bo charged, and a splendid programme is promised, particulars of which will appear in future issues.