ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5622, 23 June 1905, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

WELLINGTON MUSICAL UNION. "FAUST” ON THE CONCERT PLATFORM. When it was first-announced that the Musical Union proposed to produce Gounod’s lyric version of Goethe’s mystical tragedy, which is generally known by its operatic title “Faust,” there were many sincere well-wishers of the society who shook their heads in dismay. They thought, and not unreasonably, that although a progressiva musical policy was in all respects desirable, an attempt to give this work would prove an unsatisfactory example of what was a commendable vaulting ambition, but which would undoubtedly o’erleap itself. It was held that Gounod’s music, however much it might bo “cut,” and adapted to the concert platform, must lose a great deal of its dramatic effect if bereft of the glamour of the “ miso on scene,” and the glitter of the stage accessories, which go so far towards pleasing the eye, and perhaps deluding the car to some extent. Moreover, it was feared that unless the music, at-all events of the principal parte, was rendered in a manner fairly comparable with the performances of professional visitors to the city, the whole thing would fall into tho realms of more or less melodic farce, and the prestige of the union would suffer proportionately. It is pleasing to be able to say that neither of these doleful misgivings had grounds for existence. No ono would at-, tempt to deny that tho stage presentation of tho opera has claims upon most auditors, which no concert platform can hope to satisfy; but at the same time it can with truth be asserted that to tho musician who revels in the graceful melodics and grandly rich harmonies which the great French master employed to carry out his conception of the poet’s meaning, a performance such as that given at the Town Hall last evening conveys tho most pleasurable ideas, and leaves mental impressions not likely to be soon < forgotten. , The vast aud.cnce which witnessed it cheered every number to the echo. To Air Robert Parker, tho musical director of the society, is due every praise for tho judicious and musician-lik© manner in which ho has trained his chorus and orchestra. He had at his command quite a number of excellent voices'and competent instrumentalists, it is true; but as is usually the case with amateurs there was the initial difficulty that a satisfactory balance of tone-volume was almost unobtainable. To get tho “balance even” as John Gilpin says, was impossible; but Mr Pdrkor has succeeded in producing a result wsich surprised as much as it delighted tn© audience last evening. An eminent critic wrote that Gounod’s instrumentation in this work was “as majestic as the chords of a vast cathedral organ.” Mr Parker’s orchestra did not realise that high ideal. It was too weak to give anything more than a mild support to the heavy choruses; but its accompaniments to the solos; and the concerted numbers of tho principals were generally played sympathetically and w ith delicacy. Tho “Soldiers’ Chorus/’ and in the first act tho-" Waltz Chorus” were the best examples of tho society’s choral work as a whole; but in several of the lesser numbers tne music was dono very fair justice to. Miss Rosina Buckmann appeared as Marguerite. Her first scena disclosed to the audience tho fact that she possesses a sweety clear soprano voice,, and a musical intuition enabling her to do justice to such a part. Her singing of that weird, plaintive ballad, “Tho King of I naV’—v.hicb might well be spoken of as a Broken Melody,” because Marguerite ceases the burden of the song to adjust the thread on her spinning wheel and to interpolate a few wayward thoughts with regard to her new suitor, Faust—was charming. Had it been permitted, the audience would have been delighted with many repetitions. Hiss Buckmann’s great triumph. however, was in the “jewel song.” In this number, the orchestral accompaniment was somewhat straggling, and uneven, but the vocalist overcame all that, and sang the music splendidly, Mrs F. P. Wilson, as Siebel, had two very beautiful arias “Gentle flowers, lie ye there,” and “When all was young and pleasant.” After each she received rounds of applause, which were thoroughly well earned. The comparatively small part of Martha was admirably taken by Mrs Oscar .Kember. Mr Frank Graham made an ideal “Faust,” It is not often that a principal sings the old doctor’s music in the first act before ho is transformed into tlm youthful gallant. Generally some second-rate" vocalist essays the task; and there wore many present last evening who did not know there was any music in that scene until they heard Hr Graham sing it. It would be difficult to point to any of this fine tenor’s numbers ns t his best effort. He was in slpendid voice, and indeed it is doubtful if Ms interpretation of the music has been excelled by any artist who hns appeared in the role in this colony. Mr A, Ballanco as Mephistophles r?ave a much finer reading of the rmrt than had been looked for, as his light baritone voice was by many regarded as lacking in the power and sonorousness required. This was to some extent noticeable in the ouartettes, but his principal solos, “Tho Calf of Gold” and the “Serenade,” were most effectively given. To Mr P. Hockley, who appeared'as Valentine, fell the beautiful cavatina, "Even bravest heart may swell”—said to have been excerpted from the overture, in which it h first given out/ and transformed into' a vocal sdo at the request of a celebrated baritone, who would not sing the part unless ho was given "something to sing.” Mr Hockley was distinctly successful, not only in this item, but in all his work, Mr G. Parsons sang the music given to 1 Wagner very satisfactorily. This evening the Musical Union will g*vo an orchestral concert at the Town all, when Miss Buckmann will give “Elizabeth’s Bong,” from “Tannhauser,” instead of “In Verdure Clad” (Creation), as at first announced. “ROMEO AND JULIOT.” The standard love romance of the English stage, “ Romeo and Juliet,” was presented for the second time to a large audience last evening by Mr Williamson’s Dramatic Company, headed by Mies Tittell Bruno. Miss Bruno certainly takes a high place among the Juliets seen in this colony, whom it must be remembered include such stars as Mrs Scott Siddous and the charming Miss Essie Jenyns. Miss Bruno’s voice is soft, full and clear—is expressive of pathos and passion. Her tender coauetry in the balcony scene, and half-delTious fear at what might happen in taking the Friars potion, was a contrast in emotions that would do any young actress infinite credit. Mr A. E. Greenaway’s Romeo lacks distinction ; and physical charm, but 'is partly redeemed by an honesty of purpose in the later scenes. It ; s a popular fallacy that ov«ry actor’s ambition is to play Romeo. ’Tis net fo— for given the choice of characters, Mercutio is invariably chosen. Mr Roy Redgrave is very satisfying in the latter part. Miss Clara Stephenson made the nurse a eprghtly old lady of spasmodic speech, and her boy, Peter, was notably well played by Mr Dudley. “Romeo and Juliet” will be repeated for two nights. On Monday “Sunday” will be staged. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The quality of the far© that is being served up to the patrons of His Menesty’s theatre this week is fully up to the requirements. On Monday next the ’Stewarts, a musical trio from Australia, are their first appearance in New Zealand. Another new artist, in the pretty person of Mies Ethel Preston, is also to appear that evening. RACING ON SKATES. A special attraction at the Elite Rink, Ingestr© street, last night was a mile race for a gold medal, presented by the nan* 1 agement. A large crowd was present.

and tho music of a full considerably enlivened the proceedings. At 9 o’clock tho floor was “cleared for the fray,” There were twelve entrants and the race was divided into three heats. T. Hedgers, Reid, Cross, and prised the first heat. Curtin start. - Cross went round times and then gave up. anci Hedgers pegged away. Reid however, and Hedgers (nineteen times round) in In the second heat. Keegan, (.Killetra, Scairmnud, and W. Hedgers two last-named came to grief, bufejKeqga-Ut and Killeen stuck to tho task.) Ivpegnn won with a good deal to spare Jn/tuHU SSsec. His skating was tho best’erf too evening. Dunn, Crews, Tayloiv'ftfiS; 1 McLaren started in the third heal.. Crewiv? was tho only one to finish, hit? time be* ing srnin 27sec. The final heot.’iwiil‘be decided next Monday night. : A highly appreciative audience, listened to a lecture on Robert Louis Sloven* son by the Rev J. Gibson. S null in .St. John's Schoolroom last evening. ’’ Tho* lecturer dealt with tho work -iind per* sonality of the author in a very •'lnteresting manner, and at tho conclusion of the lecture was accorded a hearty-.• rot© of thanks. Mr G. A. Troup occupied the chair. . } Tho Bear-a-hand Club connected jWilk the Missions to Seamen gave a, concert to the inmates of tho Ohiro Hpin'o’ R/R Evening. Mr Moore, miseioneiv .ivas’/te the chair. Tho entertainment, 1 was of a varied and interesting/dliarnc* ter, wasi much enjoyed by tliotinmatcs, who received the various items—glees by tho club and songs and recitalwns-f-willi enthusiasm. Tho following contributed: Misses Cunningham (2), Miss , Cum.* mings, Miss Holliday, Misses Aldpus (£), Mrs Dixon (accompanist), Mujs 1 ' 1 ’Crisp, Miss Colpus, Miss Kerr, Messrs'’ ! 3Corr, Winter, Taylor, Burgess, and Colpus. ’ ?>