Music Notes

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8178, 20 July 1912, Page 11

Music Notes

A NEW MARSEILLAISE,

It is difficult to conceive that a national anthem could, after over a century of existence, remain in such a fluid state that a special commission should he necessary, to determine once for all not only the exact words, but the authentic music also. There are indeed verses of “God Save the King” which strike the eye as unfamiliar when printed in full on a patriotic programme, but the tune at least is immutable. Yet with the "Marseillaise” the impossible has happened. Words and music have changed fo much in the 150 years since Rouget de Lisle composed it that a special commission has been necessary. The first report of the commission is now made public. There aro two absolutely different versions of the French anthem—that played by the military bands and that sung by the Paris students (says a London paper). The commission has especially devoted its energies to adapting the words as closely as possible to the music; and on the coming “Fourth of July” Paris will hear for the first time for a century the authentic “Marseillaise” of the First Republic. Henceforward the famous song will have its ne varietur. We congratulate the French nation, only to feel some qualms about the authenticity of,the national anthem of England.

PROMINENT SINGERS. Amongst 'artists more or. less identified with this country, news reaches us this week of Mile. Antonia Dolores, who only left Australia last December, and, after a holiday in Paris and a. short stay in England, unexpectedly received an offer to tour South Africa once more (says a Sydney writer). The brilliant French soprano, with Mile. Vaudour, her friend and companion, and Air Boyd Wells, a young American pianist, who toured here with her some four or five years ago, send “greeting from Madeira en route to Capetown.” The postmark is "Funchal,” May 12th. Great artist as Mme. Albani is, she is all the greater in the kindness which prompts her to give a helping hand to younger aspirants to fame, and this was exemplified by her appearance on May 13th at a concert in St. Mark’s Hall, Wimbledon (England), given by Miss Myrtle Meggy. The young Sydney artist (who is the daughter of Mr Percy R. Aleggy, of Moree), was the solo pianist throughout the soprano’s Australian and Indian tour. Alme. Ada Crossley, notwithstanding her numerous engagements, was also good enough to assist. The other artists were Messrs Ernest Groom (tenor), Hugh Langton (violinist), and Harold Caxton (accompanist). Mmes. Albani and Crossley both proved in splendid voice, the former in Handel’s "Ombra Mai Pa,” and the contralto in Bruneau’s "L’Heu,reux Vagabond,” whilst Miss Myrtle Meggy joined tbe violinist in Grieg’s "Sonata in F major,” ,for piano and violin, and aroused further enthusiasm in a pianoforte “Scherzo”_by Mr Haydn Wood, the brilliant violinist who was here with Mme. Albani’s concert party in June, 1907. Since that date Miss Meggy has settled in England, whore her talents have secured her an assured position.

MB SPENCER LORRAINE’S CONCERT. Writing of the concert given at Auckland last Monday night ’by Air Spencer Lorraine’s pupils the "Star” says: —“This event was anticipated with considerable interest by lovers of song; that they were not disappointed with tho performer’s efforts was manifested in an emphatic manner by the way the vocalists were applauded and called back after tbe conclusion of the solos. During the performance the lady singers were presented with beautiful floral tributes. A programme of exceptional merit was submitted, and one which served admirably to display the abilities of the executants, and the excellent work achieved by Mr Lorraine during his residence in Auckland. Most enjoyable and successful was the concert, tho students sang intelligently and with a confidence which gave evidence that real hard work and careful thought had been given to their studies. Several singers possessing more than usual ability gave highly interesting and successful readings of their solos." SOME AXIOMS FOR SINGERS. Singing is the simplest thing in the world. Great artists are conspicuous for their beautiful singing and not for the quantity. .# A great singer without radiant health is an impossibility. Singing should be spontaneous and natural, not forced and artificial. Cultivate assidiously the middle of the voice and the ends will care for themselves. Cultivate the lyric a long time before attempting the dramatic. A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry; and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which Chid has implanted in the hunjau soul. —Goethe.