ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8783, 13 July 1914, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

ORGAN RECITAL. On Saturday night, in response to many requests, the city organist (Mr Bernard F. Page) devoted his weekly recital entirely to selections from Wagner’s operas. Despite the' weathoi, there was a good attendance. Tho programme was divided into four sections, selections from “Dio Meister singer,” “Siegfried,” “Das: Rheingold” and “Tristan and Isolde” being played in that order. From "Die Meistersinger” two portions were selected, the overture and Walther’s “Prize Song” (Act III.). The overture, we are told, is a sort of musical epitome of the entire work; it contains the contest between pure pedantry and the spirit of progress in music, with a final reconciliation. It begins with a stately melody, typical of the conservatism of the guild to which tho young knight Walther tries to gain admittance, and later on changes to the motive of tho prize song. in the ‘ ‘Prize Song" itself, those who had not hoard it before were introduced to a creation of marvellous beauty. la this work, this Song is supposed to win tor the young knight, the successful competitor au the annual meeting of tho Meistersingers, the hand of Eva, tho rich silversmith's daughter. A musical treat was provided in tho ■ selections from Wagner's great four-part opera “Tho Ring” (“Tne Rhinogold,” “The Valkyrie,” “Siegfried,” and ' the “Dusk of the Gods”). The closing secene from “Das Rheingold” was given, and the majestic strains of tho master depicting the entrance of the old Scandinavian gods into Walhalla with all its preceding turbulence re-echoed from the - organ with fine effect. Of a totally different type was “Waldwoben” from the second act of “Siegried.” It will be remembered that the hero, seeking the dragon Fafnir through the forest, desires to understand the speech of birds. The. scene is one of strange beauty, the jewel of the work being the wood-music, in which the murmuring sounds of the forest, with its calling of birds, and rustling of leaves, are reproduced ’in delicate orchestral phrases that are ’ interwoven to form a musical picture of tho richest colouring; No two pieces could have presented a greater contrast than the selections from “Siegfried” and “Das Rheingold,” and the result spoke volumes for the range of the organ and the capabilities of the performer. From “Tristan and Isolde” the preludes to Acts I. and HI. were played as well as Isolde’s “Liebestod” from Act 111. Of the prelude to Act 1., Mr Page is of opinion that it is the finest musical ' picture of love and despair that has .ever been written. The orchestration is gorgeous and complex, yet’ the effect is appreciable in the highest degree to the most technically uninformed listener. The prelude begins in a twovoiced theme, one ascending and the other descending chromatically, representative of the emotions of pain and joy felt by a lover. The prelude to Act 111. is oven more powerfully suggestive of bitter grief, and loneliness too. The sad story of tho two lovers is well-known and a very affecting melody is heard upon a shepherd’s pipe towards the close of the passage Tristan is dying and the dolorous air floats again and again through the music. Isolde’s lament over the dead body of her knight formed the clmiax to a notable recital. The song is the masterpiece of the opera and one ot the most consummate pieces of music m existence, ’ and was finely translated for the benefit of the audience. Some day Wellington mar hone to hear Wagner’s operas with a full orchestra — hut the day is a long way off. The next host thing is to attend Mr Page’s organ recitals.

• THE EMPRESS THEATRE. “Black Heart and White,” a Continental “feature” drama, ■ will head the new programme at the Empress Theatre continuous pictures to-day and to-night. Miss Ida Nielsen takes the principal role. According to the story Elsie Brown, governess to the' Horton family, is accused of the theft of a £5 note which was actually stolen by Wilfred Horton, the neer-do-vvell son. Elsie knows that Wilfrid is guilty, but when accused of the theft, sooner than betray him, she remains silent and is dismissed. The girl subsequently attempts to .take her life, but the bullet causes her to lose her sight. In the end -Elsie is made happy again and Wilfred receives mete punishment. The, supplementary numbers include “Oxygon’’ (scientific!, “Williamson’s Weekly” (topical), “The Solomon Islands” (travel), and comedies. “PAUL JONES.” To-night, to-morrow and on Wednesday evenings will be the last opportunities of witnessing .the production of the charming comic opera “Paul Jones” by the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society. On Saturday night the Grand Opera House was filled with an audience which showed freely and gladly its appreciation of the amateurs’ most creditable efforts. The opera “goes” from first to last in a thoroughly pleasing manner. To-morrow night’s performance will be under the patronage of Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool. EVERYBODY’S PICTURES, The popularity of Everybody’s Pictures at the old Opera House is firmly established, the building being crowded at all sessions on Saturday. The new pictures for to-day and to-night will be star featured by “Black Roderick the Poacher,” a stirring drama of the highlands of Scotland. The piece was played for the camera before a background of natural Scottish scenery, of which some fine views are said to be shown. The story, a romance of the Highlands, tells how young Lord Dane, already engaged to. a lady of high lineage, whiles away his leisure hours in making love to pretty" Mary, the daughter of Donald, a game-keeper. This fact is discovered by Black Roddy, a poacher, who, when accused qt poaching by the girl’s father, angrily commands Donald to leave him alone, and give a little closer attention to his daughter, lest she come to trouble, through Lord Dane. A violent scene afterwards takes place between Lord Dane and Donald, and this quarrel is remembered when old Donald is shot in the woods. Roderick is the real culprit. Donald came upon him poaching and Roderick fired, and thinking that he had killed the keeper, caused suspicion to fall on Lord Dane. Donald’s miraculous escape from death saves the innocent and brings the guilty one to justice. The supporting pictures are;—Gaumont graphic, “A Romance of the North-Weet (drama); “Rica Culture in Java” (industrial), “His Favourite Pastime” (Keystone comedy), and another fun-maker entitled “Polidor and the Lions.” The orchestra attends all afternoon and night sessions. “ ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA.” To-night, at the King’s Theatre, will see the advent of Cincs’ great presentation of Shakespeare’s immortal classic tragedy, “ Antony and Cleopatra,” in pictures which, shown in conjunction with specially-arranged music to be rendered by an augmented orchestra of fourteen instruments under Signori Martinelli and Truda, should certainly bid fair to mark an epoch in picture amusements in this city. It is claimed for the film that it is without doubt the best achievement in the filmic art ever produced. In praising its merits the Auckland “Star” said:—“This Shakespearean picture seems to mark the limit in kinematography, and nothing short of the actual play, with the

lines spoken "by these talented performers, could conceivably compare with it.” An outstanding feature is said to bo the admirable acting of a very lengthy oast. Amongst these, standing; prominently in the foreground as Mark Antony is Signor Novelli, the Vinitius of “ Quo VadisP” The representation of the part of Hagar is said to bo one of the most telling characterisations ever thrown upon asoreen. This character, a "slave girl, is • interpolated into the production from the version of the story by the famous Italian author ( Signor Cossa. The reproduction of tbs death of Hagai - , when she is thrown, into the waters to the waiting alligators by Cleopatra’s orders, is said to reach the- very apex of realism. The management state that “ Antony and Cleopatra ” closed its season at Auckland oh Saturday night amid a scene of enthusiasm, many persons being unable to gain admission to the theatre. The Wellington season will bo limited to six nights, and seats for any evening may bo rosorvod at tbo Dresden. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. • A large audience was present at. His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night, when several favourite artiste appeared for the last time. The matuiee was also exceptionally well attended. To-night a- now programme will be presented. when several new artists will appear, among them, being Edward Blundell and his American Comedy Company. Mr BlondeU is described as one of America’* greatest • comedians, and has for a number of years been appearing in ah the principal'vaudeville houses in England and America with the sketch that he will present here, “The Lost Boy f> in which ho will bo assisted by Miss Katheryne Caine. Another newnumber will he that of the Hughes Trio, who are said to bo clover instrumentalists. The violinist of the party is spoken of as being particularlj clever, and besides showing brilliant executive ability, produces a mca tone and displays a fine mastery oi technique. Miss Ray Devero is another newcomer, who is described as being an exceptionally pleasing soubrette. Misses Andrews and Deni, will appear for the first time in a musical melange. Among other turns which will go to make up an, excellent bill are Leslie and Sol Bern (whose clever cross-talk has been responsible for insistent recalls nightly), the Eary Trio (in their clever barrel jumping), Crotton and Kremka (whogive an exhibition of Roman statuary posing), and Vincent, Arthur, and Olive (the popular vocal trio). Irvc Hayman and Co. will produce a new sketch, “The Eternal Mangle,” which is said to contain a clever plot that is capably developed by the three arlists. "