SISTINE SINGERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12252, 25 September 1925, Page 4

SISTINE SINGERS

POPULAR ARTISTS RETURN OVATION AT TOWN HALL. The re-appearancc of the Sistin# Singers last night at tho Town Hall v.as a prolonged delight to the largo audience and very pleasant to tUa talented group ot singers and their famous conductor, Signor (Jasolari. For every member of the old company received an ovation on ins appearance on tho stage, to say nothing of the acclaim loudly accorded when the company jjpeed the audience ior their first number, the "Tenebrae,-' and to acid the enthusiasm which lasted with warmest ieivour from the first bar of the first jarl to tu? iast ot the second, and beyond. In the first part they were in the very showy dress of the Louis XV. period, which c.ame them well, presenting a brilliant ensemble. The practical measure of the audience’s enthusiasm was the fact that every item received a triple “encore,” which in nearly every, instance was granted with great alacrity.

The outstanding novelty in this bril* liant company of Italian singers is Signor Burani, the possessor of a magnificent baritone voice, which in volume can be truly described as gigantic. It is also of singularly melodious quality, and of a rare ‘‘timbre” thatj captures tho attention from the start. The Signor, who sings with strong temperament, and the easy command of a, style of great variety, quickly, got on terms with his audience, holding them spellbound with his glorious tones. All his numbers were simply magnificent, liis “Vittoria” (Carissioni) a rollicking joy, his “Pagliacci” prologue a sonorous dramatic revelation* his “Nemioo della Patna”—from Gmrdani’s Andrea Chenier—a marvel of denunciatory power. Everything he nang, in fact, was wonderful, and in the concerted music his voice was »f----fectivo without being unduly conspicuous.

The concerted music ot the company was a great feature, so good that we hope to hear much more of it, more especially of the old Italian masters of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries* whose music has inspired the melodies of all the world. W e have mentioned the “Tenebrae” of Vittoria—religious and tragic—and there followed this a composition of Palestrina which, to the surprise of many who heard it for the first time, is not religious at all, and partaking more of the character of the glees of old time composers. Joyous and crisp it was, spirited and flowing, admirable through the fine voices well balanced which gave it to us. The twe Verdi concerted numbers—The Anvil Chorus, and the “Vergine” front “Forza del Destino”—we need hardly say were given superbly, accent, swing,dramatic touch, all perfect in the first* and tender religious sentiment very effective in the second, both most remarkable for vocal power, tonal quality and perfection of light and shade. There was a quiet “encore” number—a perfect gem—and a Madrigal “Matinata,” surprisingly attractive. Of the soloists we appreciated so mucK on their last visit, what more can we say, but that they are still what they were when ihev charmed tho town. Signor Pagaielli gave exquisite expression to the old favourites, “Cara Mio Ben,” and the lullaby ‘‘Angela Guard and bis “Donna e Mobile” was again remarkable for iti grace and command of breath. Signoi Faccini touched us onoe again in the “Salve Dimora,” Signor Sarti showed again his delicate finished art with excerpts showed us again how wonderful u Boito’s “Mephistofele” in his great song with the whistle, and gave us ai. strong rendering of Wagner’s “Star of Eve.” This singer joined Signor Auchner (another addition to the company’s forces) in a glorious buffo duet from an opera of Cimarosa, with fine acting as only Italians can act. Another duet—this one from “Boheme’— as new. And tbe old “Funiculi,” with now to Wellington, and as agreeable by Signor Faccini and Auchner was Signor Faccini and chorus —rece : ved with acclamation—brought a great concert to a fine end. Need we add that Signor Casolarl reminded us onoe again wliat a caplblo accompanist and masterly conductor he is.