CONCERT AT THE MASONIC HALL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 165, 31 October 1876, Page 2

CONCERT AT THE MASONIC HALL.

. One of the moat successful concerts of the season was given last night, and although the Hall was not so well attended as we have seen it on previous occasions, the audience was a most demonstrative one, and what it lacked in numbers it made up in enthusiasm. The great feature of course in the programme was the performances of Herr Schott on the Oboe, and those who went expecting a treat were nob disappointed. What the Organ is to Giorza, and the Violin, to Jenny Claus, the Oboe is to Herr Schott. He has made it peculiarly his own, and in manipulation of that difficult instrument lie is without a rival south of the Equator. The cappriccio from Trovatore, embracing the " Tempest of the Heart," " Leonora, Fare Thee Well," and other selections from Verdi's clicf d'eeuvre were listened to with breathless silence to the conclusion, when a genuine burst of applause greeted the performer. Of course the principal burden of the evening fell upon the bmeficiure, and although it was by no means light, so enthusiastic were those present that on each occasion he was compelled to appear to an encore. Perhaps the most choice selection on the programme was the Oboe solo fantasia of English, Irish, and Scotch airs, concluding with bagpipes imitation. The representative melodies chosen were " Home, Sweet Home," " The Last Rose of Summer," and "Auld Robin Gray." In response to a vociferous demand for an encore, the Herr gracefully gave the Welsh melody " Jenny Jones." Whether in the plaintive strains of the national airs, or the dashing "Lebiamo" of " Traviata," the performer was equally at home, the most difficult and intricate passages being executed with a rapidity and precision wliich was truly marvellous. Most valuable, aid was rendered throughout the evening by Mrs. Medland Newsham, who presided at the piano. During the entertainment, that lady, by special desire, gave Thalberg'spiano solo, "Home, Sweet Home," in a manner that was highly and deservedly applauded. In addition to the instrumental portion of the programme, it was further supplemented by the aid of Messrs. J. and E. Booth, Mr. Lees, and Miss Hardy. Mr. J. Booth appeared in the first part in Russell's spirited song, "Man the Life Boat," his deep bass voice being admirably suited to the piece ; but to our mind, his greatest success was " The Wolf ; " which caused Mm to reappear before the audience, giving "The Will o' the Wisp/ Mr. Lees acquitted himself most creditably of "When Other Lips," but he would have been more effective had he managed to be less nervous. Mr. Edward Booth substituted " The Sexton " for the son"; set down to his name on the programme, but the audience lost nothing thereby, and, in response to a call, gave in his very best style, "She Wore a Wreath of Roses," a song in which he appears to greater advantage than any we have heard him. The pretty song, " O Haste ye Birds," was capitally rendered by Miss Hardy, that young lady deservedly obtaining a large share of the applause of the evening. Before the conclusion of the Concert, as announced, the Herr came forward to give his performances upon what was grandiloquently styled in the programme, " The Liguridozlosophone." Tliis proved to be an instrument somewhat similar in appearance to an ordinary penny tin whistle, but which, in point of fact, is a very great improvement upon that melodious instrument. Upon this Herr Schott played with as much ease, sweetness, and execution as if it were a veritable piccolo that was being operated upon. Taken as a whole, the Concert was a most enjoyable one, and it is to be regretted that the attendance was not worthy of the very attractive programme brought forward.