MRS. NEWSHAM'S CLASSICAL CONCERT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 458, 17 October 1877, Page 2

MRS. NEWSHAM'S CLASSICAL CONCERT.

The entertainment at the Masonic Hall last night was one of the greatest musical achievements at which we have ever had the pleasure of being present in the .Colony. This may appear an exaggerated statement, but it is nevertheless a fact. We know of no other community in Now Zealand that could have called together at a moment's notice so much sterling ability as was brought to bear upon last night's performance Oamaru may justly claim the credit of having successfully .accomplished what has ' never, to our knowledge, been previously attempted in New Zealand—the performance of a programme consisting almost entirely of music the very mention of which is, as a rule, distasteful to the general public. Mrs. Medland Newshani was the originator of the somewhat novel idea, and carried it out in ail its details—as the audience present last night must have felt—as few ladies would have had the necessary power of endurance and ability to do it. At first it was Mrs. New-sham's intention to give a pianoforte ricital previnus to her departure from Oamaru, in ivspouse to the wish of many of her friends. Gradually, however, tiie iilea was elaborated until the programme assumed somewhat the appearance of one that would be presented at the London " Monday Popular Entertainments," with the exception that it was about twice the length. We are inclined to think, however, that the last characteristic was scarcely viewed as objectionable—seeing that we may not for year*, have sue i anotier opportunity of hearing classical music—except to the performers, who must have been fairly worn out at the conclusion of the programme with the excitement and physical exertion which are inseparable from such performances. Upon Mrs. Medland Newshani had devolved the drudgery-it can be called by no better name—and responsibility of the preparations, musical and otherwise, and we are sure that the people of Oamtru will not soon forget the ivs.ilt of that lady's indefatigable exertions and extraordinary musical qualifications. Thelirst it mii on the programme —Beethoven's No. 3 Pianoforte Quartette— despite its scientific character, called forth lou I applause, and demonstrated to the performers that they had to deal with an appreciative audience. The adagb movement, the refrain of which has been published in so many forms that it has become familiarised, was delightfully played, the viola part being especially prominent. The next item on tne p-ogramine —" With Verdure Clad"—as sung by Mrs. Clowes, afforded pleasure that we little dreamed was in store funis. Never have we heard this piece sung with greater precision and expression ; but the difficult trills with which it i 3 plentifully interspersed, scarcely ever attempted by amateurs, and the runs to B flat, which occur twice, were exquisitely sung. Mr. Jones' Andante from Beethoven was exceedingly high-class, but not too much so; for in a' progrimmo it should be the aim of the compiler to introduce light and shadow, where it is just as desirable as in a picture ; and it must be confessed that, whether Mrs. Newshani had thi3 object in view or not, no programme could have presented greater variety. There are few voices we like to hear so much as that of Mr. E. Booth. For sweetness and volume, and ease of manipulation, it is most excellent, whilst, what is just as important, that gentleman seems to have contracted fewer had habits than most amateur vocalists. To say that his singing of Handel's plaintive song, " How Willing my Paternal Love " was quite professional would be paying Mr. Booth too small a compliment. As n rule, he infuses too little life into his singing ; but his style is peculiarly adapted to the performance of Handel's melodies. The next instrumental selection—larghotto, from Beethoven's symphony in D—(Performers : Violin, Mr. G. Jones; violoncello, Mr. Medland Newshani ; duet piano, Miss Jones and Mr. E. Samson ; harmonium, Mrs. Medland Newshani) was a little unsteady in time, apparently from the positions of the piano and harmonium, which were placed too widely apart to ensure the timely detection of any deviations which, if not observed, might easily prove fatal to the success of any performance of concerted music. Mrs. Brunton's song, " Vui che Sapeti," by Mozart, brought to light a singer of no mean vocal powers. The delicacy with which this song should be sung in order to fully interpret the composer's ideas is indeed considerable, but Mr 3. Brunton was equal to the occasion. " The Moonlight Sonata," Beethoven, by Mrs. Newsham's next performance. This piece, pregnant with so many difficulties, is Feldom attempted by amateur. 0 , and when it is, the reputation of the composer invariably suffers. Its merit as a composition is great; but the success of its performauce depends upon the observance of every minute mark of expression. We need not say that Mrs. Newsham's execution of thi3 piece, from the adagio, with its enchanting melody and flowing accompaniment, to the immensely d fficult presto agitato, with its delightful variety, was uncommonly good. The "'Marcho aux Flambeaux " afforded a little change in the programme, which, we think, was judicious. ** It was performed by the

full orchestra, and made a very fair impression upon the audience, from thu liglitnt'Bs of its character and tlio vent with which it was played throughout. The second part opened with Haydu s celobrated trio, containing the Gipsy Rondo, (Performers : Piano, Miss Jones ; violin, Mr. G. Jones ; violonc 110, Mr. Midland Newsham.) This piece was played with precision and expression, much of which was due to the careful considerate pianoforte accompaniment of Miss Jones, and the violoncello playing of Mr. Medland Newsham. Mr. Joseph Booth's singing of "In Nativo Worth " was a great treat. Wo know of no amateur vocalist that could have ilono it greater justice, and, indeed, it would he diilieult to lind another to sing it 110 well. One of Kalliwoda's viola solos, by Mr. Jones, afforded more variety to the programme. The composition itself is entirely now and unique, and the idea of introducing a viola solo wis both happy and uncommon, Gounod's " Meditation on Bach's First Prelude" was the next piece. (Performers : Piano, Mr. 11. Samson ; viola, Mr. G. Jones ; violoncello, Mr. Me Hand Newsham ; Harmonium, Mrs. Medland Newsham.) The Meditation was phiyed upon the viola, the full tones of which could be heard soaring above the running accompaniment so ably played by Mr. Samson, and the sustained harmonies of the harmonium and violoncello. Mrs. Clowes' singing of "L't the Bright Seraphim," which°wc were pleased to hear once more, even had it been sung in an ordinary manner-was linisi.ed and most gratifying. All its difficulties were as nothing to" that lady, whoso performance wan most facile. "Notwithstanding the extraordinary effort necessary to the proper singing of t..is song, one of Handel's brightest gems, she very graciously responded to an encore. Selections from '• Giiillaume Tell," a most brilliant violin solo, with an equally brilliant pianoforte accompaniment, was next performed by Mrs. Newsham and Mr. Jones. Thu popular airs with which it abounds insured for it a good reception. One of fie gems of the cone rt was the lovely trio," On Thee eae'i living Sold awaits, ' by Mrs. Bruntoo, Mr. J. Booth, and Mr. E. Booth. The accompaniments were well played and were by no means overpowering, as is too often the case, and this gave the vocalists a fair opportunity of taking advantage of the little effects so necossarv to correct musical interpretation. Mrs. N'wsham was to have phiyed the Prayer from " Moso in Kgino." bu', by special request, Tualbi-rg's celebrated pianoforte 'solo, " Home, sweet Home." with its 11 >rhl variations, was substituted. We have often before heard this piece attempted, but iti the hands of Mr.*. Newsham, ••■.s in the cue of Madame Arabella Goddard, it was quite another thing. Although we could notiej no defect, in the most diliicuit accompaniment, the time of the subject was not in the least changed, but the melody was sustained throughout with remarkable precision. The overture to "Zanroa" was a most appropriate liuale. (I'erforniers: Violin, Mr. G. Jones; viola, Mr. G. Jones, sen. ; violoncello, Mr. Medland Newsham ; duet piano, Miss Jones and Mr. E. Samson ; harmonium, Mrs. Medland Newsham.) It was played well up to time, and with a vigour and volume of sound surprising for so small an orchestra. The National Anthem concluded a most enjoyable performance. Never have we seen go appri cialivo an audience. There wai not a whisper during the whole evening whilst the performance was proceeding, and to this fact is no doubt due the wonderful success of the entertainment. In fact, although the programme was an unu.-aialiy long one, the audience seemed reluctant to leave their scats at the close of the entertainment. We must not forget to mention that the instruments upon the stage, consisting of two pianos, an American organ, and a harmonium, were kindly lent by Mrs. Newsham, Mr. Solomon, and Mr. J. Booth. It is not yet known the exact sum that will accrue from the entertainment to the Hospital, but it is expected that the proceeds will amount to L4O.