AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14280, 31 July 1908, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

«»■ — ORGAN RECITAL. First Church was very largely attended last evening on (he occasion of an organ recital given by Mr Henry Wells, of Christchurch. Mr Wells is an accomplished music-ian, and tho opportunity of hearing his performance on the fine instrument placed at his disposal was one greatly to be appreciated. • Throughout a somewhat exacting programme the organist played with marked and consistent skill and taste. The organ selections formed a. varied and interesting group, tending towards severity 1 as a whole, but thoroughly worthy of tho occasion, and. calculated to appeal to all real lovers of music. _ From a popular standpoint the selection from "'Tannhauser," contrasting with tho other items, as Wagner's music has a way of doing, was tho most welcome contribution of the evening, and was interpreted with a high degree of _ skill and musicianly feeling. Other particularly prominent numbers on tho programme were Fricker's Ccndert Ovorturo in C minor, a composition of tho brilliant and effective order, and Bach's great Toccata and Fugue in D minor, both calculated t-o test the resources of organ and organist. Mr Wells acquitted himself admirably in both contributions, and his mastery of ■ the instrument proved quito convincing. In the lighter compositions in which h-8 'was heard the organist's work was thoroughly artistic and finished, such selections as Beethoven's "Andante with variations from the Septnor," Smart's "Andante in'F," a- romance by Salome, an Andanto by Hesse, and a Toccata by Widor proving, eminently enjoyable. A measure of variety was lent the by voeal contributions from Mr W. Thomson. Mr Thomson was in good voice, arid met tho demands of such heavy oratorio numbers as "Arm, arm, yo bravo" and "It i 3 enough" with very considerable success, being heard to the better advantage, however in tho aria from Handel, PRINCESS THEATRE. The management of tho Wide World Pictures introducc-d another change of programme last evening, and that- the new presentation was looked forward to with some expectation was evidenced by the largo number of people who wero present. In all respects the new programme wa6 a most satisfying one, and there were shown some of the vorv best- films that have been seen here. Tlie humorous order again bulked large, and in presenting a iargo proportion of this class of picture the management exercises a very wiso judgment. One iilm.that ovoked continuous merriment was . that in which a bridal couple was seen pursued through highways and byeways by an exceedingly determined crowd of camera fiends and sketehors. '' Indian Bitters" was another intensely humorous film, as was also "Tlie drummer's day off." "A chauffeur's dream" showed a motor car doing everything that it is actually impossible for a'motor car to do. In "The Nihilists" there was tragedy and pathos combined, while "The Crown I'rincc's visit to Cologne" provided some fino spectacular effects. In fact, ■every film had its charm or interest, and tho show was just as bright as anyone could I look for. The 6ame films will bo depicted again this evening, HIAWATHA SOCIAL EVENINGS. An extended social in tho Victoria Hall was held last W T ednc\>day evening. Over 106 couples wero present, and dancing was continued until mid-night. During the evening songs were given by Mr Sutherland and Mr Owen, and two step donees were cleverly executed by Mr M'Kechnio. Each item was heartily received. Messrs Kraus and Caddio carried out the dutifcs of M.C.'s in their usual capable manner. The music was supplied by Messrs Sullivan, Beath, and Moore, and gave every satisfaction. BLANCHE LEVI RECITAL. < Readers aro reminded that the ibovo rceital takes place ut the Burns Hall toRtight, oomrnenoing at 8 o'clock, when ono of the most attractive piano Tecital programmes will l>o submitted. Mrs Blanche Levi will bo a&sisted by Mies Violet Barth, mezzo contralto. The box plan at the Dresden indicates that a bumper house is assured. CHARLES SAUNDERS. In Christchurch the famous tenor simply charmcd all listeners, and his fame was mainly responsible for an enormous attendance. It is computed that over 1000 were unable to obtain admission. It was decided, subject to tho famous tenor accepting re-engagement, that the " Messiah " bo repeated to-night. Although no arrangements were mado for the appearsnoc of the Saunders party in Timaru, this, evening a satisfactory agreement was arrived at, and the Timaru recital will bo given at a, later date. The Christchurch Press published a very eulogistic notice concerning Mr Saunders, in the course of which it said that the singing of tho tenor solos by Mr Charles Saunders was a revelation in the matter of treatment of oratorio music. Possessed of a voice of considerable sweetness and great power—as demonstrated in his magnificent interpretation of " Thou shalt- break- thorn "—ho evinced wonderful skill in its managoment. This was particularly noticeable in "Comfort ye," the peculiar character of the music, as fitting tlie words, being most artistically interpreted. In "Every valley," the tempo of which Mr Saunders took in accordance with its joyously triumphant character, the melody which is a striking characteristic of Mr Saunders's voice canto out very strongly. Next to his magnificently dramatic work in "Thou shalt break them." Mr Saunders achieved his greatest success in the deeply pathetic Passion music, commencing with "Thy rebuke." Into this and the following .recitative and air Mr Saunders infused much pathos and artistic finish. One great point in Mr Saunders's singing was his splendid phrasing and clearness of enuncition. In this respect his singing last night was a valuable object lesson to oratorio singers. Miss Clara Robson has a finelytrained mezzo-soprn.no voice of much sweetnoss, and wa-s very successful. From the above it will be readily understood that a great treat, is in store for local music-lovers.