AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14281, 1 August 1908, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS

— , ~ PIANOFORTE RECITAL. l The pianoforto recital given by lire i Blancho Levi in Burns Hall last evening was among; the best musical performances i of the kind heard in Dunedin, hut it failed to draw a. wry largo audience. A i suggestion might, however, be thrown out. { that it would bo advantageous to keep the j programme somewhat snorter than that of last evening, and prohibit encores, that is in the winter months. A number of \ those present evidently folt the cold very < much, and left baforo hearing some of Mre Levi's best items which k a matter for regret, as much, was to be learnt by listen- 3 ing to their treatment. It is scarcelv possible to speak too highly of the admirable. , exposition of pianoforte playing jriven all | through tJie programme. Mrs Levi han ] something more that a colonial reputation as a piaJiisto, and those who had the pleasure of hearing her laet evening roust . have at onco recognised that it was a J reputation founded on merit of a high order. Her playing of _tho "Sonata appa&sionata." was an exceedingly fine piece of artistic work. The four movements were all equally well treated, and her nlaying was a conspicuous success. In Paderewski's "Variations et fugue," which was the other item, making considerable' demands upon her, Mrs Levi showed great brilliancy, fine execution, and the culture of the artist. , Soloists when performing such a composition on any instrument are apt to subordinat what should be prominent, in favour of the variations, but Mrs Levi made no such error, the fugal part being considerably prcdominent. This was probably Mrs Levi's most successful item from a musician's standpoint. Many other selections were equally well played, but did not require tho playing the fugue did, arid, for that reason, a distinction has to bo made. Among these other selections .three composi- ■ lions of Chopin's may bo specially men- ■ lioned. Chopin is always a favourite with a concert, audience, his music being tuneful, : bright, and elegant, and of a much more taking order than the works of many other composers. It was, therefore, natural that Mrs Levi's admirable, performance of somo of his choicest productions should meet with such a ready and hearty reception. . "Etudes Nos. 1, 2. 3, 8, and 9, from op. 25," were delightful to listen to when rendered with such skill and delicacy. Mrs Levi also played compositions by Brahms, Strauss, Liszt, and Dunhill, all of which , proved most acceptable to t.ho audience. Miss Violet Earth appeared on two occassbns, singing Handel's recitative and aira " Ombra mai fu," and Clay's " The sands of Dm." Miss Bavth sang the former exceedingly well, and received a well-deserved recall; a similar compliment was paid her singing of "Thosandsof Dee,"-a pretty little song composed by Mrs Levi being given as an encore number. The acconrpaniments to tho songs were supplied by Mrs Levi most sympathetically. MR CHARLES SAUNDERS. The full programme for Mr Saunders's first recital is published in another column. A judicious selection has been made, including several classical numbers, but tho items, whilo good, are mainly of the populai order. Mr Saunders, while not forgetting tho cultured musical patrons, recognises that the multitude should be liberally oatered for. Tbo success of tho artist's working on these lines has been most pronounced in Christchureh. The box plan is now open at the Dresden. DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS SOCIETY. Tho above society's annual „ festival is drawing near, and will bo held in His Majesty's Theatre from September 15 to 25. Entries promise to exceed those of all previous years, and these competitions appear to become more attractive each year. That tho society is doing a good work in our city is undoubtedly admitted, and entries are coming in from Wanganui to tho Bluff. Intending competitors are reminded that entries close op. Saturday, August 15. The committee, with a view of making tho evening. performances more attractive to the general public, is endeavouring to arrange the evening performance on tho . lines of a concert programme, and thus obviate those long waits between items which become very tiresome to tho audience. The entries promise to be very large, and everything points to a ycxy sucoesslul year. Those desirous of becoming members can obtain tickets, admitting them, to every session, for the sum of ono guinea, on application to tho secretary. PRINCESS THEATRE. Last evening, when the Wide World Picture Company presented for tho second time its new pictures, the Princess Theatre was well filled by an appreciative audience. The pictures this week are all good ones,and include "Tho Viking's Bride," a Norse romance, "The Chauffeur's Dream," 17 A Letter in tho Sand"' and "The Air- . ship." As usual a matinee performance will be givem this afternoon, and a full house is looked for to-night. D.I.C. ANNUAL BALL. The employees of tho Drapery Importing Company held their annual ball in the Masonic Hall last evening, when there was a wry large attendance, some 75 couples being present. Tho hall was tastefully decorated for tho occasion, and with most capable M.C.'s and a good floor, a most enjoyable evening was spont. Catering in a most lavish style was capably carried out by Mr Thomas, tho caretaker, and excellent imtsio was provided bv Yates's Band. BUTTERWORTH'S EMPLOYEES' SOCIAL. Tbo employees of Messrs Buttorworth Brothers held their annual social at tho invitation of tho principals in Sweeting's last evening. From 8 o'clock until 9.30 was pleasantly spent in a progressive euchre tournament, the prize-winners being Miss Dillon and Mr R. Aitchison, while Messrs A. Smith-Milne and W. W. Baxter shared the booby prize. Afterwards all repaired to the supper room, where a unique toast list, intarsperi«d with musical items, was gone through. Mr Anderson apologised-'for tho absence of Mr Butlerworth, who was unablo to be present. Messrs West, Alexander, and Wilson proved a most efficient orchestra, and added considerably to 'tho success of the evening. What was voted! tho most enjoyable social yet held terminated about 11.30 by all singing the National Anthem. DOMINICAN PUPILS' CONCERT. A most delightful evening was spent by all those, who journeyed to the Santa Sabina Convent, Nortb-East Valley, to witness tlto performance given by the Dominican pupils. The programme opened with an overture by Misses Miller and Gawiio. This was delightfully rendered, and well received. Mies Carter sang " Tim dream" very tastefully. Tire sone and dance' by the junior pupils was most charmii.gly done, and gave proof of the care taken to perfect the children. This was emphatically proved in the operetta entitled "Bubbles," given by the children. This was certainly one of the masterpieces' of tho evening. Miss Frasar's rendering of "Hush, my little one" was well received, an encore being imperative. Mies Clara Finnorty gave a pleasing rendering of " Rory darlin'," tho last verse being repeated. Miss Annie HetFarnan was heard to groat advantage in " Dolly in a coach," giving "Kentucky babe" as a well deserved encore. Miss Daisy Miller gave a pianoforte solo in fine style. Miss Newcomb Halt waa heard to great advantage in '' Sing sweet bird." and was forced toappear again. Miss M. Brcnnaji had a great hearing in the wedtation "Soliloquy of a piano," with musical' accompaniment. Miss Fraseirls second song was "Bid mo discourse," which was also .encored. Father Corcoran addressed a few appropriate remarks preparatory to drawing the prizes. The winning- numbers were 56, 100, and 209. Tho concert was closed with "The German Band," by the boys, and the chorus. ' "'Goodnight" by all the children. Much credit is due to tho nuns for the efficient way in which they handled the children.