ROSA ALBA CONCERTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18322, 12 August 1921, Page 7

ROSA ALBA CONCERTS

The first two farewell conceits, give® to the public of Dunedin by Miss Rose Alba, the charming young Australian spprano, was held last night in Burns Hall, where an audience that was to the fullest degree appreciative assembled. In the original programme Miss Alba was liberal in her contributions, but as nearly every 1 item was triplicated sb© waa lavish. One eoardoly knows which to admire most in Miar-Allure • singing: The remarkable purity, range, and volume of her voice; the excellence' of the method of production; the thorough control over the vocal chords displayed; or the artistic taste of the singer. Her treatment of aongs is not always what we ‘have been accustomed to, but there is generally a reason —and perchance a good a change. The rich freshness of the'young voice is a charm in itself, and one that is too often missed in those whd ’ towe gone through the milt known as “muhibil training." But Mias Alba’s voice has 1 bO£n trained on right methods: The freShn&b has been retained, while the powers have been developed; and as the possessor has also what is technically known as "temperament,” her natural equipment, improved by art, should carry her very far in the musical world. Her numbers last night were: Recitative and aria, “Alexander’s Course of Glory" and “Yja Cupids and Graces" (Handel) ; brt) dkfeted songs, “In the lime of Roses" (Reibhalrdt) and “The Wind’s Tales” (TunSrJy 1 'aria, “Charmant Oiseau” (Felicien DavidJ.' Wfth flute obbligato by Mr J. Stewart)- atfd aria, “Una Voce Poco Fa,” (Rossini). In addition, she sang “O Manly Heart," from Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” with Mr Gefhmell, and, though we have heard voiqea that blended better, the piece; lost nothing in artistic treatment. So insistent were the audience in their applause that 's© artists sang, as an encore, the famous “Barcarolle” from “Tales of Hoffmahh■!* '" Js* for Alias Alba’s songs, there waa dn infinite variety in them, and it resolves itsbß Jiito. a matter of taste selecting the bn©- -lyttl|h pleased best. The one which displayed -fSgv beautiful voice to the most advantage waa undoubtedly Felicien David’s aria, and it may be safely said that in the rauleaux and' trills it was frequently impossible to dissever the voice from the flute) re faullike was the quality of the tone, whU© the singer made nothing of the difficulties of the vooal gymnastics. Encore included “The Angela’ Floor," a meritorious and melodious song Ghas. A. Martin to words by Campbell, both of this city. “The Yellow-hammer," two Scotch sqngat (“My Spinning Wheel” and “Cornin’ two' the Rye”), and "The Messenger," each of which waa invested with a charm, of its own. Mias Alba waa fortunate in hey associates in giving the concert. Mr W, Gemmoll has probably never been heard in better voice, and ids selections were Qgng' with the taste and expression he knows so well how to employ. His opening number was Balfe’a “Si tu Slaves” Thou but Know”), and this boosting vgiuh| line dramatic force, while he intend jUjp encore number (“The Valley”)')-Jvfyb tiptio feeling. Bis second bracketed songs: “Star’’ and “Ipter'‘No*” , (iVTFadgen), and these were as , heartily and deservedly encored. In response he Wag very feelingly, “Gentle Maiden.” Mr JStewart played Auber’s “Masaniello" , with considers ole taste and purity of tone. Hie skill as a flautist was further displayed m his encore number and in the obbligato to “Charmaut Oiseau.” Mr (Chaa. A, Martin accompanied the singers with the taste and artistry he always displays, and also ©harmed the audience with a pianoforte solo. York Bowen’s “Humoresque.” This is not the composition so well k nov yn by. jteasoh-tjjd gramophone records, but is a, piece,, Us character well beiars out its tulg,. And peculiarities were well brought mrt by :,th(* player. Mr Martin’s encore numpgr was a • brilliant composition, which was pljpfi with verve and expression. To-morrow evening another interesting programme will be given. This will he Mias Rosa Alba’s farewell performance in this city.