SONG RECITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24710, 12 September 1941, Page 3

SONG RECITAL

MADAME MAE BRODIE RICH MEZZO-SOPRANO VOICE It is to be hoped that Madame Mae Brodle, the New Zealand singer who has returned to her own country after extensive experience on the Continent, will sing again in Dunedin, and to a larger audience than could be accommodated in Begg’s concert salon last night. Those who heard her by' invitation last night will undoubtedly welcome another opportunity, and their appreciation of her artistry will probably rouse many others to an anticipatory curiosity, Madame Brodie is an accomplished singer. Her mezzo-soprano voice is of beautifully even quality, wide range, and a rich and satisfying warmth, and her use of it reflects a full musical education. It is a -natural voice; but' it was soon evident last night that her ment as a concert singer owes most to her study under Italian teachers. She has acquired a typically florid style, but not to the extent of spoiling the simplicity which is the true medium of a voice lovely in itself. Her selection for the recital afforded full scope for her flowing, powerful voice, and also demonstrated the brilliance which it could achieve. It was an interesting selection in several ways, as it included songs by several composers little known in this country, and it was arranged with excellent balance. After singing herself into her best voice in “Down in the Forest" (Landon Ronald) and “The Homeward Journey” (Delius), Ma'dame Brodie interpreted " The Star" (Rogers) with dignity and an impressive sonority of ton®. Then followed a bracket of charming pieces—" O Cessale di Piaganmi ” (Scarlatti), " Nel Giardino " .(Santoliquido), “ Iverno " (Kost), and “ Scherzo,” by Respeglu Madame’s happy explanations of the songs helped considerably lo an appreciation of the delicacy of meaning with which she invested them in their original languages. “ Iverno ” was particularly interesting since it was composed by Madame Brodie’s accompanist. Dr, Ezio Kost It is a strikingly impressionistic piece of writing, and well worth its place m such distinguished company. The vivid aria from “La Tosca " (Puccini), ' Vissi d’Arte,” revealed tire evenness and full range ol the voice; but perhaps the- most delightful singing of the evening was lhal of two Strauss numbers,. “ Morgen ' and 'AllerseelenThe quiet } .loveliness of " Morgen " is a test •for any singer and Madame Brodie achieved it most satisfymgly The sparkling "Airnant la Rose, le Rosslgnol ' (Rimsky Korsakoff). the reflective “ THeure Esquise 1 (Hahn), and a composition by G’eehaninoiT ‘ Triste esl le Steppe “ which developed to an imposing climax, were all sung with accomplished sensitiveness, and the programme concluded with a fine interpretation of the brilliant 'Aria of the Principessa,' - from “Adriana Lacouvreur ' (Cilia), a selection which gave Dr Kost an opportunity for ax display ot virtuosity al the piano as well as confirming Madame Brodie’s ability in operatic excerpts