The Bessie Doyle Concert.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 190, 17 August 1894, Page 3

The Bessie Doyle Concert.

Those who were brave enough to face the inolement veather on Wednesday evening were amply repaid by the excellent entertainment provided by the Bessie Doyle Company in the Public Hall. Had it been a fine evening the hall would have been packed; there was, however, a capital attendance, amongst the audience being representatives from all parts of the county. The verdict of those present, it is safe to say, was one of unqualified praise, every item given being enthusiastically applauded. When it is stated that the programme consisted of 13 numbers, and the large number of 11 more were given in response to recalls, some idea mav be gathered of the appreciation with which the efforts of the company were received. The great attraction was, as a matter of course, Miss Bessis Doyle, who has been described as “ the charming, gifted, beautiful violin virtuoso.” Nor is the description unwarranted. Charming and beautiful she is without doubt; but what is mors to the purpose, from an entertainment point of view, is her mar vellous gift in violin playing. Never before has anything like her manipulation of the “ King of instruments ” been heard in this town. Her technique is simply perfect, as was instanced mors particularly in the “ Caprice Fantastique ” of Bazzini, a truly wonderful performance of a difficult and rapid movement. Neither is Miss Doyle’s instrumentation devoid of “feeling,” or what is technically described as “ soul,” as evidenced by her rendering of Papini’s setting of “ Alice where art thou.” Bnfc her great forte is undoubtedly manipulation. With one exception orfy Miss Doyle is the greatest lady violinist we have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Her contributions were, besides those mentioned, Vieuxtemps’ “ Introduction and Rondo,” “ Carnival de Venice,” “ Blue Bells of Scotland,” etc., all of which were greeted with demonstrations of the utmost appreciation. Of the vocalists Miss Randall claims first notice. She has a soprano voice of great power and fair quality, especially in the upper register. Her best number was “ Dear Heart,” — a most beautiful piece of music, and excellently sung, with the high note at the end (c in alt) as clear as a bell. Miss Randall also gave Bishop’s ever favorite “Tell me, my heart,” “Robin Adair,” " Avo Maria” (Gounod) with obligato by Miss Doyle, and “ A world between,” (Cowen). Mr W. McKenzie, the Scotch vocalist, is a host in himself. He has a fine robust voice, and did full justice to all his numbers. He has also great dramatic power and a vein of humor greatly appreciated in some of his songs. His contributions included a new song by Mr A. F. Hiil, of Wellington, “ River tide, a fine piece of music which, we believe, is not yet published, but reflects the greatest credit on the eomposor. “ The Cameron men," Pinsuti'a “ Bedouin Love Song, "Bonnie Prince Charlie,” and “The Laird o’ Cockpen.” In response to recalls he gave the evergreen “ Philadelphia,” “ Father O’Flynn,” “ Old Simon .the Cellarer," “ Bonny Dundee," and “ The rebel Highlander.” The only duet in the programme was “The Singing Lesson " capitally rendered by Miss Randell and Mr McKenzie. A pianoforte solo “ Valse de roses" and all the accompaniments were played by Mr H. P. Harris. We have only to add that from start to finish the concert was a great suceess and thoroughly enjoyable; and we are sure that if at any time Miss Doyle could favor Pahiatua with a return visit a crowded bouse would welcome her.