Musical Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 22, 4 September 1897, Page 5

Musical Notes.

(Bt “ Staccato.”) —- . "V INVERCARGILL LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. A very successful entertainment was given by the above society, in Ashley’s hall, on Monday, 30th ult. Tbe musical portion of the programme opened with a pianoforte duet by the Misses Crofts and Efcensteen, which was very nicely played. The next number was a song by Mrs Blue, ‘lvilarney so fair,’ (with violin obligato by Mr Blue) which was ret dered very sweetly. The song, however, ' is rather low in pitch for Mrs Blue’s voice, . and much of the effect was lost through her having to play her own accompaniment. '■ M-issM. Mair contributed ‘ The Blight of Ages. 7 The lady possesses a soprano voice of ' good range, and considerable sweetness, albeit somewhat thin in quality. She succeeded in giving a very fair interpretation of the song. The next item, ‘ The Gay Hussar,” by Mr A. F. Grenfell, was given in fine style. His enunciation, however, was not good, and consequently marred the general effect. Miss Tapper’s ‘ For all Eternity ’ (with violin ■ -obligato by Miss Crofts) was a fair performance, but she was frequently out of tune with the instruments. The instrumental soloist of the evening was Mi Lepetit, who must be congratulated on the all-round excellence of his flute playing, particularly in the allegros. In the slow-movements, however, he was not so successful. Mr Lepetit has evidently not yet acquired the correct embouchure, as is apparent from the thin quality of his tone, and also by the audible sounds produced by wind escapin.g Miss I. Mair, who made her first appearance as a vocalist, sang ‘ The Gift,’ and although she was evidently suffering from nervousness, succeeded in giving a very fair rendering. The comic element was supplied by Mr W. G. Gilchrist, who fairly convulsed the audience. The accompaniments were skillfully played by the Misses Crofts and Tapper, and Mr Nimmo. At the end of the first part the members of the Society gave some scenes from Shakespeare’s ‘ Julius Caesar,’ in jwhich histrionic ability of no mean order was displayed.