Mark Hambourg's Farewell. Concert.

Southland Times, Issue 19133, 25 August 1903, Page 2

Mark Hambourg's Farewell . Concert.

Tho music lovers of InvercargiU profited last evening by what is in most caaea considered an untoward evfent— namely, tbe postponement of a vessel's departure. They enjoyed an. additional evening's intellectual pleasure at the hands of Mark Hamboure and r-is talented companions. The fullest advantage was taken, of the opportunity, the Zealandia Hall having its seating accommodation overtaxed.. What are ttnned popular prices were charged for admission, but though the prices ware lower than previously, thus lending the. ostensible appearance of an appeal to what is commonly termed popular end tlerefore inartistic taste, no omission on &uch grounds, waa" maclo l>y the i-urrurmors. They are too truly artists to make any claim to applause except for purely artistic efforts. Incidentally it runy be said that in following this cwrse vith such successful results as were \itible last evening, it may be considered proved by demonstration that a' poi-alar audience can appreciate high-class music when it is artistically? interpreted. The numbers on the programme allotted to the great pianist were 't'ri-ee — the sonata ia C Major by Beethoven. . the Kiss waltz from Straus9-Schutt, a nocturne and polonaise by Chopin (bveeketed), and a repetition of the -A-onderful variations in the Wedding March irom " A Midsummer Night's Dream." Nor did these content tbe listeners. Notwithstanding that the first number is a very trying one, physically and artistically, and occupies nearly half an hour in rendition, tbe audience demanded moro, somewhat— cruelly, it seemed, and it was the same with all the others. Tho 'cellist of the party, Boris Hambourg, . contributed in the first part a romance by Becker, " The Swan," and a tarantelle and in the second a berceuse by Neruda and a rondo. In each of these be displayed that delicacy of touch and felicity of execution which will eventually- place him in tho first rank of living 'cellists, a rank from which he is not far distant. This artist also was subjected to the inevitable recalls. The same agreeable fate befell Miss Mabel Batchelbr, who was called upon for one vocal number only. This was ths fiOnffi " T^ie Bird that Came in Spring," with flute obblißato by Mr Lemmone. In both melody and execution this was. a most charming number. The young lady graciously responded to the demand for an additional number. Tho other contributor to a most delightful evening's entertainment was Mr John Lemmone,; who as a flautist, has morel than intercolonial fame. In addition to 'the bbbligato already mentioned he contributed- a caprice by Briccialdi. entitled "The Wind Among the Trees." in which affects ■;; were .produced which were a revelation- to moat preseht.By giving this additional concert the companv have placed the lihusic-loving portion' of the community under a deep obligation-'-' and' perhaps many are disposed to regret that -the departure of the steamer cannot be put' off for yet another day.