FAREWELL CONCERT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12507, 20 October 1904, Page 4

FAREWELL CONCERT.

The complimentary concert tendered to Miss Lizzie Mellor in the Theatre Royal last night, was unfortunately only fairly attended, the threatening state of the weather, undoubtedly, beeping many from venturing out. Among those present were His Worship the Mayor, Mr James Craigie, Mr E. H. Lougih, Tewn Clerk, and members of the Borough Council. The Garrison Band played some selections up to 8 o clock. The programme was an exce,lent one, there was no succession of monotonous numbers, but every item was from a fair to excellent example of its class. The recalls were numerous and almost_ in every case responded to. Mi's Meters pianoforte solos filled almost half the programme and proved; to say the leasot it, that she has a thorough mastery of her instrument as far as technique and -acility of execution are concerned. Her l abandon and ease onlv a.quired by long practice combined -with natural talent; its power is remarkable, and its clearness w the volant* passages, in Paderewski s mmnet for instance, stamps is as capable of high development. The expression and phrasing were good- the player seemed more at ease in the presto and forte than in the adagio and pianissimo passages. Miss Mellor is now leuvino Timaru to complete her musical studies! and she takes away with her the best : wishes of many- people for her success. I

Her numbers were "Moonlight Sonata" (Beethoven op. 27) " Legend" and " Minuet " (Paderewski). The last named was splendidly given, tempo firm, and balance of tone even. At- its conclusion she received a floral tribute. "Grand Caprice Aerein" (Woollenhaupt), "The Wearing of the Green" (Pape)—the harmony in the first- movement was a treat, the setting is new, and rather difficult, but the main theme was kept well in view throughout the numerous variations, but still without undue prominence. Miss Mellor concluded with "Premiere Mazurka" and "Yalse Caprice." The mazurka was given with dash and fire, and drew forth loud applause. Miss Mona Mellor sang in a pretty way " Daddy Dear" and being Irecalled again delighted the audience with " Tommy's Guardian." Later on she recited " The Lesson of the Water Wheel," with musical accompaniment and was again recalled for- the earnest way her story was told. Mrs Edwai'ds made her first appearance on. the New Zealand concert platform with the song "At my Window" (Parker). Her mezzo-soprano voice is sweet and true, and led to a decided recall to which she replied with the even more enjoyed "Waiting." Mr Strauss Mellor's cornet solo " Pepitu " was round and clear with a total absence of that brassiness so often associated with similar attempts. A second number had' to be given. Mr T. Palliser sang " A Thousand "Leagues" acd "The Gladiator" in his usual form and got a good reception. " The coining of the King" was given by Mr S. Gilchrist with power and expression; the sr.ng one would think was written for his voice, so admirably does it suit him, as to range and style" demanded. Mr R. Edwards, a light baritone, was heard in The Bedouin love song " but had to give another before his listeners were satisfied. It is a pity that a greater number were not presents to enjoy the musical treat presented, for taking it as a whole, it was one of the best concert programmes that has been submitted by local talent during the last few years.