MADAME GODDARD'S CONCERT.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1864, 23 December 1874, Page 2

MADAME GODDARD'S CONCERT.

The great pianistc, Madame .Arabella Goddard, gave her first concert in the Academy of Music last evening, and the result was a perfect success. This is not to be wondered at considering that the lady who was the principal attraction has a world-wide reputation, and occupies a position in the musical world almost unapproach able by contemporaries ; but it may be taken as an evidence of the appreciative quality of Thames audiences that the assembly last night was large and enthusiastic, and somewhat critical. Critical in the sense of fippreciation and by comparison; because although it happens that we have never previously been favored with, a visit from such an artiste as Madame Goddard, there are to, be found in this community numbers who have had opportunities of hearing and seeing the pivmier artistes of the day in other places than the 'Jhames. It would ibe something little short of impertinence io attempt a criticism of Madame Goddard's performances, for the simple reason that she stands above ordinary criticism. Her reputation has been acquired and sustained in communities where comparisons can be instituted between the highest. Here we have had occasional visits from stars of greater or less magnitude, whose abilities and pretensions pale before those of the talented lady now in our midst. It is therefore rather to notice than to criticise that we have to do ; and, with the splendid exhibition of power—mechanical skill and genius combined—still iresh on our minds, we cannot do more than say that it was an enjoyment to be remembered as long as remembrance,lasts. The audience, as we previously stated, was large —the house being crowded in almost every part. Madame Goddard's first effort was the sonata of Beethoven, the Funeral March, the execution of the difficult passages of which showed the pei'fection of artistic acquirement, with a detail peculiarly characteristic of a groat musician. The manipulation was something wonderful. The rapid changes of tone and sentiment embodied in the music—the forte passages and the piano movements—both struck the listener as the ne plus ultra of great genius assisted by careful study and a long course of training. The second solo was a fantasia on Irish airs, introducing "My lodging is on the cold ground,", and the " Miastrel Boy." It was more familiar to most people, and elicited more popular demonstrations of approval; and so urgent was the demand that Madame Goddard graciously acceded to an encore. This was again noticeable in the fantasia on, Scottish airs, including the " Blue Bells of Scotland " and " Kelvin Grove;" and in response to the call Madame Goddard played variations on •'Auld Robin Gray" and " The Campbells are coming." The beauties of these different airs were invested with a new interest, and, accompanied as they were by the most brilliant variations- peculiar to a perfect mis•tress of the art, the instrument was made almost to speak. Madame Goddard was received with the utmost approval, and on each occasion of her retirement she was greeted with a floral display, to procure which must have necessitated a serious levy upon the gardens of this district. As assistants, Madame Goddard has surrounded herself; with some clever executants. Foremost we must mention Mrs Smythe, who possesses a pleasing* soprano voice, well cultivated, and excellently controlled. This lady sang several solos, and, with Mr Rain ford and Mr Skianer, some duets and trios. Of the solos we' accord the preference to " Won c ver," although " Robin Adair," given as an encore to an unmislakeable recall after " Come to the dance," was evidently a favourite with the audience, In the last item on the programme, "My sufferings and sorrows," a beautiful duet from " The Bohemian Girl," Mrs Smythe shared the honors with Mr Bainford.. We hope to hear more of Mrs Smythe, whose voice is peculiarly sweet and clear, and well modulated. The possessor does

not appear to test its compass or endurance by florid ornamentation, but the simplicity adhered to makes it the more agreeable. Mr Rainford requires ]title to be said in his favor here. He was recently amongst us—a Triton in a school of minnows, and he has a colonial reputation which will stand him in good stead for many years. He sang as solos "The Wanderer." " The Old Sexton," " When we were boys together,'' all more or less as familiar as the singer; and singer and songs were alike welcomed as deserving of no uncommon recognition. Mr Skinner pleased us better in his dual efforts than in solo. His voice is not strong, and it possesses no distinctive feature; but he has some very good notea, and his singing lends a measure of variety to the performance. We have heard many worse tenors, and some better. Herr Doehler we have omitted till the last —not that we consider his merits should be so placed, but from the fact that his efforts were purely instrumental. As a violinist great praise is his due : he is evidently an artist whose soul is in his work—not merely a mechanical player. From his manner we should juflge that he is either new to the role in which ho appears, or that he is too much wrapped up hi his profession to be able to attend to the details which more, perhaps, than artistic music, have M effect upon an Ipdience. The selections too, were less than some popular violinists Herr Doehler was, however,' well received, and his performances elicited the applause they merited. 'Of the concert generally we can safely say that it; was an unqualified success, and we have no doubt but that the second and last performance of the company this evening will b» even better

attended than last night's. The programma is already in the hands of our readers, and it is not one iota less attractive than the last. We look upon ihese concerts as an appropriate introduction to tho holiday season, now drawing upon us.