Cavalleria Rusticana.

Observer, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10, 16 November 1912, Page 20

Cavalleria Rusticana.

Oil Tuesday night the great Town Sail held a splendid audience, and as the Auckland Choral Society developed the magnificent music of Mascagm and told the fine story, the audience gave every indication of entire satisfaction. From many points of view, the production was a triumphant one, and was very finely controlled by Professor Thomas, Mus. Doc, with hardly any appreciable flaws, the choruses were given with a care, judgment, and expression highly gratifying. Throughout the work of the soprano was excellent. One could have wished that in the ensembles that the bassi had been stronger. What there were of them were, however, acceptable. If one might make a selection as showing the value and excellence of the chorus, " the chorus within the church ("Eegina Colli lactare Alleluia") and "the chorus in the square," offered the finest examples of sureness of attack, fulness of expression, and excellence in conveying the musical and emotional message. Throughout the orchestra (led by Miss Edith Whitelaw, L.R.A.M.), played with great care. It's balance and power were finely demonstrated. The Society were exceedingly fortunate in obtaining the services of Madame Wielaert. She was a magnificent Santuzza. Her study was quite perfect ,and her familiarity complete. Dramatic and emotional, and possessing as she does a voice of excellent texture and tone, she appeals not only for the musicianly quality of her organ, but in her expressive use of English. It is Madame's apparently artless care of detail in the minutiae of her art that makes her so valuable in Amcfc-

land musical circles. One has never heard her to better advantage. The great solo, " Mother, You Know Story," was a magnificent example ii»*' musical and emotional appeal. Throughout Madame captured her hearers. The Lucia of Miss Margaret Mackenzie was musicianly, if a little lacking in fire. Miss Gwenyth Evans sung the music of Lola, appreciating its beauty and interpreting it with marked teeling and expression. She has besides an appealing voice and a nice method, a definite musical understanding and temperament. She has one thinks, an excellent musical future. Mr James Calvert sung the music of Turidder acceptably, lie perhaps was most expressive in the drinking song, "See the Merry Wine is Sparkling/ which he managed with verve. The appeal was marked and the applause genuine. The Alfio of Mr Sydney Williamson gave that singer many chances in exceptionally difficult work. If at any time Mr Williamson was over zealous and over expressive, it is a good fault, much more interesting than perfect musical mechanics. Altogether, the entertainment was of exceptional merit, giving a highly interesting example of the power, training, and musical worth of the Society, and one listened to with rapt interest. Mr W. T. Sharp opened the notable proceedings with two items on the grand organ. The Meditation in D flat (St. Ciair) was played very nicely indeed. Guilniant's Grand Choer in D Major, not quite so carefully done, was not without its special appeal. It lacked little in technique, if it was a trifle lacking in temperament. By the way, the famous intermezzo, was beautifully played by the orchestra, and redemanded, possibly because it is more familiar than any other part of Mascagni's magnificent work.