MADAME BURTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7025, 2 December 1890, Page 1

MADAME BURTON.

>• THE OPENING CONCEET. Seldom has a Chrißtchuroh audience an opportunity of listening to a concert company of such even excellence as that which gaveits first performance here lastnight, in the Oddfellows' Hall. From the opening number to the closing one encores were the rule, and in most cases the aitists were good-natured enough to comply with the wishes of their admirers. The company consists of five only, but each is of the highest clasß. Madame Burton is a host in°herßelf. Possessing a contralto voice of great power and compass she uses it with consummate tact. It would be difficult to say in what particular style she shines most. That she is a lyric artist, with a perfect knowledge of opera singing, was abnndantly proved by her magnificent execution of the aria "CheFarb," from Qliick'B Euridice. The introductory recitative was a model of declamation, and the deep pathos of the air was given with with an intensity that completely entranced the audience. In response to the rapturouß appUuee, Madame Burton sang "The Banks of Allan Water," with an amount of expression which few could impart to it. The breathless silence of the listeners during her singing of it was an unmistakeable tribute to her talent. Hullah'a favourite song, "Three Fishers Went Sailing," introduced the lady to the audience, who insisted on hearing her again without waiting for the next opportunity set down on the programme. " A Little Summer Shower," given with admirable archness, showed the versatility of the artist. Miss Colboume-Baber has a soprano voice of fine quality, thoroughly well cultivated, and managed with skill and judgment. She, too, is evidently quite familiar with grand opera. Her singing of the lovely air " Softly Sighs" from Weber's Der Freischutz, left nothing to be desired. Dramatic fire, alternating with charming tenderness, characterised the number, which was loudly redemanded, but the lady merely bowed her acknowledgment of the compliment. Cowen's romantic ballad, "The Old and the Young Marie," showed Miss Colbourne-Baber's ability in another clsbs of composition. She gave it with a brilliancy that thoroughly roused the enthusiasm of the audience, who would not be contented till she sang again, choosing, for^ her encore, a simple but pleasing ditty, entitled "Jim," wtioh she sang with natural humour. Mr H. Stockwell is no stranger to Christchurch. His voice retains its former sweetneas and flexibility, and has perhaps gained in strength. He Bang "How Shall I Woo Her," "Across the Far Blue HHIb," aad as an encore " Esfcudiantina." He was treated as an old favourite, and certainly has lost none of his power to please. The vocalists varied the programme with several duets, all of which were loudly encored. M. Horace Poussard is a violin player of exceptional merit. He possesses wonderful vigour, and a perfect knowledge of the resources of the king of instruments. His contributions to the programme were De Beriot's "concerto in D," his own "Fantasia on Hungarian airs," and a share in Thalberg and De Beriot's duet for violin and piano on airs from Let Huguenots. His execution brocght down the house, and the applause which followed his performances wae deafening. Mr Frank Bradley, too, is an old friend whose* hands have lost none of. their cunning. He accompanied all the songs with his accustomed good taste, and , also played in 'the duet from Les Huguenots and a marvellously intricate composition, "vgrand prelcde and fugue" by Lisct and Each. The company give their second conoerfc to-night, when there will be an entire ■change of programme.