THE KENNEDYS IN WAIMATE.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XVI, Issue 149, 22 April 1914, Page 2

THE KENNEDYS IN WAIMATE.

THOROUGHLY POPULAR. “Music throughout, yet audience wanting more.’’ At 10.30 p.m. this might have been said of the performance given to a full house- at the Oddlellows’ HaR on Monday by The Kjenncdys. From the outset applause was spontaneous and hearty, and the company responded liberally, and paid Waimate concert-goers the compliment of adhering to the city, programme. The Kennedy “piano quartette,” a Sydney production, became widely known in London a few years ago. Latterly vocalists have joined the combination, and it is in the enhanced form that New Zealanders are making the acquaintance of the gifted Australian party. The concert began with the instrumental quartette “Au Salon” (Kuhlau), which (was played with taste and musicianly abandon, and was un-. hesitatingly encored. The full Com,pany then gave the delightful barcarolle from Offenbach's “Tales of Hoffman,” the soprano (Miss Dorothy Graced and contralto (Miss Rose? Fitzgerald) being firmly supported by the instrumentalists. Mr Kieith Aen-j nedy, the violin soloist, played “Zigeunerweisen” from Sarasate’s Gipsy Music. He is a master of technique, but somewhat weak in intonation in the extreme positions in alt. This was even more noticeable in his great solo effprt in the second part, where he essayed the monumental "Septette" from "Lucia di Lammermoor,’’ a piece, difficult enough to test the skill of a Kubelik. It was unaccompanied, nor was there any need for accompaniment other than the loco-harmony contained in the piece itself. In .the pours© of,-this effort tee performer undoubtedly proved his skill in manipulation—every kind ; of, .bowing being had recourse to, and the “trick” possibilities of the “little bit of wood'” cantilevered from the artist’s chin being exhausted in the presence of a marvelling audiencerout the critical listener in. tee most taxing- part pL'the . solo a want of form, conveying tee idea teat the player was getting out p$

this (depth, Moveover the intonation .seemed bad, though not generally noticeable. Whether such difficult £asks warrant the attempts for ordinary concert purposes is a moot point. In the encore piece, a description of a cage of canaries, the fancy was realistically conveyed. Miss Dorothy .Grace’s singing is fine—intelligent exposition, clear enunciation, perfect intonation, and simple nicety withal. £he sang “Prince Charming” in the first half, and “Happy Song” and "1 Kinnw - a Garden" (bracketted) in the second and was vociferously recalled for everything. Lance Kennedy is the baritone of the Company and appeared as a soloist and in a trio with the soprano and alto. He also appeared in the second part as a flautist, giving, tin,* florid “Carnival de Venice” in accomplished style, albeit punctuated for want of breath. In. his work in the quartette this member proves truly musical. As a ’loelk)' soloist Mr Laurie Kennedy, the youngest member —he is only seventeen —enchanted listeners with his playing of Popper’s “Ehapsodie.” He has made the utmost use of his European schooling, and promises, given good health, to become celebrated as

a ’cellist. Moreover, he, takes up the cornet, as ho did Monday night in “The Lost Chord,” and playns on that despised instrument in a way that proclaims him and it first-class. The violin, viola, and piano accompaniment in the finale was a revelation in tone volume. The first part concluded with the popular “Miserere’ scene from “II Troyatoro,” and the second part opened with’a “piano quartette,” the music being classical, and mutually enjoyable. In the company number following the Mandolins did not enhance the effect of the vocal duet, Arditi’s “Dream of Home,” which otherwise was excellent. Miss Hose Fitzgerald sang an andante (with ’cello obligato), and was accorded an encore. She djoes her best work in the concerted numbers— indeed they all do; that is what one likes about them. In the second part the cello solo. was ;the late Van Biene’s “Broken Melody,” faultlessly played, and cordially encored. In thgir djiet the lady members were excellent. Madame Bertha Kennedy is an experienced piaoiste and musical directress. The Kennedy’s may count on a hearty welcome if they think 'of returning.