PIANOFORTE AND VOCAL RECITAL

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7845, 10 September 1904, Page 5

PIANOFORTE AND VOCAL RECITAL

As was to be expected there was a full house at the Town Hall, Masterton, last evening, to enjoy the excellent programme of instrumental and vocal music promised by the directors of the Wellington Piano Company. Despite the rain, ticket-holders were assembled at the doors shortly after seven o'clock, and the promoters had good reason to be pleased with the response to their invitation. Principal interest attached to the pianoforte playing of Miss Janet Boss, L.A.8., a pupil of Mr Eobert Parker, of Wellington. Her work throughout the evening was stamped by a thoroughness, combined with some very fine execution and sympathetic effects, that could not but call forth admiration on all sides. Her legato passages were a treat, while to staccato and solid playing full justice was done. The playing was ot such an even character that it is quite a task to select any item for special mention. Her numbers were " Frublingsrauschen" (Sinding), " Wedding Day in Norway " (Greig), Beethoven's lengthy " Sonata in A flat" ; the rippling and fascinating "No 1 II Moto Continue , " two preludes and two Btudies from Chopin's work, Schumann's " Nacht Stucke " in f. and "cl. flat, and " Soiress de Vienne" (Scnubevfc-Imt). The playing throughout showed the fine Bluthner grand piano to advantage, its sweetness combined with fullness of tone being very much admired. Miss Boss was assisted by Miss May O'Donovan, a lady with a, light but pleasing contralto voice. Her items were Foote's " Irish Folk Song," and " Till Death " (Mascheroni), both of which were encored.

Mr Jas. Searle, the tenor soloist, pleased the audience very much by his rendering of Blumenthal's " Evening Song," whilst his " Didst Thou But Know " (Ellen Wright) was even more successful, calling forth a decided encore. Mr Lillicrap's song also met with approval, being sung with considerable dash and feeling respectively, where required. The violin solo " Romance/ played by Mr E. H. Anderson, indicated talent in many ways, and gave a distinct variety to the programme. This performer also played an obligate to Miss O'Donovan's solo, "Till Death." The accompaniments were played by Mr Lillicrap in a capable manner, Miss Ross acting in that capacity for Mr Lillicrap in hie so'.O.

Apart from an advertisement, the recital was a decided musical treat, and was very much enjoyed.