MADAME ANNA BISHOP'S CONCERT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2782, 9 January 1869, Page 5

MADAME ANNA BISHOP'S CONCERT.

Aetee many roving years, the colonies of the Southern hemisphere have been revisited by a lady who years ago won for herself laurels in this new world of ours, as sho had previously done in that crucial test for all vocalists, the metropolitan cities of the continent of Europe — from London to St. Petersburgh, from Stockholm to Naples. Some ten or twelve years have elapsed since thia lady's first visit to the colonies of Australasia, and though she did not visib New Zealand on that occasion, there were many old friends ufc the concert last evening who remember her performances of that day, and must have been delighted and astonished — delighted with the treat afforded, and astonished at the wonderful preservation of that purity of tone, elasticity of execution, and volume and power for which she has been so long celebrated. The fair songstress seems almost to have remained unchanged. Her voice is pure and . musical still ; and the ear must indeed be fastidious fchafc did nofc delight in fche beautiful organ which last night discoursed to us such sweet music. Although the programme was carried oufc only by two executants — Madame Bishop and Mr C. Lascelles — yet such was the intrinsic excellence of the performance thafc ifc may be termed a very model of a popular entertainment, as proved by the fact thafc there was bufc one con fcinued expression of delight from beginning to end, and thafc nearly every piece was encored. The first few notes of the celebrated " Casta Diva," witb its preludial recitative, "Sediziozi Voci," were pealed forth noto after noto in their roundest purity, which, from beginning to end, proved that Madame Bishop's voice is one nofc often met with— a pure soprano of a light; but exceedingly rich quality, the upper register full and resonant, every note clear and sound as a bell and never out of tune ; and she has the singular power of making her crescendos swell into a perfect rush of music. The " Norma" aria, a marvel of rich execution, was followed by the cantatrice with " Home, Sweet Home," written by Sir H. Bishop in the operatic drama of " Clari, the Maid of Milan." The singing of this by Madame Bishop has ever been proverbial for its chaste feeling, and on thia occasion ib lost none of its attraction. She responded to an enthusiastic encore by giving " Oomin' thro' the Rye." Another song of Sir H. Bishop's, the " Dashing White Sergeant," was sung with a naive piquancy which left nothing to be desired. The popular waltz song, " II Baccio," displayed brilliancy of rapid execution with delicacy of taste. The little sentimental ballad of Hervey's, " No one to Love," received prominence from the fact of Madame Bishop singing it, and ifc became beautiful from the expression and feeling given to ifc by fche cantatrice, who herein evinced her superiority as a ballad songstress. With equally sweet simplicity she sung "Lifcfcle Robin Redbreast," by Hubbard. With Mr Lascelles, a charming duet by Stephen Massetfc ("Sunset"), the two voices blending with eyquisite harmony. And as a conclusion to tho second part, fchey sung that amusingly comic duet, " Quanfco Amore," from " L'Elisir de Amore," with immense effect., Mr Lascelles especially displaying greafc humor. Mr Charles Lascelles, who has accompanied Madame Bishop in her travels for tlie last four years, is a pianist and vocalist; of considerable talent. With regard to his ability in (he first capacity, Jt is not mere compliment to say that he is _ finished musician ; for nofc only in accompanying himself, but in furnishing the accompanying music fco Madame Bishop's singing, fchero was fche most perfect unison and harmony maintained between the voice and the instrument. His opening solo on tho piano (" The Spirit of the Storm"), a composition of his own, in which all the characteristics of a storm afc sea wero delineated with wonderful fidelity, proved beyond a doubt thafc he is a most accomplished pianoforte player, his execution being brilliant, and his touch delicate. .As an accompaniment, wo have seldom heard his equal. The favorite duet of " Robin ;

Ruff" gave us a specimen of his rare vocal' abilities, the audience being surprised to hear fchafc besides possessing a deep and sonorous basßO, he was equally afc home in the tenor parts. In fact, without the aid of one's eyes, ifc would have been difficult to believe that the duet was sung by one singer. Hia " Good-bye afc fche Door" was artistically given ; and the descriptive song, " The Ship on Fire," was powerful!} and feelingly sung, and was listened to with breathless interest. The comic songs, afc intervals, set tho audience agog with merriment. In the quaint and brilliant dtio, " Quanfco Amore," his singing forcibly reminded one of the time when Lablache was in his prime as the comio quack, Dr Dulcamara. We have no apace fco enlarge further, and must conclude this brief notice by saying that one of the mosfc enjoyable musical evenings we have ever passed was in fche Odd Fellows' Hall last night. There was a very fashionable attendance, including Commodore Lambert and the officers of the Challenger, and mosfc of fcho elite of the place. Afc the conclusion of the concert a shower of bouquets forcibly and figuratively expressed how highly the efforts of this talented vocalist were appreciated. The second concert, and last bufc one we understand, will be given this evening, and we remind our readers that there will be an entire change of programmo.