THE WORLD OF MUSIC

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17220, 1 October 1927, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE WORLD OF MUSIC

Melba Criticised by Frances Alda. Recently Madame Melba remarked that Australians lacked real musical culture, and pointed out that “If a Zimbalist and a Friedman were not good enough for Australians who were?”

Following on these remarks Madame Frances Alda, who had just finished a season in Melbourne, slated that she Mid not agree with the remarks of Madame Melba. .

Australians were, in her opinion, very musical people, but they had had too much music lately—it was not want of appreciation. “There had been too much music, more than the public could afford to pay for,” she stated.

“During a period of about sixteen weeks there had been a regular procession of celebrities, each giving from eight to ten recitals. Popular as she is Dame Nellie Melba would never dream of giving so many recitals—not even in the Albert Hall, London.

Violinist Meets Prominent Musicians. Mr Gordon Goldswain, the London violinist who was in Hamilton some time ago, writes that the Folkestone (England) Municipal Orchestra, of which he is leader, is having a successful season.

Recently Bratza, the Serbian violinist (who was in New Zealand some years ago), played the Tschaikowsky Concerto with the orchestra, and Albert Ketelby, the composer of “In a Monastery Garden,” “Persian Market,” etc., conducted the orchestra in a programme of his own works.

Concert Artists Show “Temperament.” An unusual incident took place at the Auditorium, Melbourne, recently during the progress of a concert given by Madame Frances Alda. While the aria “One Fine Day" was being rendered Madame suddenly stopped and going across to the piano rapped it several times with considerable force to draw tier accompanist’s attention to something in the music. When the number was finished both artists hurried from the platform with grave faces, but later returned clasping hands and their faces wreathed in smiles.

The “official” explanation of the incident was that Madame had a sore throat and that her accompanist, M. Rabinowitsch, was suffering lrom a severe headache —hence the strain.

Mr Rabinowilsh came to Auckland witli Madame Alda, hut sailed for "Vancouver by the Niagara. “Mr Rabinowitsh and I agreed to disagree,” said the singer.

The Chernlavskys Returning. The musical Cherniavsky, Michel, Jan and Leo, like Australia and New Zealand so well that they are bringing their wives to see them. It will he a family party, although ihe children will he left at home—Michel has three and Jan two; Leo is only recently married.

The musical trio, now in Mexico, are booked for four weeks in the United States in November. February will sec them in New Zealand. They will go on to Sydney in March. Tenor Enthusiastically Farewelled. Joseph Ilislop, the Scottish tenor, faced a demonstration at the conclusion of his programme on Saturday night, embarrassing in its enthusiasm, says a Sydney paper. The crowd which, filled the Sydney Town Hall refused to accept the evidence of the National Anthem that the programme was over. They stood and clapped for five minutes, hut had to be content with bowed acknowledgments.

Hi 3 farewell concert was a triumph. The singer reacted to the appreciative audience, and gave of his best. Scots revelled in a well-selected list of typical Caledonian songs, of which “Afton Water” and “Macgregor’s Gathering’ ’illustrated the versatility of the singer. A link of remembrance with the homeland was made with a laurel wreath supplied to the order of Ilislop’s friends in Edinburgh.

“0 Lord Most Holy," because of the devotional spirit in which it was presented, and the aria from the first act of “Tosca,” for its dramatic treatment, may be mentioned from a programme that was all too brief for the admirers of the vocalist. In the former, the soloist had the support of Mr Ernest Truman at the city organ, Mr Harretti at the piano, and Miss Doubleday( violinist). Significant, though it was hoped not portentous, was Tosti’s emotional “Good-bye” at the conclusion. Auckland Pianist Assists Alda.

Mr Cyril Towsey, who was engaged by Madame Frances Alda at short notice to take up the duties of solo pianist and accompanist at her Auckland concert on Tuesday, acquitted himself with distinction in, both departments. His solo items included the “Prelude from the llolberg Suite (Grieg) and “Nocturne in F. Sharp” (Chopin,, and these were tastefully played the many accompaniments which fell to Mr Towsey’s lot were handled with commendable understanding. Mr Towsey will tcur the remainder of New Zealand with Madame Alda as solo pianist and accompanist. N.Z. Singer at London “Proms.” The “Proms,” which had been threatened with extinction, have been revived at the Queen’s Hall, London. Of Miss Rosina Buckman’s appearance at the first, the London Daily Mail says:—Miss Buckman sang Elizabeth’s greeting to the Hall of Song from “Tannhauser,” which seemed to have enjoyed less orchestral rehearsing than some of the other music. Miss Buckman was at her best in one of the “Bohemc” songs later in the evening. Musical Moments. There are said to be 256,000 music teachers in the United States, and it is estimated that in a year these give about 250,000,000. lessons. Ignaz Friedman, the Polish pianist, gave the final concert of his tour of Australia and New Zealand at Auckland on Monday, and continued his voyage to America by the Niagara. He will give concerts in California on arrival. After a short stay -in New York he will tour England. A South American tour has been planned for next year. The Auckland Choral Society will give its third production of the season on October 20, when Mascagni’s everpopular “Cavallcria Rusticana” will be given. The cast is as follows: Sa.n~ tuzza, Miss Etta Field; Lola, Miss Phyllis Hazel; Turiddu, Mr Hubert Carter; Alflo, Mr Frank Sutherland.