AUCKLAND EXHIBITION NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXVI, 24 December 1898, Page 816

AUCKLAND EXHIBITION NOTES.

(By our Flippant Flaneur.) It will certainly be no fault of the Executive if the habituees of the Exhibition are not literally saturated with music—and the best of music tn boot—by the time the gates swing to for the last time ami the last belated visitor is turned out into Prin-ces-street.

During the past week there have been three excellent concerts in the Choral Hall, to say nothing of organ recitals; while in the Exhibition itself the orchestra pegs away perseveringly at its ‘operatic airs’ both in the evening and afternoon. Any gaps can easily be filled, for wherever the pianos are gather d together, you are fairly certain to find a professional pounder only too anxious to begin. If all else fails the automatic self-playing instrument will

rattle off its selection nt a moderate fee, and there is usually a blare of music from the side shows outside. Ye s, music is certainly a feature of the Auckland Exhibition. There are varieties to suit all tastes, and at prices as the shopkeepers say ‘to tempt all pockets.’ The ‘Golden Legend’ was the first event of the week. Its repetition on Tuesday attracted a very large audience, ami taking it all round the performance was a great improvement on the initial production.

Not only were the orchestra less at sea, but the choir sang with greater spirit and freedom, and there was an air of more certainty and confidence on the part of every performer which was assuredly not without its effect on the result.

Moreover, the soloists without exception excelled previous efforts. Madame Du Rieu was sufficiently recovered to take her part, and the manner in which she acquitted herself in the difficult contralto part won the unbounded admiration of all pre-

sent. Her voice is remarkably rich and sympathetic, and she infuses a passion into her singing somewhat rare in our vocalists. Miss Large and Mr Hill both created a far more favourable impression than when first heard, and though it would have been impossible for Mr I’rouse to do better than he. originally did as Lucifer, the increased confidence on the part of others helped to add a brilliancy to his performance also. It was in fact a very successful concert, and one reflecting credit on the conductor, Herr Schmitt. On Thursday, Mr Arthur Towsey and the Orchestral Union provided the evening entertainment, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening it was. A number of more or less familiar items were given in finished and polished style by the orchestra, and Mr Hill ami Madame Du Rieu contributed songs. Tne majority of the numbers were of what is usually known as the ‘popular’ type, and certainly they met

with the fullest approval of the audience. The selection from Lohengrin, the Light Cavalry Overture, and the ‘Mill in the Schwartzland’ were all highly appreciated and were Indeed most excellently rendered. For those who preferred a somewhat more solid class of music there was a genuine treat in the ‘Vierte’ Symphony, which was interpreted with admirable feeling. Needless to ssty the swinging German waltz Hydropaten went splendidly, and set the feet of the audience wishing to dance. Mr Hill sang a Woodland Serenade in finished style, and Madame Du Rieu ‘Les Rameaux.’ To this fine song Mr Towsey played the accompaniment on the big organ, the effect being very fine indeed. Friday' evening was the occasion of the first great ballad concert in connection with the Exhibition. There was a fairly large audience, though not what one would have expected, for the programme was one of exceptional merit, and the charge for admission very moderate. Proceedings were opened by Mr .1. Prouse, who gave a fine rendering of ‘Thou Art Passing Hence.’ He was very warmly' encored, and obligingly sang again.

Miss Large followed, singing fluelaborate aria ‘Dei Vieni non Tarder" from the marriage of ‘Figaro.’ It was a capital performance, and showed Miss Large’s well trained voice off to perfection, but it was not sufficiently familiar to arouse any great enthusiasm, though its merit secured a recall. Mr John Hill gave the ‘May Morning" (Denza) in a rather emotionless sort of way, which contrasted forcibly with the brilliance of Mr Towsey’s accompaniment. He, too, was encored, and in response sang ‘Sleep. My Love, Sleep’ very acceptably. The string quartette which followed was faultlessly performed, and maybe pronounced the most musically perfect item heard in connection with any' of the Exhibition concerts. Herr Willimoff took first violin, and the others were Herr Zimmermann, Mr Cox, and Mr Edgar. Beethoven’s beautiful music was interpreted in a truly artistic manner, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After the commendably short ‘interval’ Mr Prouse appeared and aroused great enthusiam by a verydramatic rendering of the ‘Deathless Army,’ and being imperatively encored. gave as a second item ‘To Anthea.’ ‘The Swallows’ is a beautiful song, and received full justice at the hand of Miss Large. Mr Hill and Madame Du Rieu again delighted the audience with their respective items, while the second string quartette was equally enjoyable as the first, which is the highest praise that can be given.