MR. J. H. PHILLPOT’S CONCERT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 34, 21 March 1891, Page 2

MR. J. H. PHILLPOT’S CONCERT.

Last week I attended a very pleasant and successful concert, given in St. James’ Hall by Mr. J. H. Phillpot and his pupils, assisted by some musical friends. In criticising such performances it is perfectly ridiculous to set up too high a standard, and by comparing the efforts of learners with the attainments of finished professional executants, or Jeven the best amateur talent, to show off our musical scholarship and critical acumen by cruel and unjust sneers at the failure to attain a perfection to which no claim or pretension had been advanced. A sound discretion was displayed in placing on the programme only morceaux well within the resources of learners and ordinary amateurs, thus relieving the audience from the painful trial of listening to futile struggles with over-ambitious selections. A well filled house greatly encouraged the performers, who I will at once say acquitted themselves creditably. A small but compact and well balanced orchestra, quietly but efficiently conducted by Mr. Phillpot, played two selections in good time and tune and with a fair regard to light and shade. Mr. Maitland’s song, “ Anchored,” seemed a trifle low for his voice, but he was rather husky, and I should like to hear him under more favourable conditions. Miss Sime, who sang “ Forest Dell,” has a pleasant mezzo. She sings well in tune, does not overdo the portamento, and is free from the vibrato, but must learn to open her throat, and should go through a course of solfeggi on the middle register. Miss Amy Lomer’s pianoforte caprice was a creditable performance for one so young. She has a firm, clear touch, but must cultivate legato playing. Mr. Knight possesses a robust tenor voice of some promise. He also should go through a regular course of solfeggi, ete., and will, I think, make his mark in time. Denza’s exquisite song, 44 Call me back,” was nicely sung by Miss V. Plummer, who seemed nervous, I will repeat in her case the suggestions made to Miss Sime. Mr. Davies played the violin obligato tastefully, but made one or two slips which another rehearsal or two would remove. In the trio for ladies’ voices the sopranos showed a tendency to drop below pitch. Mr. Ferriday is endowed with a true tenor of good quality. He should work patiently at developing it, and deserves to be heard oftener in more ambitious efforts than, ballads. Miss Walker’s songs were very successful. In the encore song, 44 Fiddle and I,” the violin obligato was missed —doubtless the music was not handy. Among good qualities of voice and style this lady has a slight tendency to a nasal intonation in some notes, which she should carefully watch and strive to overcome. Artistically the best item was Mr. Davies’ violin solo—a transcription from 44 II Trovatore.” He is the fortunate possessor of a really excellent instrument, and produced a good tone, together with correct phrasing and neat execution. Mr. Phillpott, who directed and played the accompaniments with discretion and taste, is manifestly a competent teacher, doing good and conscientious service to the cause of music in the sphere he has adopted.