MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 39, 25 April 1891, Page 2

MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

Spectatum admissi risum teneatis amici ?

On Thursday a concert organised by Herr Carl Schmitt was given at the Choral Hall during the Chrysanthemum Exhibition. The conditions were hardly favourable for solo performers. Studied silence could scarcely be expected from a large crowd, many of whom were more interested in discussing the respective merits of their favourite blooms than in music, however tastefully selected and skilfully interpreted. Mr. Archdale Taylor essayed the Torreador’s song from Bizet’s Carmen, which does not quite suit his voice and style ; however he acquitted himself—as he always does in a manner very acceptable to his audience. Miss Stevenson bravely attacked Vieuxtemp’s celebrated Reverie, which was marred to a great extent by the hum of the busy multituder. Her instrument is not of a pleasing quality in tone, being crude and somewhat coarse, but the young lady plays very nicely indeed. Mrs. Alexander sang one of Maynard’s songs of the modern emotional type, “ 0 say once more I love.thee.” She has a powerful voice of pleasant timbre, and made the most of a song which always appears to be straining to produce an effect and never

succeeding in the effort. The orchestra played two rather common-place selections, of which the one from Trovatore was decidedly the better. In the second part, Miss Whitaker’s song, “ Dr. Hymen,” by Pontet, was a good selection admirably executed, which caused an appreciative lull among the gay gossipers.Miss Essie Chew followed with a charming German Romance, her sweet ’cello being quite; audible above the chatter which by this time had re-commenced. However, everybody “telescoped” while Mr. T. M. Jackson was’ singing Robertson’s “ Because I love thee so.”. This song proved the success of the evening,) the performer manifestly enjoying his theme, and infusing more vigour and dash into its execution than we are accustomed to expect from one who does not always make the most of his magnificent natural voice. A peremptoiy encore was perforce complied with, Mr. Jackson singing one of the songs recently added by Sullivan to the revived “ Sorcerer” very effectively. Miss Buckland’s violin solo, “Souvenirs de Bellini,” by Artot, is a brilliant morceau of the Fantasia order. It was well played and won much applause. Miss Quinn sang a song by Lindsay Lennox entitled “ Love’s Absence,” which has nothing remarkable about it. Miss Ada Yates accompanied the various selections with great taste and discretion.

Last week Herr Carl Schmitt delivered his opening lecture of the Musical series under the auspices of the Auckland University College. About thirty— chiefly young ladies—listened to a very able and interesting discourse on the “ Third Period.” Of course great portion of the lecture was devoted to Beethoven, whose characteristic genius was cleverly and exhaustively analysed. His contrapuntal weakness in some compositions, and his occasional liberties with “ form ” were pointed out. Aliquando dormitat Homerus. Some most interesting illustrations were well played by Miss Puckey on a somewhat indifferent instrument. The contrast in contrapuntal work between Mozart and Beethoven was by this means irresistibly conveyed to the ears of the audience. Mozart’s magnificent overture to “ The Magic Flute,” so melodious and exquisitely worked out, concluded these selections. Most of the audience responded to Herr Carl Schmitt’s invitation to intending students, and remained to enrol their names in the list of pupils for the course. The lectures are undeniably doing much to encourage the technical study of music amoung our young aspirants, and deserve all praise and the support of everyone who desires to see Auckland become the recognised nursery of musicians in the colony, and therefore an attraction to visitor students.

A Christchurch paper says: “It is not improbable that the Dunedin Amateur Opera Company, who recently gave several performances in that city will pay a visit here at an early date. They are spoken of as being exceedingly good, and no doubt will be warmly welcomed here.” What a future does that announcement open before us I Fancy, amateur companies drumming the country I What will pros, say, and what “will copy-right agents do ?

Last week Mi»s Jennie Lee was playing “ Jack in the Box ”at Christchurch. The Press says: “ The names of George R. Sims and Clement Scott associated in dramatic authorship certainly invite expectations of a more artistic product than this play. Sketchy in outline, tedious in development, and obvious at the outset, the plot is uninteresting, and the play void of suspense. The action of the play is subserved to the necessity of giving opportunities to Jock Merryweather—the central character—and to Carlo Toroni, the wicked villan.” Miss Lee’s impersonation of Jack Merry weather is highly praised. t'he introduces dances and songs into the role. “ Enniscorthya ditty of the “ Villaloe ” famdy seems to be catching on, and bids fair to become popular. Mr; Carey’s Carlo Toroni receives favourable mention, and Miss Leighford appears to be a capable comic actress.

The Moonlight Rivals, comprising 22 performers, are billed to appear at the Opera House to-morrow (Saturday) evening. Orpheus;