MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 41, 9 May 1891, Page 2

MUSIC, DRAMA, ETC.

Spectatum admissi risum teneatis aimci ?

The gladiatorial show in the Opera House on Friday evening offered musical as well as muscular attractions, and consequently drew a crowded house, anxious not only to see feats of strength and skill, but also to listen to Miss Alice Rimmer and Mr. T. Jackson. Mr. Alfred Bartley opened the musical portion of the entertaiment with an overture played in his wonted dashing style, and acted as accompanist throughout very acceptably. Mr. T. Jackson, I am sorry to say, sang rather carelessly, and did not always render his selections with that conception of the composers’ intention which is only to be gained by a conscientious study of the piece undertaken. However, his good ear and exquisite quality of voice carried him through triumphantly. Pinsuti’s song - “'.What am I, love, without thee,” an emotional love song of the impassioned type was rather deficient in ardour, but in many passages proved effective and pleased the audience, a portion of which re-demanded the song, but the house as a whole was not enthusiastic. Mr- Jackson’s second song, “ In Old Madrid,” did not receive an interpretation worthy of the spirit in which the serenade was written —the contrast between the descriptive passages and the passionate pleading of the refrain being insufficiently marked. Mr. Jackson’s last song, Roeder’s “ On Venice Waters,” although somewhat low for the singer whose best notes are in his upper register, was by far the. most successful of his efforts. My object in pointing out where I conceive an artist falls below his standard, is to induce him to strive to make the most of natural gifts by serious preparations. Sim Reeves has been known to try half-a-dozen different modes of phrasing the same passage- —ending in the selection of the one best suited to the combined effect of words and musical setting. Miss Alice Rimmer possesses a sweet true and sympathetic mezzo of even quality. Her natural timbre is so excellent that any attempt to intensify it by even a slight use of the tremolo is quite needless. Save that one word of caution I have no fault to find with Miss Rimmer, and feel much pleasure in awarding her high praise for the intelligent and artistic singing to which she treated her hearers. In the favourite old ballad “ The Blind Girl to .Her Harp ” she sang with a true and effective pathos which won all hearts.. For “ It was a Dream,” the second number assigned toheron the pragramme, she substituted another song entitled (I think) “To-Day,” which appeared nicely suited to her resources of voice and style. That plaintive and affecting little ballad “ The Song that Reached my Heart,” she sang with great delicacy and intense feeling. So marked an impression was made by the tenderness and pathos infused into, this simple lay that I noticed incipent tears glistening in the eyes of several listeners. “ Music hath charms to soothe, etc.,” and any latent instincts of savagedom aroused by the singlestick flogging match between Messrs. Ross and * Edwards were quenched by this last sweet song, which sent everybody home in a peaceful and contented frame of mind.

Messrs. MacMahon Brothers, I hear, have decided to tour New Zealand with their new Opera Company, the names of Miss Clara Menvale and Miss Fannie Liddiard figuring among the principal performers. Mr. Snagelle —whose fine baritone voice we have already heard in Auckland per “ The Phonograph” in “ The Heart Bowed Down,” with interruptions —is also a member of this company. In the repertoire are “Paul Jones,” “ Falka,” “ Bocaccio,” “Les Manteaux Noirs,” and “ The Merry Duchess. The dates and route for this tour have not yet been fixed.

It seems too that we may yet have the pleasure of hearing Madame Patey in New Zealand, and I fervently hope in Auckland.

The Auckland Amateur Operatic Society have been compelled to abandon the production of “ Princess Ida,” Messrs. Williamson, Garner & Co. —who hold the Australasian copyright — refusing permission on any terms. Perhaps the disappointment may be tempered by reflecting that a risk of serious loss has been averted. To produce “ Princess Ida ” with its many elaborate and expensive scenes and changes of. costume would have cost nearly £BOO. Of course the usual eight or nine performances could not possible have recouped so vast an outlay. The intention was to have played the piece for a season lasting at least a fortnight; but I very much doubt if amateurs could stand the strain of so many consecutive nights. Indeed, I have invariably noticed symptoms of great weariness at the last two or three performances of an amateur opera season extended beyond the original six nights. Failing “Princess Ida” “ Rip Van Winkle” is likely to be put into rehearsal The difficulty of finding a suitable and competent performer for the title role is a stumbling block. Surely with our array of mashers there should be no lack of the desired commodity among the gilded youth of Auckland. I have consulted that famous book of the Rev. H. R. Haweis entitled “ Music and Morals,” but he makes no mention of Rips of any kind I

Sir Charles and Lady Halle were announced to sail for Australia on the 24th of last month. They intend giving a second series of concerts in the Antipodes, and will possibly include New Zealand in their toui. Orpheus.