Music & Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 86, 17 March 1892, Page 1

Music & Drama.

Spectatum admissi nsum teneatis amici?

On Thursday evening I attended the unique entertainment of the talented Payne Family, than which nothing better of its kind has ever been presented to an Auckland audience. Without any pretentions to “ high art,” the company in whatever it attempts does extremely well and many features of the performance are admirable. The part singing and combined instrumental and vocal numbers are excellent in tune, taste and ensemble, the pianissimo passages being quite artistically rendered. Some of the most" taking numbers are the humorous trios and quartettes, “ Call John,” “ Nice Young Maidens,” and the “Tickling” and “ Sneezing” trios are irrisistibly comic. Messrs Steele and Payne are gifted with wonderful powers of facial humour, twisting their expressive features into the most bizarre contortions. Mr. Steele, as a comic singer, has a choice repertoire of laughable ditties with which he invariably convulses his hearers who, Oliver Twist-like, always want more. His performances on the musical glasses are exquisite. I was sorry to miss Mr. Payne, the “ father” of the company, and trust that he has not finally retired from the stage. The ladies are good all-round musicians, singing and playing their instruments with taste and skill. While awarding high praise I wish to point out one or two blemishes which may easily be removed. In the first place the handbells which the performers wield with such wonderful precision and effect, would be improved by tuning. One or two bells at least are at present not quite perfect in pitch. Again, the violin playing would be improved by substituting better instruments for those which the ladies now use. This remark applies more particularly to Miss Maude’s instrument, which although powerful, is somewhat crude and coarse in tone. With an older and sweeter violin her undoubted skill would produce far more telling results. In singing the ladies follow the rule “ keep the voice against the teeth” just a little too conscientiously ; hence the intonation is what the French call un peu nasarde. I trust these slight criticisms will be taken as evidence of a kindly spirit in the writer, whose desire is always to assist and not to “ slate” those whom he has to thank for many a pleasant evening.

The Auckland Choral Society is getting on very well with Mendelssohn’s “ St. Paul,” recent practices showing a marked improveemnt all round. The soloists are : Soprano, Miss Maud Harper ; contralto, Mrs. Burgess; tenor, Mr. Ferriday, and basso, Mr. Percy Dufaur. Although the part is in places at the very extreme of Miss Harper’s range, she is doing very well indeed, but should endeavour to throw more emphasis and meaning into her phrasing of the recitatives. The band is improving, but there is still plenty of room in that direction. The choruses will be, as usual, a strong feature in the performance, which promises to be a highly satisfactory one.

On Monday evening, 21st, Madame Goldenstedt gives another concert in the Opera House. The last one was so great a success in every way that I have no hesitation in predicting another crowded house. The garden scene from “ Faust,” as well as a repetition of the “ Maritana” scene will attract lovers of opera.

To-night a grand Hibernian concert in honour of St. Patrick will be given at St. James’ Hall. The programme, a well selected one, includes selections by Misses Quin, Carrie Knight, Moran, and the ever popular Miss Swan. Mr. Tom Jackson will sing “ Eily Mavourneen,” from the “ Lilv of Kilarney.” Mr. Tapper is to give another selection from the’same opera, and Dr. Egan sings some of his inimitable comic songs. Walter Bentley, and the powerful company supporting him, commence their Auckland sea-

son on Monday, march 28th. From the criticisms of the Melbourne and Southern press, Auckland playgoers may prepare themselves for a treat the like of which has never been experienced before here. Certaintly no star has met with more continued sucess than has Mr. Bentley, which proves the fact once more New Zealand is a good field for really capable dramatic companies. The present combination is so thoroughly rehearsed that first night hitches are things unheard of. The first performance of a piece runs as smoothly as the last, and no details are overlooked. “Hamlet,” Mr. Bentley’s chef-d'oeuvre, is announced as the opening piece. This must come as a revelation to students of Shakespeare, who have not witnessed the Irving performances in London. Mr. Bentley has been compared to Irving as regards his style, and the leading lady—Miss Laura Hansen, who has also a fine English reputation —has been compared to Ellen Terry. Her Orphelia has won the unqualified praise of the leading dramatic critics in Australasia. Mr. Bentley has a very big repertoire of plays, therefore no piece, however successful, can be staged for more than one or two nights. The box plan will be opened at Wildman’s on Monday next. Orpheus.