Music & Drama.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 87, 24 March 1892, Page 1

Music & Drama.

Spectatum admtsst nsum teneatis amici ? Madame Goldenstedt’s Concert. On Monday evening the Opera House was again crowded to its doors by an appreciative audience. Shortly after eight p.m. Mr. C. Chambers appeared on the stage, and in a few well-chosen words begged indulgence for Madame Goldenstedt, who, although much indisposed, would endeavour to perform her share of the programme. Messrs. Tom Jackson and Geo. Reid then sang 11 Flow Gentle Deva,” an old fashioned but quaintlj 7 beautiful duet by John Parry. Both gentlemen being in good voice, tune and ensemble proved admirable. Loud applause greeted the garden scene from “ Faust,” which was ” excellently staged. Madame Goldenstedt first appeared as the student Siebel dressing the part with charming taste, and singing and acting the favourite flower song, “ La parlate d’amor,” very successfully, notwithstanding the handicap of manifest hoarseness. To enable the lady to change her costume, the scene closed for a space, and Mr. T. M. Jackson sang Berthold Tours’ emotional “ Because of thee ” with telling effect, being ably supported by Mr. Towsey at the pianoforte. Miss Rimmer then gave Roeckel’s “ Prima Donna” with much pathos and sensibility, but with perhaps more vibrato than purists in style permit. Receiving an encore, Miss Rimmer sang Millard’s “Waiting.” Messrs Jackson, Reid, and Chambers next gave one of the “ Princess Ida ” trios so admirable as to win a tumultuous encore, to which they responded by singing another familiar trio from the same opera. The pretty garden scene was again disclosed, and Madame Goldenstedt, in the character of Marguerite, took her seat at the spinning wheel to sing the quaint “King of Thule.” An admirable rendering delighted the audience, who were still better pleased with the singing and acting of the exquisite Jewel song. Madame Goldenstedt fully confirmed the high opinion I had formed of her ability as an operatic artiste. Indeed the versatility displayed by her performance of excerpts from the contralto part of Siebel and the soprano role of Marguerite is truly wonderful. Mr. C. Chambers next sang Arditi’s fine song, “ Let me love thee,” with appropriate passion, but the song is not one of his best. Miss Rimmer was encored for Pinsuti’s rather dreary “ Heaven and Earth,” and sang another song very similar in character. After the interval Mr. Webbe, with three young lady pupils, performed on two pianos Ascher’s “ Concordantia.” The selection was a good one, and the execution and ensemble were very creditable both to teacher and pupils. The concert concluded with the Prison Scene from “ Maritana,” which I have before noticed in this column It was again capitally rendered and greatly appreciated. Mr. Towsey played all the accompaniments with taste, skill, and true musical sensibility. THfiWalter Bentley Dramatic Company have been quite as successful in Napier as in the

other towns they have visited. The theatre for the few nights of the Company’s stay has been crowded to overflowing; great numbers have been unable to gain admission, and the enthusiasm has been very great. This also in spite of heavy downpours of rain. The various reports that have reached us of the strength and excellence of the company and the genius and versatility of the star are fully borne out by the wonderful patronage accorded them. This is said to be the most successful tour that has ever taken place in New Zealand, and it is very unlikely that Auckland will reverse the verdict of the sister cities of the South, especially when it is remembered that it was at the old Prince of Wales Theatre, about 19 years ago, that the now world-famous Walter Bentley started his career as an actor. An enormous house undoubtedly will assemble to give him greeting back again to the home of his art, for such it may be termed. Mr. Lachlan McGowan, under whose management he served in his ’prentice days, is now under Mr. Bentley’s management—such is fate. We hear that there is a big demand for seats. The booking takes place at Wildman and Lyell’s. The scenery for “ Hamlet,” with the mechanist and scenic artist, arrived on Tuesday, and preparations are being pushed forward for the opening on Monday next. The Hugo New Idea Minstrels drew capital houses on St. Patrick’s and Saturday evenings. Many interesting novelties have been added to the programme and the Company have now fully established a reputation for an amusing entertainment, perfectly free from the taint of vulgarity. Mr. T. M. Jackson has decided to adopt the stage as a profession. With his splendid natural gifts, perseverance and conscientious study will, I confidently predict, place him in a very high position. He will carry with him the good wishes of his fellow-townsmen, who will watch his career with interest, and welcome with pride every success. The cantata “ New Jerusalem,” by Mr. A. Hill, a young Wellingtonian, recently returned from Germany after a long course of serious study, was produced in Wellington the other week The work achieved a genuine success, and is highly praised by competent critics Mr. A. Hill is also a finished violinst. The great event of next week will be Mr. Bentley’s “ Hamlet,” to be played at the Opera House on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Lovers of Shakespere expect an original reading and a great treat. Orpheus. The following is taken from the Canterbury Times :— Last week a paragraph appeared in these columns to the effect that Mr. S. H. Gollan had purchased a four-year-old halfbrother to Sentinel, by Randwick—Duchess. Mr. W. F. Elkington, who until quite recently owned Duchess, however, writes stating that it is incorrect, as he is in possession of the gelding, and his three-year-old brother as well. Both, he writes, are splendid specimens of cross-country horses.