TOWN HALL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1571, 2 June 1920, Page 34

TOWN HALL.

GERTRUDE JOHNSON CONCERTS. YOUNG SINGER’S OVATION. There was an enthusiastic crowd at the Concert Chamber on Tuesday night to welcome Miss Gertrude Johnson, the young prima donna who scored so emphatically through New Zealand recently as a member of the J. C. Williamson Grand Opera Company. Her success on that tour is fresh in the minds of the music loving public, and the reception accorded by her numerous Auckland admirers at her first recital was proof that the enchantment of her gift of song was no less potent on the concert platform than in opera. A storm of applause greeted the clever artist as she made her introductory bow, and being equipped with a charming stage presence as well as brilliance and clarity of voice, and intelligible delivery, her appeal was instantaneous. Her opening number, “A Fors e Lui” from “La Traviata” was marked not only by beautiful lyrical interpretation but by dramatic intuition and emotional power that was a significant expression of the theme. A clamorous recognition from the audience, and Miss Johnson responded with an effective treatment of Verdi’s “Sapre Vorreste” which

evoked further plaudits, and was followed by “April Morn,” sung with delightful charm, and “Fairy Children,” a charming little chanson with the motif delicately expressed. The piece de resistance was undoubtedly, the “Mad Scene” from “Lucia di Lammermoor” in which the singer won such a notable triumph in the operatic presentation some few months ago. The'bird-like purity of her top notes, the wonderful ease and perfectness with which she manipulated. the intricate cadenzas and ornamental passages in which the excerpt abounds, and the vivid characterising of the part histrionically helped towards a superb achievement that was notably enhanced by the faultless synchronisation of the flute accompaniment by Mr. Charles Russell, in the high top note it being impossible to detect which was voice and which was flute. Tempestuous plaudits were satisfactorily silenced by a brilliant rendition of the “Waltz Song” from Romeo and Juliet.” In simple, tender songs too, Miss Johnson shows

her artistic insight and ability to probe the heart as well as charm ear. In “The Songs my Mother Taught Me” (Dvorak) she portrayed a definite picture of the very real sentiment underlying the words, making her hearers respond generously to its pathos by the wistfulness of her appeal. “Solveig’s Song” (Greig) was given with an appropriate sense and sympathetic charm and feeling marked her treatment of “The Lass with the Delicate Air” (Arne), aind that old favourite “Robin Adair,” given as a popular recall. At the conclusion of the concert, Miss Johnson was warmly ovated, and was presented during the evening with numerous beautiful bouquets. The artistic plane of the recital was materially sustained by Mr. Horace Hunt, the gifted local pianist, who has gained a name abroad. His playing showed absorption and poetic insight, with a sure sense of technical and musical values. His interpretative talent and brilliance of execution found vivid expression in Chopin’s magnificent work “Scherzo in B Flat Minor,” and “Study in F. Op. 25, No. 3.” “Improvisation and Polonaise” (MacDowell),, “Chelsea Reach,” and “Dans le Bois” (Listz). Mr. Charles Russell, the flautist of the party, also met with unqualified admiration, and his contributions, “Scherzo Capriccio” (Sabathil), and “Gipsy Revels” (Edward German) had to be. augmented with encores. Mr. Russell was also heard to delightful effect in obligatos with Miss Johnson. Mr. Eric Waters, an accompanist of more than ordinary ability, did much to ensure the pronounced success of the concert. Further recitals will be given on Thursday and Friday.