Exhibition Notes.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 40, 24 January 1890, Page 2

Exhibition Notes.

We have already more than once alluded to the Exhibition orchestra and the excellence of its performances. Its members, we are not surprised to find, are also capable, in several instances of distin-guii-hiDg themselves as solo players. A week or two ago we spoke of the qualifications in this respect of Signor Squarise as a violinißt, and of Herr Winckelmann as a performer on the violincello. This week we have had an opportunity of hearing Mr. Hugh Curry perform a solo on the horn. Mr. Curry, who hails from W( llingron, is an instiumentalist of no mean powers, and his manipulation of bis difficult instrument is creditable in the ex'reme. He brings out bis nctis clear and fine, and in his interpretation of the numbers allotted to him shows bimtelt a master of expression, as well as of the technicalities of his art. He perform! d a solo on Saturday evening, an air by Kufuer "0 say Dot a wonnn's heart," in a m-inner which deserved for him the hearty appliuse of the audienc>, who insisted en an encore. Some florid pas^ag a of the variations, in particular, showed, on the part of the performer, a very unusual ma«tery of his instrument — one, by the w«y, ofien heard in a solo, but which is remarkably soft and mellow. Vocal solos on the occasion were sung by Miss Frederica Mitchell, the perfection of whose culture and fiaish 18 even more notable thai the beauty of her sonorom and sweet contralto voice ; by Miss Biistow, a brilliant soprano singer ; aud Mr. Prouse, who possess s a baritone voice of rare quali ies. The orchestra aIBO gave some selections in the admirable m inner to which we are now accustomed, and which we shall miss so much when ihe Exhibition comes to a close— all the more since we cannot hope again. to hear anything nearly so good, at least for a very long time. Among the tints t of the Dunedio buys are also <o be reckoned those fitted up by Mes-rs Biown »nd E*ing. The firm, beeides their cbillinery and uresMnakmg exhibits, Bhow tome illustrative of their tailoring department, and their method of dicplaj ing their varioussuits oq wfcxen irmges is very effective. We were particularly taken with the ta9te displayed in the suits for boys. The Highland costume, for example, is represented in a plainer form as well is in an extremely rich one; each in its way being remarkably handsome. A boy, again, particularly if he were a pretty one, and every mother worth speaking of knows that her son is certainly that, must look charming in the Patience euit of bright brown plush exhibited. A blouse suit of claret-coloured velvet, trimmed with lace, is also very choice. But for those who look for neatness rather than richness, the Kugby and Spencer suits are perfectly adapted. One and all are in their way admirable. Waxen ladies also figure in rich costumes, giving us some idea of how the genuine wea~er must look. Everything seems to have been done in this department that taste and skill could combine in doing, and the fair visitor must indeed be difficult to please who does not apprecate the results. There are also some very piquant little bonnets, chufU of floral design, with other articles of the f as) ionable lady's toi'ette — all to suit the mos" exacting requirements. Great taste is also shown in the fitting up and adornment of the b<iy» their tented roof, for example, is particularly remarkable, forming' quite a feature in itself.

Lovers of music may pass an hoar or so with much interest in tront of the bays occupied by Messrs. Charles Begg and Co., and wtucti they will find handsomely stocked with pianos, organs, and otfcer musical instruments— tbe Beethoven organ especially deserving attention. An opportunity is frequently given to visitors of judging i. * °' the inßtrament9 » » young gentleman be ng present, who from time to time plays upon them. The attention of the passer-by is called to these bays by some amusing toys, which represent bears, squirrels, and other animals beating the drum, or otherwise musically occupied. A placard containing autographs of several of the notab.es of the world of music, and which is also exhibited here, forms kd interesting study.