CHAMBER CONCERT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 32, 8 May 1891, Page 18

CHAMBER CONCERT.

The fifth of the series of chamber concerts in Dunedia took place on Friday evening. Tbe programme began with a trio from Mendelssohn—Signor Squarise, violin ; Mr. Mos', 'cello ; and Herr Barmeyer, piano ;— is which a fine interpretation was given of the para harmonies of the composer. A great deal of the work fell to the share of tbe pianist, whose soft, round.touch was brought prominently into requisition. Herr Barmeyer also \ lsyed, as a solo, Schumann's " Celebrated Carnival," a piece descriptive of the grotesque rollicking and fan of tbe privileged time referred to ia the title, the performance needing for its success the highest possible qualifications in the performer. Herr Barmeyer, however, was quite equal to the task, tbe conclading movement especially, tbe march of an apparently JudoeoGerman corps (" Davidsbiindler ")— against the Philistines, being enough to make the bones of Goliath rattle in their grave. As an encore, most unconscionably demanded, Baffs " Polka de la Beine " was charmingly played. Signor Squarisa played as a violin solo Alard's arrangement of Trovatore, finding scope for his great powers of expression in the various airs. The depth of feeling with which he played " II BaleD," and the delicacy displayed in his performance of '■ Di tale ajaor " were especially remarkable. The whole performance, however, was. as usual, masterly. In response to an encore, a beautiful melody " Lea Adieux," by Giorza, was given. Schubert's " Trout,'* a quintette for strings and piano, concluded the evening, which also was a very fine performance. The performers were : Signor Squariie, Herr Barmeyer, and Messrs Parker, Mora and Bobertshaw. Mr. J. 8. Balmond, who made his debut as a vocalist, it seemed to us, was not quite fairly treatei by the andience. His powers were certainly under* rated. His undertaking was, indeed, somewhat ambitious, namely, Beethoven's " Adelaide," but it was correctly sung, which is saying a great deal. Mr. Salmond, besides, possesses a baritone voice of a very pleasing quality, a good deal of cultivation, and evident musical talents. If the cold reception with which he met on his first appear" ance finally discourages him, the musical world of Dunedin will be a decided loser. Mrs. Murphy was not heard to quite so much advantage as usual in a song by Hook, " When first the East begins to dawn," but as an encore she gave a quaint little song, " Margery's only three," with a very pretty archness. In a duet with Mr. H. Smith she if anything, surpassed her ordinary self, taking her part with brilliant success. Mr. Smith also sang remarkably well. The duet, the programme tells us, was from the Italian opera, "L'Kbreo,** by Appoloni— a composition of which we know nothing more. If, however, it contains much of the original work and exceediog beauty of which this duet is full, it deserves frequent performance. The duet will be heard with pleasure over and over again — particularly if sung as on the occasion in question. Signor Squarise and Herr Barmeyex are to be congratulated on the evident success that now attends on their enterprise. The audience has constantly increased, and on Friday night the hall was full.