THE ITALIANS IN DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 3, 4 November 1892, Page 19

THE ITALIANS IN DUNEDIN.

Pubtheb experience served to confirm us in the opinion we bad formed of the merits of the artists in question. As is the rale where genuine excellence is concerned, their singing improved on acquaiatance, Sigaora Cuttica was, for example, especially coaming in tha shadow dance from " DinoraV a sjag — excise the bull— requiring a combination of delicacy and brilliancy not easy to find. It wai a melancholy memory that, in the very same place, more than sixteen years ago, we had heard the ill-fated lima da Muralca sing the song. She was a little discomposed, however, owing to a lime-light that would not work, as had, indeed, been ma-Je evident to the audience before the curtain rose by a somewhat vociferous discussion that took place behind tbe scenes. Poor la-iy, worse trials were in store for her. Signora Cutiic* did not attempt the daoce, or sing tbe long in character, but her saccjsi w*a perfect. Another feature of the concerts wa3 the singing by the prina donna in Italian of the song " Fate's Decree," written by Mr Charles Umbers, and composed by Mr Whitwell-Butler. We had alrealy referred to this song, which wa9 sung for tne first time at the concert recently given in aid of the building fuud of the North-east Valley church. It pleased us then very much, and we are flattered at finding that it has obtained the approval of an infinitely higher authority. Even a reigning diva cannot afford to throw her notes away or to give an audience anything unworthy of her. The song was received with enthusiasm, and the fair singer made her own sentiment evident by inviting the composer, who had played her accompaniment, to share in the ovation. From one of the bouquets thrown, and which bore the motto, " With kind wishes for yonr future," she plucked some of the flowers cad handed them to Mr Butler as his acknowledged due— a graceful act, we may add, that was fully supported by the house. Signorioa Matioli also won fresh laurels. Her singing especially of the famous polacca from the " Puritani " was a complete triumph, and proved her a mis* tress of tbe florid art. The song we ehould choose from Signor Outtica's repertoire would be par excellence " La donna 6 mobile.' 1 His singing of it could hardly be surpassed, either in execution or expression. And Signor Travaglini f Sorely that prayer to the Blessed Virgin—" Simon Boccanegra " stands for it in the programme —showed him at his best; the fervour and pission of his singing were almost overpowering. Signor Sisco and Sigaor lorio, likewise.

more than sustained tbe first impression made by them— and ai much may be Mid of the instrumentalists, Miss Brabwon and Signor Bebottaro. On Saturday night a eontre-tcmpt occurred, A concert was advertised to be held in the Garrison Hall. When an Audience arrived there in crowds, nevertheless, they were met at the doors by an announcement of "no performance." Some dispute about money — the root of all evil— it seems, had taken place bstween the artists and their managers— hino ilia lackryma. We understand, moreover, that the matter had given Signora Cuttica a very genuine and severe nertous attack — so that, in her case, illness might with truth have been pleaded. This also prevented the lady from fulfilling an engagement toting at 8t Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday. We must, besidesi remember that the musical temperament is easily affected, and when those who suffer from it are strangers in a strange land, some latitude must be allowed them. If the steps they take to protect themselves appear somewhat strong, not to say eccentric, they are still not without an excuse. The artists in their explanation promise us more music, and that, doubtless, will atone for all.