HERR WILHEMJ.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 509, 15 December 1881, Page 1

HERR WILHEMJ.

v Last night Herr August Wilhemj gave his muchrtalked-of concert at the Town Hall. There was a good house. Herr Wilhelmj brought a very high reputation with him, and the public seemed to be > curious to know whether the enconiums so freely lavished upon the violinist were deserved or not. If very hearty applause can be taken as a criterion of ability, then 1 Herr Wilhelmj undoubtedly deserves all - the complimentary things that have been * said of him. It would be mere presumption on our part to criticise the playing of 1 so great a master ; suffice it to say that his manipulation of his instrument is remarkable, and the visitor at once perceives that he is in the presence of a perfect 1 master of perhaps the most difficult in--1 strument in existence. Everything that 1 Herr Wilhelmj played was encored, but, charmed as the audience were with his playing of the “ Grand concerto," “Romance,” and “Hungarian airs,” yet his “ Auld Robin Gray,” played as one of the encores, was perhaps ibis most successful effort. The reason is not difficult to supply. The auditor may be charmed with the playing of classical music because it is perfectly played ; but it does not appeal to his heart—unless, indeed, he is himself a trained musician, or has received a highclass musical education, —but when the familiar tones of “ Auld Robin Gray,” or some such sweet and simple melody, are produced by the hands of such a performer as Herr Wilhelmj, everybody can enjoy it. It is something that appeals to all. Mr Max Vogrich is a pianist of considerable ability, and was honored with several encores. Miss Marie Conron, the possessor of a pleasing mezzo-soprano, , was also highly successful, and was also several times encored. The company left by the early train for Christchurch this morning, and they open in the Cathedral City tonight.