AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1698, 28 July 1875, Page 3

AUCKLAND CHORAL SOCIETY.

"The Ceimson ScariV a comic opera,, in two acts, by Legouix, was produced last night at the Choral Hall by members of the Choral Society. As the privilege of admission was restricted to subscribers only, the result showed a veiy substantial increase in the number of honorary members, for the audience was by far the largest we have seen at any of the Society's concerts, excepting the "Messiah." It is estimated there were about 800 persons p esenf. The plot of the opera has already been described in these columns. We need, therefoie, only briefly notice its pe;formaaco on this occasion. We should say, however, that, in order to lengthen the opera, two or three songs were adroitly introduced, for the piece oy itself is too short for an evcniDg's , programmo. Altogether, the opura was very successfully performed. The land wa3 excellent, the singing accurate, and the acting above mediocrity. The part of " Cornariuo Tremendcso" (Mr. G. Harker) was well sung, and was not-over-acted, but a little more freedom in both would have improved the style. The studious, though imbecile, old governor " Sassafrasso" (Mr Stoddart) was admi. * ably pourtiayed throughout^ and kept the audience in roars of laughter. The text did not give him any great scope for humour but he made the most of what there was. In the trio " Signor Since You Wish Me" he was most effective, indeed this trio was the best thing in the opera. Ihe hero and prince lover of the opera " Ernest Cornarino" (Mr E. Harker) used his magnificent voice to the best advantage, though he seemed more au fait in love-singing than in love-making. His song " -Bless You Best of Men" was exquisitely droll, but the remainder of his part was evidently out of keeping with the broad comedy style for which he is so justly famous. " Marco" (Mr A. Tole) on the other hand was great at lovemaking and would have made an excellent "Ernesto." His singing and acting were both graceful, easy, and fluent, but his part was not a, conspicuous one. The part of "£criblino," the scribe, consisted of one word "mystified." It is no small praise to say that this word was uttered audibly and in its proper place. The young lady who took the part of " Bianca," the heroine, sang better than we had ever heard her before.| .VJiss Leaf's best performance was the sons; "One April Night," which was given with an irresistible archness of manner, and was vociferously encored ; but the legend of the two Wallets was hardly suitable to the occasion. Tee song, however, was capitally rendered, and gave Miss Leaf an opportunity of producing some of her best notes. Her maid, "Tessa" (Mrs. Mitchell), perhaps deserves the highest commendation of all. Her singing was clear and artistic, and her humorous by-play gave life to the entire performance. The Venetian air, " Beppo is Yonng and Gay," was charmingly sung by her : and in the trio before attended to both she and Bianca were completely successful. The quartette " What a Strange Decision," went so badly that one almost persuaded it should have read " What a strange indecision!" The quintett at the close of the opera drew forth enthusiastic applause ; and the policeman who came on at the finish—so like policemen as a rule—sang their four bars of chorus without a single mistake ! The success of the performance was chiefly due to the exertioDß of Mr Fenton, who conducted, and who had evidently taken great pains to make the performers both in the band and on the stage perfect. And we should add that the scenery, dresses, and other accessories were excellent. —Sigma.