VIOLINISTS OF THE PAST.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18410, 17 June 1925, Page 11

VIOLINISTS OF THE PAST.

TO THZ EDITOR 0? "THE ?SESS." Sir, —In the articlo in to-day : s "Press," on the celebrated violinist now in Christchurch, Mr Kreisler, the, writer refers to a. number of previous great players on this kind of instrument, whom tho peoplo pf Christ- I church have had tho opportunity of hearing. One is not surprised that some names have been omitted, but one at least that lias not been mentionccf should not bo forgotten, via., that of Madame Urso. At the time tff her visit, in the nineties, sho was principal of tho New York Conscrvatorium of Music. I feel sure that all those who hoard her on that occasion—it was in the Tuam street Hall, now tho Opera House, would not bo likely to forget the manner in which she played tho noblo instrument: the opening notes of her first piece, tho grand tones which sho brought out, I seem to hear now as distinctly as on- that night over 30 years ago'. Tho charm of her dig-' nity and noble appearance no doubt enhanced the grandeur iof her performance. "Wo wero being treated to somo very delightful music, both song and violin, in tho Theatre Royal in the same week, the old building almost opposite to the present one, by a visiting artist, Miss Bessie Doyle, and her company. Amongst other pieces sh© sang very prettily, Gounod's Serenade. The Sapio Company, of which Madame ;Urso. was a member, wcro a, little disappointed on their first appearance, for-Bessie Doylo had carried tho place by storm, and had become very popular, but after wo had heard tho members of tho Sapio Company, we quickly realised that these were by far the greater artists. Madame Sapio was a magnificent • singer, and I well rem embe;* how she sang Gounod's Serenade at tho second or third concert. When sho came on the stage, she looked at her audience in a challenging and at the same time an amusing way, as much as to say: "I know that you have just heard this famous Serenade in another place, I will now let you hear how it can and should be sung." Hor singing of this so well known and delightful song aroused great enthusiasm in the audience, for it was a grand performance. Her husband, M. Sapio, . had a splendid voice and was greatly appreciated. • There are some "other names I would have liked to. mention, amongst the violinists who havo visited Christchurch, but I do not remembeir them. One in particular who played at a concert in the then new Canterbury Hall, delighted her audience.— Yours, etc., A. F. -J. MIOKLE. June 15th.