JOSEPH HISLOP.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19167, 25 November 1927, Page 10

JOSEPH HISLOP.

SUCCESSFUL SECOND CONCERT. In most cases a second concert greatly relieves tho tension a first night's criticism imposes. Opinions are already formed and merely wait to be confirmed and sealed. Then ono feels on safe ground; impressions hare grown to certainties. In the case of Air Hislop no fear of a repudiation on second thoughts of the eulogies expressed entered tho mind, for the evidence of Tuesday night spoke too strongly iu his favour on all points relating to both gifts and accomplisliment - • , , • i. j f A fi-eat houco had agam gathered at tho Theatre Atoyai. A's far as Mr liisiop's voice is concerned, it seemed fuller last night, nioro ready for expansion without great effort, Hie finest achievement was undoubtedly the great aria, "Un Di," from Giordano's ''Andrea Chenier." He brought to bear upon it all his interDretative skill and filled it with a glowing intensity of expression quite fascinating. Cimara's beautiful air was repeated as an encore. The songs, "A Swan" and "Tho Brook" by Grieg, were welcome numbers of great merit. Borodin's striking, imposing song, "The Sea," found even in the tenor Betting a splendid illustration of wonderful power. The aria from "La Tosca,"even 'after this trying ordeal, lost none of its effect. In a group of five songs, the love-songs "An Island Sheiling Song" and "Mary of Argyle" stood out strongly, given with a fine wnrmth of feeling and tone, and tender infections most alluring. To the final number, the lovely aria by Cesar Franck, "0 Lord Most Holy," the services of Miss Irene Morris and Mr Arthur Lilly gave added distinction and beauty ana the devotional fervour with which Mr Hislop sang it cannot be too highly praised. But Mr Hislop discerns the spirit of each song without fail; in each he draws a new and true picture and conveys its sentiment. And that, in a word is the real art of tho singer. His voice is the gift of the gods, with some little help from man. Needless to say, the audience was enthusiastically with him from beginning to the end. Signor Sciarretti was not as happy in the choice of his solos as on Tuesday night. Martucci's "Variations" are ingenious only in parts; Castel-nuovo-Jedesco's "Tragic Fox Trot," an amazing idea indeed, cannot boast of much beauty. A very brilliant reading of Chopin's "Heroic Polonaise" was a redeeming feature. But at all times the Signor exhibits a fine technique, double notes run from his fingers as rapidly with as much ease as the single tcnes of most pianists. His accompaniments were played with every ski!] and artistic restraint, always in touch and sympathy with the singer. He was again in great favour with the audience. Tho final concert will take place tomorrow night.

FINAL CONCERT. The final (extra concert) of tie Joseph Hislop season will be given in the Theatre Royal next Saturday night, whon a grand operatic programme will bo presented in addition to many popular ballad successes. All the popular numbers of the season will be sung as encores and such numbers as "Lord Randal)," "Five Eyes,' eto., will be repeated in response to hundreds of requests. _ Two interesting operatic numbers for Christchurch music-lovers will be Leoncavallo' great aria "Vesti la Giubba" from "Pagliaooi," also "Kesßun Dorma" from Puccini's last opera, "Turandot." This lattor opera will be produced by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., during their grand opera season to bo given in Australia and New Zealand during 1928, so that exceptional interest ia centred in the singing of this great aria by such a. brilliant artist as Mr Hislop. Other features on a notable "goodbye" programme are "Like a little Bird" (Palladilhe). "From a Prison Garden" (Hahn), "Minnelied" (Brahms), "Die Mainacht" (Brahms), "Spring Waters" (Rachmaninoff), "Af ton Water" (Hume). Three interesting groups of pianoforte solos will be played by Mr Alberto Sciarretti, who has bocome a popular favourite in Christchurch and is being feted everywhere, just like the popular Mischa Levitski. Extra rows fn all parts of tho theatre will bo opened at The Bristol this morning for the farewell concert. The unreserved seats may be' purchased at the Theatre Royal Sweet Shop and Bristol. For the convenience of patrons, the five shilling seats may . rawrved, an d this privilege has met with popular approval, judging by tie enormouß rush for seats in choice positions!