THE ENTERTAINMENT.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 87, 11 July 1871, Page 5

THE ENTERTAINMENT.

The first of the winter scries of evening entertainments took place last Thursday evening in Kidd’s Assembly Room, and never on any previous occasion within the recollection of that venerated individual, the “ oldest inhabitant,” was seen such a large concourse of ladies and gentlemen gathered in Cromwell for the purposes of social enjoyment. The place was filled in every available space, yet, owing to the excellent arrangements of tire Committee for the general comfort, not inconveniently crowded. It may bo truly said that the beauty and gallantry of the district came en masse to lend the charm of especial adornment to the opening performance. j Punctual to the appointed hour, the band led off with a quadrille from “Martha.” It was rendered tastefully, and with much precision of time, eliciting the approbation of its hearers in a most hearty manner. Mr Mackellar then made his dobht, and, through the medium of a neat and appropriate Prologue, explained to some extent the intentions contemplated to be carried out by the Entertainments ; at the conclusion of its recital, he was warmly applauded. Then followed the Chorus, “Awake, iEolian Lyre.” This was sung by the whole strength of the company, consisting of three lady and several gentleman amateurs. It was a complete success, and received the most marked acknowledgement of appreciation from the audience. Here Mr Mackellar briefly informed the audience that the length of the programme necessitated that encores must bo avoided, and he trusted a degree of consideration would be shown in this regard. A slight departure from the programme took place by Mr Lusj combe giving, in lieu of “ Spring Morn,” “Say a kind Word when you Can.” This I gentleman has a nicely-modulated voice, and sang with much taste and expression ; he was well received. Mr Baird’s song, “Fair, fair, golden hair,” full of pathos ami poetry, was j beautifully and feelingly sung ; it formed one , ot (he gem:; of the evening, and regularly

brought down the house. And now followed Mrs Corse’s tender and happily-selected song, “Her bright Smile haunts me still.” The charms of her really sweet voioo wore fully displayed in the execution of this ballad, and of course met with the most enthusiastic of receptions. Mr Fraer gave a reading from Lover, “ The Mistakes of Handy Andy.” Mr Fraer is possessed of a largo fund of genuine humour, is an excellent delineator of Irish brogue and character, has a very retentive memory, and is an acquisition of high value to the winter evening performances. Ho made a great hit, and was most popularly thanked. The cornet duet from “Don Pasqnale” was played by.Mr and Master Whetter in a creditable manner. Mr Nanoarrow, in “Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer,” had opportunity afforded him of exercising that flexibility and compass of voice so characteristic of his musical taste. It requires no prophet to predict that he will become a general favourite, —his reception on this occasion already ensuring this position. His song was chastely and effectively given. “ When Other Lips,” from Balfe’s “Bohemian Girl,” was very pleasingly trolled forth by Mr Sansom, who has a fine tenor voice of great compass, and sings with much judgment and cmpressement. His song was well liked and [ noticeably acknowledged. Mr Grindley suc- ! ceeded in the order of the programme. He gave a comic song ; but we, think a more judicious, yet equally attractive one, might have been selected from his repertory. Another of the lady amateurs now followed with “I’m lonely since my Mother died.” Mrs Carpenter, the lady in question, by her exquisite style of singing this plaintive and beautiful air, evinced musical capabilities of an uncommon order ; her voice admits of all phases of melodious expression and modulation. At the conclusion of the song, she met with quite an ovation from the audience, and received, as a mark of special favour, an encore, the rule being departed from in this one case only. Mr Pretsch, in the now world-renowned German war-song, “Der Wacht am Rhine,” showed that a good voice may serve to illustrate the military prowess of one’s nationality, as well as to evoke the martial ardour of the auditors. The Irish comic singing, in character, of Mr Grierson kept everybody heartily laughing from beginning to end. He is first-class in this line of business ; and no doubt many will avail thornselves of the hints given in “Howto make Love like an Irishman.” Ills get-up was most artistic. Mr Smythies’ reading, an “ Ode to the Creator”—a composition full of genius and beauty, of poetic imagery and expression—arrested the particular attention of his hearers : it was recited with considerable elocutionary power. Mr Pretsch, in the absence of Mr Novelio, sang a very lively air, | “The Swisser Maid and this closed the first part of the programme. Considering the shortness of the time allowed him for practice j with the various singers, too much praise cannot be given to the pianist, Mr Golclough for the valuable aid he rendered as accompanist. This gentleman was indefatigable in his exertions to sustain the various singers in the execution of their several roles, and the committee and general public have in him an invaluable aid. The piano was kindly lent for the occasion by Mrs Smitham.

An interval of fifteen minutes now took place, and when the time had elapsed, the second part of the programme was inducted by the instrumental performance of the 11 La Fete Chainpetre” Polka. The long list of songs and recitations precludes ns from making especial mention of each in its order ; suffice it to say that the ladies and gentlemen were as eminently successful in this part as they wore in the first one, Mr Whettcr’s ophicloide solo, “The Standard Bearer,” being conspicuously attractive. The National Anthem brought to a triumphant conclusion a most enjoyable evening’s performances. Mr M'Kellar announced that the receipts reached the amount of £23 os (3d, and he intimated that they would be judiciously applied to the object intended, the building of an Athenaeum. He further stated that the Committee, while thanking the public for their generous support, wished it to be understood that a reduction in the charge for admission was contemplated, and would be carried out on future occasions.

The room being cleared for the votaries of the “ muse of the many tinkling feet,” dancing was kept up with great spirit until the small hours had well advanced.