POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 90, 1 August 1871, Page 5

POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT.

The second of the amateur entertainments organised with the object of raising funds for the building of an Atheiueum Hall in Cromwell, was given on Thursday evening, 27th ult. Notwithstanding the uninviting aspect of the weather, Kidd's large concert-room was well filled, and every available seat was occupied. We were glad to notice a marked improvement in the lighting of the platform, —a row of footlights having been substituted for the two or three miserable sperm candles that formerly did duty in that part of the room. Still, there is yet a felt want in connection with the lighting of the hall,— a want that can only be supplied by providing a large pendant chandelier in place of the present ineffective and inadequate wall lamps. It is a well-recognised fact that many people of both sexe.s go te places of public amusement to "see and be seen," as well as to witness the performances ; and if they are prevented by any avoidable cause from exercising those privileges to a reasonable extent, the probable consequence will be a very considerable diminution in the attendance on future occasions. Nothing presents a more unseemly appearance than a large and lofty room insufficiently lighted, and this is especially true in regard to place a of public amusement, for there all should be i bright and radiant as a fairy palace. The first part of the entertainment was opened with a quadrille from "Lucia d Lammermoor," played by Mr Whotter (conductor of the band), Messrs Guthrie, Escott, Arkoll, Dod3, and Mr Whetter's three sons —all of whom acquitted themselves admirably on their various instruments. T.ic overture was performed with marvellous precision, the music being fully and accurately rendered. This was followed hj/ a solo and chorus—"l'm dying far from those 1 love." Mr Nanearrow's rich baritone voice was heard to groat advantage in the solo, and it is almost needless to say the music was rendered with exquisite taste and faultless accuracy. The chorus was admirably sustained by Mrs Corse (soprano), Messrs Nancarrow and Tippott (tenor), Mr Stephens (bass), and Master James Stephens (alto). The duet by Messrs It. and A. Campbell—" The Standard on the Braes o' Mar"—was very well sung, and was deservedly applauded. Mr Baird sang "The Bashful Man" in capital style; and then came a cornet duet—" Peace to thy Spirit" (from " II Trovatore ")—played by Mr Whetter and Master 11. Wiietter in a style chat could scarcely be excelled. Cornet duets are, as a rule, not very attractive features in a concert programme ; but we think all who were present will bear testimony t j the pleasingly harmonious efi'eet produced by our leading musician and his well-trained pupil, in the operatic selection above named. If we could say anything in praise of M.: Fraer's reading of "The Curtain Lecture by Mrs Caudle," we should be happy to do so ; but until lie can produce a more nitural and less discordant imitation of the feminine voice than he did in "Shirt Battens," we must refrain from lauding his efforts as an interpreter of Douglas Jerrokl. Sirs Carpenter sang, by special request, " I'm lonely since my Mother died," the plaintive melody of which was very pleasingly rendered ; and the chorus by our Cornish Town friends was a striking example of the success that may be achieved by a well-balanced combination of tho four musical parts, especially when, as in this instance, the representative of each part is thoroughly trained to its correct performance. Tne favourite ballad, "Good-bye, Sweetheart, good-bye," aflorded Mr Sansom an opportunity of d.s----j playing to advantage the power and sweet- ! ness of liis rare tenor voice ; and his rendor- | ing of this song was such as to elicit the i heartiest approbation from the audience. The " Marseillaise Hymn," sung in French by Mr Luiglman, v.*is a finished piece of i vocalisation. Mrs Corse srig "I cannot I mind my Wheel, mother," with excellent I taste, and was warmly applauded at its conclusion. Mr 11. Campbell's Scottish song, " Jeanie's Black E'e," was also very well I given ; and the efforts of the singer met with la most cordial recognition. .Regarding tho "n'gger stump speecii" which followed, a good deal might he said, both favourable and otherwise : wo trust tire hint herein implied will be taken, and that, when "Cliffy" again

" returns to de subjeck," wo shall bi justified in noticing his offorfca in terms of unqualified pr.ii.vi. Mr Nincarrow sang " Home, swcot Homo," in his visual stylo, which is equivalent to saying tint lie did it most excellently. The chorus was givon with precision, and added greatly to the effect pro-.tneed by the old familiar song upon (he foetirtjs of the audience. Tho next item in the prngi'anlnlo w.\ ; somewhat of a novelty to a O'l'omwoll stiktiaiiat) I it art'oru 1 .

dance, cleverly performed by Mr Outline iu Cull Highland costume. TJio li'.st iioi-tioti of the entertainment concluded with u comic song by Sir Grhdlcy—"Good-bye, John," —which was uehledly one of the: ;• ■.. attractive features of the concert. 31 .■ Grindley is fairly entitled to r.ui': as the best amateur comic singer t'.iat haj yet appealed at our Popular Entertainments. Wo have n:it suSicient space at our disposal for an extended notice of the second part of the programme ; b.it must not omit to mention Mr Smythles' admirable recitation of "The Prisoner of Chiilon" (from Byron), and Mr A. Campbell's song, " A.uld Scotland, I love Thee." Bothsoug and recitation wore fcilingly readerei, aaJ each was suitably aekn owledgoJ. Messrs Loughnan and Qolclough presided in turn at the pianoforte, aid both gentlemen very materially contributed to the success of the entertainment. Y/e cannot speak r.i terms of too high commendation of the untiring efforts made by all concerned—and notably by the vocal performers—to reader the concert successful in every respect. The numerous excellent song. and choruses t:> which we had the pleasure of listening on Thursday night could no'. have been mastered by the various singer; ; without much previous practice avid oft-re-peated- rehears id; and we think the Committee would act wisely in allowing at least a month to elapse before the next entertainment takes place, in order to afford ample time to the vocal and instrumental pcrformevs to prepare themselves for another public appearance. Before the close of the entertainment on Thursday night, Mr Mickellar announced from the platform that it was highly probable Mr Vincent Pyki would consent to diversify the next entertainment by delivering a lecture on some popular t >pic. This announcement was received with appl mse. Mr Mackellar further stated that about £2l would be the total amount realised by that evening's entertainment. (Cheers.)