MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 21, 19 October 1907, Page 10

MUSIC.

'•.-'■ —-<> (By Treble Clef.")

Tho next sensation in the. local musical world will be the visit to Now Zealand of Mine. Clara Butt and her husband, Mr. Kcnnerley Rumford (not to mention the ramify). About the final concert in Melbourne on Sept 26 the "Australasian" says:—"The audienco, which included Her Excellency Lady Northcbte, was probably the largest .ever assembled here for a mid-week matinee concert; and the programinnie was on the highest level of artistic excellence. Mr. Konnerley Rumford, like Autolycus, 'hath songs for man or woman, of all sizes; no milliner can so fit his customers with gloves. . . and all men's cars grow to his tunes.' On Thursday lie produced the very finest tiling in his repertoire —Brahm's four'serious songs (Op. 121), tho last work of tho great master, written manifestly in the dawning light of Eternity. Nothing more spiritual, moro inspired, has over been composed, and Mr. Rumford and his accompanist, Mr. Arthur Godfrey, gave a rendering of them in all respects worthy. Mme. Clara Butt's songs were also-of tho noblest, quality;. Schubert's 'Tod und das Madcheii,' and "Aufenthalt, 1 . and ■.Cornelius' wonderful 'The. Monotone,' in which the whole song is intoned upon a sjngle note, and yet pulses with the most varied expression. Only a great singer could make it effectivo, and"Mme. Butt did so. Her encore, Handel's 'Lascia Ch'io Pianga,' was equally finely sung, Indeed, both tho artists were at their best; and one may hope that after seeing how thoroughly this sort of work was appreciated thoy may, when they return to Melbourne,, givo us more programmes of tho samo character. The/also sang a song cycle, by Liza Lehmann, specially composed for them, and entitled 1 'Songs of Love and Spring.' It consists of eleven numbers, all dainty and pretty enough, and-very pleasant to listen to when interpreted as they were on Thursday. Three of the numbers wore encored and repented. Mr. Frank Merrick did fine work in Chopinl Fantasio in F minor; and Mr.-Carl Barre illustrated his versatility of, gifts in Viouxtemp's 'Andante Religioso' and Popper's 'Elfentanz,' with Bach's unaccompanied gavotte as encore. These two gentlemen also gave a very acceptable rendering of a rondo of Mozart's for violin and piano. There was a scene of immense enthusiasm at the■ end of the concert. Mr. and Mrs. Kennorloy Rumford were recalled .quite half n dozen times, mid tho'audieuce refused to leave the hall until they had one more cxamplo of thoir skill in 'The Keys of Heaven.'" ■ - More Butt. An enthusiastic audience welcomed Madame Clara Butt at her initial concert in Sydney on the sth hist., over 3500 being present. Madame Butt was greeted with prolonged applause as she made her bow. She was dressed in an elegant gown-of white,chiffon velours, with sleeves of white chiffon, embroidered in silver, an dwith with ermine bordoring the neck and sleeves. She also woro jewels presented by tho musicians of London and the different provinces, an 'enamel brooch made especially for her by tho daughter of Princess Christian, and a small blue enamel pendant brooch with lior monogram in diamonds with the portrait of the King enclosed, being a persona! gift from His Majesty. Curing'tho evening she received many floral tributes, including some English primroses.