ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 238, 1 July 1908, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS.

KUBELIK'S FINAL CONCERT. The stars in their courses fought against Kubclik last evening. Teeming relentless showers, which fell beforo tho commencement of his concert, prevented many people from hearing tho Inst strains of tho magician, and scores of soats in the Town Hall which boro l'osorvo tickets were not occupied/ Nevertheless, the hall was considerably more than half filled, and tho enthusiasm of tho audience was far moro than proportionate to its mimbors.

Kubelik's final programmo was well chosen to display his almost incredible powers of execution. With tho exception of a concerto by Sinding, a Norwegian composer of growing fame, and an adagio by Spohr, it was a virtuoso's programme. Even Spohr's compositions for tho violin were considered in his own day, tho final test of a musician's technical • resources. " Kubelik; however, achieves well-nigh impossisiblo feats of execution with as much ease and nonchalanco as if he did. not know of tiheir existence. His first selection' binding's concerto, A major, is divided into three parts,' allegro' energico, andanto, and allegro giocoso. In tho andante, especially, tho performer's beautiful fullness and richness of tone were conspicuous. The final movomeiit, which is of a lively, rollicking description, was played with a full apprccia; tion of its character, and at its conclusion Kubelik was greeted with enthusiastic plaudits, which would not cease till lie returned to play an encore number. This time ho gavo the audience Fibich's "Poomo," an exquisitely musical little piece by' a Hungarian composer, in which tne wonderful lyric quality of Kublik's art. was charmingly displayed. The adagio (from the concerto No. 9) by Spohr, was played with the characteristic richness and fullness of tone, and was followed by a dainty trifle, by Hubay, another Hungarian composer, whoso rare harmonic beauties wero delightfully rsadered. Kubelik is accounted the supreme interpreter "of the strange genius of the first 'and greatest 9f the virtuosi, Paganini, and his rendering of "Campanella," one of the Etudes of this eccentric genius, worked his audienco lip to a high pitch of oxcitement. Only a supremo executant would, attempt some of the difficulties of this composition, but effects were amazing in their caso and brilliance. The audience were clamorous for another number, and after repeated calls tho musician give them another of his loved Hungarian pieces, Drdla's "Vision." The quiet dreamy charm of this selection afforded a strong contrast to tho aggressive abnormalities of its predecessor. For a final display of his talent Kubelik had choson Sarasite's "Zegernevweison," a very charming selection, which .gave great scope again for his.executant ability, especially in tho lively latter, movoment. ' But the audienco was insatiable for more; in vain did tho musician eome forward repeatedly, and bow his modest acknowledgement, of the vociferous applause. The people would not leavo their soats, and IKubclik gave' them a final proof of' his astounding skill as an executant by playing Wienawski's "Carnoval Eusse," which starting with a simple, theme goes off into successive variations : fraught with tho most bewildering difficulties of technique—difficulties which to Kubelik woro like child's play. Tho achievement iwas rewardod with prolonged applause.. Miss Erna Mueller, sang three songs in a most pleasing manner. They woro "Dio Maonacht," by Brahms, and "Come Back" and "Tho • Secret," _by Roger. Quiltor. Miss Emily Dyason's, piano solos, "Marclie des Nains," by Grieg, "Baracarollo," by. Rubinstein, : and "Etudo do Concert —G Major," by Godard, were greeted with deserved applause. Mr. John Prouso, who was in good voico, sang Schubert's "Tho Wanderer," Hehschel's: ■ "Moriiing . Hymn," and Schumann's "Tho Two Grenadiers," with ■ fine effect. Tho last number was 1 encored, and Mr. Prousi? sang-"Queen of Connemara," very acceptably.. Horr Ludwig Schwab's unostentatious and .'effective work as accompanist to Kubelik was deserving of much, praise.

RICKARDS'S VAUDEVILLE COM- ■ ': PANY. ■ • Thecleyor combination '.of "vaudevillo artists appearing at tho Op.ora House under tho banner of Mr. Harry Rickards is Hearing the. end, of its Wellington season; Another large -houso attended last/niglit in spite of tho woather. Tho management announce that tho company, will only appear, for three more; nights. Thoso who' have not ,vet seon tho Artois Bros., tho Klos Sisters, tho Miles-Stavordale Quintet, wid the other excollent performers who liavo contributed to the success of the company's Wellington season aro rorainded of the fact that the season is drawing to a close. • ' '

THEATRE ROYAL. . ■An excellent bill is being prosented at' tho Theatre Royal at present. • Thore was a fairly large audicnco last night, and the houso resounded again with tho well-known voice of Mr. Tod Calloway. "Convict 99." an amusing playlet, is produced, by tlio Swifts, and the other, members of the com : pariy aro' strong in their different means of amusing; and pleasing' tho audience. Tho last' nights of several of _' the' present performers are announced by tho management. "THE PRINCE CHAP." The box plan for Mr. H. R. Roberts's season in "The Prince Chap" will, bo opened at Holiday's this morning at 10 o'clock. Tho season begins next Saturday evening at the Opera House', and is for sevon nights only/ OLYMPIA RINK. Good, muisc, first-class skates, an excellent floor, and civility aro a rare combination, but' sufficient to mako tho Olympia Rink an attractive placo of popular amusement. A polo match between tho Morris family and the Wellington representatives will be played tp-morrow, and the management announce that-entries for the poster carniva;! will close on July 13. :

MAORI; ENTERTAINMENT. An entertainment consisting of songs! war dances, and poi dances, by Maori men and girls, will bo held in the Town Hall on July 8. The proceeds will be in aid of nursing sick Maoris in- their homes.