MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 455, 13 March 1909, Page 9

MUSIC.

e . (By Tbeble Clef.) A New Tenor. Last month tliero appeared before tlio London musical world a tenor vocalist, who, though well known on tho Continent, was hitherto a stranger in England. That the appearance of a possible now star in the firmament of vocalism is of paramount attraction was manifest by tho overflowing audience at the Albert 11 all. The main entrance was closed to all but ticket-holders, while tho interior presented an aspect but seldom seen. Tho whole of the immense arena was packed, people oven sitting round the "circus ring," nearly all the boxes ,were taken, and most of tho stalls occupied, a few private seats merely still retaining their bands over them. It was obviou? from the general remarks, says "Musical News." that everyone had come to hear Siguor Tamini, and when ho appeared he was greeted with unusual warmth. His voico is worthy of comparison with Caruso. It is a beautifully pure tenor, free from southern vibrato, and admirably produced. Tho extreme notes are perhaps a littlo contracted, as is the case with most Italian tenors. His tone is nothing like so "big" as that of Caruso, but he is undoubtedly a tenore robusto notwithstanding. His breath control is porfect, and in one respect he is superior to tho great premier operatic tenor in that, not having so powerful a voice, he does not set so much store on mere volume. His singing proved him to bo an all-round artist. His nuances wore above reproach, and he seemed equally at home in all tho varied styles for which his solection of songs provided opportunities. Melba's Tour. Melba is to sing in Sydney witli full orchestral accompaniment. Herr Slapoffski will conduct. Tho diva has donated a set of nor-mal-pitch instruments, which will bo used by the orchestra. They consist of:—One lladcliff model piccolo, two Eadcliff model flutes, Olio '67 flute, two oboes, one cor anglais, two A clarinets, two B flat clarinets, one bass clarinet, two bassoons, four French, horns, two B flat' tenor trombones, one bass trombone, three F trumpets, one five-valvo tuba. Each instrument is enclosed in a leather ease, with tho words "Melba Gift" stamped on it in gold letters.- Mr. John Lemniono displayed the collection in Melbourne, in the presence of many musicians the other day. The formal presentation will bq made by Madame Melba herself to tho Victorian Permanent Orchestra, whoso permanent property they will become. Tho normal pitch is lower than that of the Sydney Town Hall organ, but is the French official pitch which was adopted a few years ago by the London Philharmonic Socioty. Strauss's "Eteotra." The much-heralded new opera from the pen of Richard Strauss was produced iu Dresden on January 25 beforo tho elite of musical Germany. Such extraordinary interest had been taken in the event that the entire house was sold out beforo Christmas, seats in the gallery reaching the figuro of a guinea each. Numbers of people were unable to gain admission at any price. Tho text of tho opera is founded on the tragedy of Sophocles. The plot is that Clytemnostra and her paramour tiavo murdered Agamemnon, her husband, and reign together as King and Queen. Eloctra and Chrysothemis, her daughters, arc treated with every indignity, and her son Orestes has been removed to a secret place. Here is an epitome by the special corres- | pondent of the London "Daily Chronicle," the German spelling of tho proper names beiug retained:— When tho opera opens, Elektra is seen in her rags, frenzied with hatred of her mother. Servants and slaves discuss her terrific hatred and her mania for blood. This sccno is followed by a remarkable dialogue between Elektra and her younger sister, in which Elektra socks to inspire this gentler nature with her'own murderous desires; but Chrysothemis, horrified (it the notion of further bloodshedding, rejects with terror tho offer to participate in her mother's murder. Klytemnaestra appears decked as a queen, her faco fear-inspiring and lined with guilt. She is dressed in a scarlet robo covered with jewels. Tho scene which follows between her and Elektra is revolting beyond words. \Elcktra with horrible innuendo, tells her mother of her crime, of the terrible vengeance which will be wreaked upon her and Acgisth, and hinting that this vengeance will be accomplished by her son Orest. The \ retched Queen retreats before her daughter, whose awful passion acts like strong wine. Togfither they stand eye to eye until tho tension is broken by tho arrival of servants joyfully announcing the death of the dreaded Orest; but Elektra, being a prophetess, knows that her .brother is not dead, and that he will surely como to bo her instrument of vengeance.

When tho stage is again cleared Elcktra hoars that an old man and a youth have arrived at the palace, and that it was they who brought the news of Orcst's death. This youth then appears, and after a few words Elektra discovers in , him her brother, who has arrived at the place also filled with a desire for revenge. Brother and sister are agreed on what is to be done. It is night. Klytcmnaestra has retired. Orcst, fired by his sister's fearful counsel, enters the palace. There is an awful pause, broken at last by a ghastly scream from Klyteimuestra'. "Strike again!" yells Elektra. Then there is another blood-curdling scream from within, The servants in panic appear, but fear to remain, for Aegisth is seen approaching firm a hunting expedition. He asks for a torchbearer, and Klektra, drunk with furious joy, lights him to the palace door. Inside the palaco Orest is awaiting him, and the next moment we know that ho also has been slain. Amidst the scene of awful confusion which follows, Elektra dances about like a wild Maenad until she falls lifeless. Chrysotliomis in despair rushes to the palace dcor, shrieking "Orcst! Orestl Orest!" A Convict Band. There is some talk (says a correspondent) of a theatrical syndicate who havo approached the French Government in New Caledonia touring the famous Convict Band, and if this eventuates (there seems at present many obstacles in the way) Australasia niiiy bo on tho qui vivo for a very great treat in many ways—in music; perhaps tho highest they have ever had. Tho writer has heard tlioni twice, iiml ivna carried away by a new kind of musical sensation.