MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1132, 20 May 1911, Page 9

MUSIC.

(By Tkeolg Clef.) Nov; Maori Music. Tho Austral String Quartet, which achieved go much success last year in its series of chamber music concerts, is beginning its second year auspiciously. One of tlie features of its concert given on Thursday last was to bo Mi'. Alfred Hill's new string quartet' in 13 flat. Mr. Hill, it is well known, has devoted considerable attention to Maori themes, and in this latest work, it is said, he reveals anew those qualities which have made his cantata, "Hinemoa," and his Maori, sonatas to attractive. The quartet, except for the first movement, is built up on themes furnished by the folk-lore of these interesting people, the prominent motive of tho second movement being a beautiful 'Yaiata," or danco measure, and cf the third, a "tangi" or lament. A Rival to Casusa. The directors of the Paris Opera House have made a sensational engagement. It is that of M. Magnere, a Frenchman, who lived in Chile until a few months ago. M. Mossager declares that he is the finest tenor in tho world. M. Magnere had no idea of singing on the stage until quite recently, lie has-always been fond of singing, and studied with an Italian baritone at Santiago, where he made a point of going to hear the best music obtainable at the Opera House. Four months ago M. Magnoro's mother, who was in Paris on a visit,, fcli ill, and M. Magnere crossed the ocean to licr bedside. She recovered, and the young man went to take lessons fran Mmo. Martini, who urged him very strongly to become a professional. . The other evening M. Broussan, M. • Messager's co-director at the Paris Opera House, met M. Magnere at the house of a friend, heard him sing, and asked him to give M. Messagor an opportunity of hearing him. The result was an immediate engagement, and M. Magnere is now hard at work studying "Lohengrin," in which ho is to make his debut. Srahms en Leanard Boralck. Leonard Borwiek, the brilliant pianist, who gives recitals in Australia at an early date, takes high rank in England and the Continent us an intellectual interpreter of Brahms.. Brahms is ft favourite with Mr. Borwiek, and it may be said that the famous composer had the very highest opinion of the young virtuoso. Mr. Borwiek still treasures a post-card which the great man addressed to Madame Clara Schumann, and which contains the following sentiments:—"l wrilo in a state ol great delight to say that Borwiek played admirably with a iine freedom, warmth, energy, passion—in short, everything that could be wished for. Hut I couldn't hcl]> thinking how much the goodness and beauty of it all was due to his readier! Honestly, it couldn't have been better nr finer, and you needn't hesitate to believe what your friends report on the subject." )