MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1521, 17 August 1912, Page 9

MUSIC.

[Br Sylvius.]

"The Redemption," The first performance of a great musical work by a famous composer and ono which he termed "the work of my life," can be justly looked up to as an event of importance in (he musical life of the city. Gounod's "Redemption," which will be produced by the Koyal 'Wellington Choral Society on August; 23, was written for the Birmingham Festival of 18S2. It contains a prologue describing the Creation, the Pull, the promise of "Redemption," while the three sections of the trilogy are entitled respectively, "Calvary," "From the Resurrection to the Ascension," anil the "Pentecost." The music is at times dramatic on the extreme, as in the March to Calvary, the Earthquake, and the chorus "Unfold, Yo Portals Everlasting." The society has been fortunato in securing the services of Mr. Courteuoy Mohr, of Melbourne, to sing the baritone part (Narrator). The other soloists are: Madame Wielacrt, Miss Dall, Mr. C. H. .Stephens, and Mr. Jas. Doherty. The orchestration of the work is masterly and every effort has been made to secure as complete an orchestra as possible. The box plan will open at the' Dresden tomorrow morning at fl o'clock. The chorus and orchestra for this concert will number 320. Forging to the Front. Touching upon ono of two recitals given in London by n young AVcllington violineollist, the critic of the "Morning Post" says that in the course of them "it has become clear that Mr. Trowel 1 belongs to, or will speedily enter, the front rank," adding: "He has the necessary technical equipment, which he yields with such ease that his expressive" ability is quita unrestricted. His interpretation of Bach's unaccompanied Suite in C was not the most momentous that has been heard recently. The work demands maturity of a kind that cannot be assumed, and in the earlier portions Mr. Trowell was slightly at a loss for a decided meaning. But at all other points, both in this and other works, his playing hart full and individual signficance. Under the emotional impulse given by the Concerto in A minor of M. Stant-Saens his expression was spontaneous and stimulating. A prominent attraction in all Mr. Trowell's efforts was a peculiarly sweet tons that never degenerated." Melba Farewelled. A vast audience, numbering over 2000 people, bade farewell to Madame Melba flt her concert at filio Town Hall in Mcllinurno on Saturday night (August 3). The Jewel Song" from "Faust," an aria from Charpentier's "Louise." and several ballads made up tho great singer's programme. After the ,7 Jewel Song," at the end of the evening, the audience enthusiastically cheered, and the members of the women's choir, seated in tho organ gallery pelted Madame Melba with flowers. The encore piece was "John Anderson my Jo," but the cheering continued, aud at ]ast Madame Melba came back and sang Tosti's "Gocd-bve." Miss Una Bourne and Messrs. John Lcmmone, Hattenbaeh ('cellist), aud Bartleman assisted at the concert. Afterwards, v;hen Madame Melba's car drove off laden with flowers, thero was' again an enthusiastic scene. The famous soprano left Melbourne for Europe oil Thursday. After a visit to Pans, she will sing at the Roval Albert Hall, London, en October 5, and then begin a concert tour of the leading English cities, finishing at Bradford on December 6.- With her will Ire Ysaye, the violinist; Back.hans, the pianist; and the New Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lan'don Ronald. She is to appear at Covent Garden next season. Notes! Among the novelties to be presented by tho Metropolitan Opera in New York next season ia a new opera by an American composer. Tho work is an operatic fetting of Rostand's play, "Cyrano do Tiergerac," and tho libretto will be by W. J. Henderson, music critic of the "New York Sun," while the music is the work of Walter Damrosch, conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Vladimir do Pachnmnn has mado what he announced as "his last appearaneo in New York for all time." Do Pachmaiin is bo much an institution in the musical world that it is difficult to remember that tho weight of years must fall upon him, too. In spite of all his mannerisms, lie remains ono of the great pianists rf Iho ago, and in stepping down from the cmcert platform while in full possession of his powers, do Pachmann is nctiDg lyA new opera "Conchita," by Zandonai, was produced at Covent Garden on .Lily 3. The story shows how a rich Spaniard, Mateo, becomes'enamoured of the f'cl.le dancer "Conchita," who deceives him, though desperately in love. At last ho soundly cudgels her, like Petrnchio. tml they are "happy ever after." (?) Tho libretto is crude, coarse, realistic, and sensational. The music is said to be rhythmic and full of colour, "calling up an opulent sense of (he perfume of a southern night of moonlight, dreams, and languor." Mile. Tarrjuinia Tarqiiini made a. success both as singer and actress in the name-part. Le'chetizkv is said to have once made a wager (hat he would tench his servant, a pv.ui of no musical ability, to play a Chopin nocturne with taste and correctness, .mil ),(, succeeded. In Solomon's temple, according tn Josenlni?. there were 20,000 hnrns and patterns of solid copper and 20,000 trumpets oi silr&ta