MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1611, 30 November 1912, Page 9

MUSIC.

TBr Tkehle CiiEF.l A Distinguished Singer. For wx>eks past it Ims been pleasant to chronicle something of tho doings and sayings of Madame Kirkby Lunn. This has been done with tho fore-laiowicdgo that in-the visit of this distinguished artist that section of tho public who are interested in tlie vocal art might form some idea of tho importance of Madame Lunn's appearance on the concert platform in Wellington, For the past fortnight Mr. Sydney Wolf, tho judge of music at tho Competitions, has been drilling into the competitors tho all-important virtues embodied in tho word "interpretation." He has gone as far as to say that an artist may even make mistakes and yet win in his regard if they disclose in their playing or singing that deep sense of understanding which vitalises a piece or a song.

At the very time that theso remarks were made came the announcement of Madame Kirkby Lunn's appearance in Wellington. Embodied in tho art of this great singer is that inner perception of pootic and emotional inspiration, which has mado for her a name as being one of tho finest interpretive vocalists now before the public. Every song, aria, 'or ballad is made to live as tho author would have it, and those, classical songs which by the average concert-goer would, under ordinary - circumstances, bo vvoted dull, are illuminated with radiant meaning which, to the intelligent, at once discloses why the number is really a "classic." This one gathers from every critic - of standing in London, as well as from those whose privilege it has _ been to hear Madame sing cither in England or America. Her position in both those countries is unassailable. Her latest appearances in opera at Covent Garden this year were a series of new triumphs. . For instance, "Lancelot," in tho . London "Referee," wrote on May 19 last:— " 'Samson et Dalila' was ono of the .most successful operas last season, and ,so long as Madame Kirkby Lunn is available for Dalila there seems to bo .no reason why its: popularity should diminish. : To'-' the' thoughtful observer, Madame Lunn's success in this part is peculiarly a triumph of vocal timbre and a witness to the subtle connection which exists ..between character and tone-colour. . . .' It- is doubtful if we shall ever have one whose quality of voice will be more in consonance with the part, or who will sing with greater allurement." Madame Lunn, supported by a fine concert- company, including Mr. Andrew Shanks (baritone), Mr. Wm. _ Murdoch (pianist), and M. Andre de Ribaupierro (violinist), is to sing at the Town Hall on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week. ■

Mr. William- Murdoch. It is gratifying to know that those who are directing the musical studies of youiig Australian students at the various conservatoires are evidently able to lay tho groundwork of a sound techniquo and musical insight. -. Several pianists from Australia have won renown in England, America, and on the Continent, and not the least successful is Mr. William Murdoch, who studied at the University Conservatorhun in Melbourne; and, winning a scholarship there went to England anil pursued his musical career -at the Royal College of Music. , After several years at this academy, Mr. Murdoch entered upon his professional career in earnest, and among the first to- recognise his talent were lladame Kirlcby Luiin and Madame Clara' Butt. Mr. Murdoch has toured with, each of'these artistes-with great success. During the present London season, Mr.. Murdoch lias! given recitals at the Beclistein Hall, and the ."Daily _ Telegraph" critic thus refers to his efforts:—"Beginning his recital at Beclistein Hall yesterday afternoon with three :of Bach's choral Preludes as transcribed by Busoni, Mr.-William Murdoch at once gave proof, of .possessing, .as .much intelligence , as skill. It was not only that he made the melodies clear—that much is within the power of far less capable pianists—much more significant was the thoughtful manner in which , lie did justice to the wonderfully elaborate and intricate settings of .these noble chorales; and as far as a pianist could, gave to each Prelude its nnpropriate character and _ atmosphere. There were force and dignity, for instance, in his. playing of the "Wachet auf" setting, while into the Prelude to "Nun Freut Euch" lie put an amount of vivacity that must have amazed those who only associated the 'melody known, to most Englishmen as Luther's Chorale with t.lie menacing words of a sombre Advent Hymn. Listening to there Preludes, one admired Mr. Murdoch much, but- Bach more, v;hich was as it should be. _ He showed in Brahms's B minor Capriccio and in parts of Chopin's Sonata ,in the same key that he could be properly soothing and tender when he chose.'

"The Messiah." Tho. Royal Choral Society promise an interesting performance of "The Messiah" for December 21. Tho society's chorus is always well up to its work, and on this .ocoasion they are to be assisted by au orchestra. What will appeal to the public is the fine lot of soloists which the society has secured. The soprano for tho occasion will bo Madame • Wieleart, of Auckland, who is well known in Wellington. Tho baritone will bo that cultured artist Mr. Andrew Black, who a few years ago was accounted one of the foremost oratorio baritones in Groat Britain. Mr. Black has now been resident in Sydney for the past two or three years, nnd during that time has done sonio notably good work, one instance being a series of operatic' concerts with- Madame SlanofTski. The society, too. have been fortunate in securing as tlie tenor Mr. Walter Whyte, that vory excellent singer, who was here some years ago as lead in the Gilbert and Sullivan Repertoire Company. The contralto has not yet been selected, but one will bo secured in keeping with the quality of the rest of the soloists.

As this will be tho last occasion on which Mr. Maughan Barnett will conduct tho society, prior, to his departure from the .-'city for Auckland, tho performance should havo au additional interest, for publish t