MUSIC & MUSICIANS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1798, 10 July 1913, Page 7

MUSIC & MUSICIANS.

AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW. Mr.' R. A. Horne, manager for the Dresden Piano Company at Christchurch, who left for England and thd Continent a year ago for the benefit of his health, returned to Wellington by the Arawa, completely restored to health. Mr. Horno speaks in glowing terms of the wonderful standard of grand opera on the Continent, where, to a vast section of the community lifo appeared to be one long song. Ho had tho pleasure of hearing such niodei'n works as Massenet's "Thais," an astonishing and great performance of a magnificent grand opera, entitled "Nero," by a new Polish composer, Wagner's works, and the remarkable orchestral music of Debussy. Mr. Home met Miss Rene Queree," of Wellington, in London. Jliss Queree, who had been studying under Jfadame Carreno, had, he said, improved bevond recognition, and was now a little artist at the keyboard. He was fortunate in having been of service to Jliss Queree in helping her to her first professional engagement —to tour for six weeks with the new Polish violinist. Melsa. Of tho orchestras lie heard he gives the palm to the Cologne Orchestra (conductor, Pierne), which ho heard in London. It was a revelation to him. The brass played as one man, and was absolutely organ-like in the effects gained. Sir Henry Wood's Queen's Hall orchestra was also a great band, under a great man. He saw Miss Rosina Buckmann in London, and she was oil the high road to success. He heard her sing at the Palladium one Sunday, when she was accorded a triple recall. She certainly had her feet upon the ladder of success, and should rise to eminence as a dramatic soprano, said .Jfr. Home. Speaking of the drama, Jtr. Horne said that the most impressive play lie had witnessed was "The Typhoon," a play with Japanese characters placed in Paris—a compelling story of love and diplomacy, ending in tragedy. "Drake," was a remarkable spectacular production, which fired alt the patriotism in one. On the voyage out he saw the Quinlun Opera Company in "Aida" at Cape Town, and considers that New Zealand has a raro musical treat in store in the visit of the company. ■