MME. CLARA BUTT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1883, 17 October 1913, Page 9

MME. CLARA BUTT.

THE FINAL CONCERT. Last night's was tlio farewell appearance in Wellington of Madame Clara Butt and Mr. Kennerloy Rumford, wlioso three previous concerts in the Town Hall attracted such appreciative audiences. Tho company proceed to ChristehurcTi to-day, and after fulfilling their engagements thero and in Dtmcdin will return to the North Island to appear at Palmerston North, Napier, and Wanganui during tho second week of November. Though tliere wcro ft few vacant seats at last night's concert tho appreciation shown at tho conclusion of the various items was oven more marked than previously, and encores wore unusually numerous. The eminent contralto vocalist was in her very best, form, and her selections helped to exhibit her wonderful voice — remarkable for its fine tone and power, yet exquisite in rich and pathotic sweetness. Elgar's "Land of Hono and Glory," in which the organ obligate was most feelingly played by Mr. Bernard Page, gave Madamo tlio best opportunity for the display of her remarkablo gifts, and as the result of a superb rendering she had to bow her acknowledgments four or five times, and finally responded with " The Fairy Pipors" (Browcr), a dainty tripping selection ' which earned for tho ."singer .1 further encore. "Kathleen Mavourmeen" being tho choice this time. Bracketed with "Land of Hopo and Glory" Madamoßutt also sang Three Fis'hers went Sailing out into the West" (Hullah), in vyliich slio imparted all the necessary feeling and poetic tenderness. " Johneen," and "A Fragment," in Which she out-Rumforded Rumford, whoso reputation for tin's class of encoro song is universal. This particular "fragment" runs:— ' B for Barney, 0 for Cross, R forjmy lovo, Barney Ross. , All ■ tlio world will never, never know, The lovo I have for my Barney, 0. B for Barney, C for Cross.

At her previous aripearance, Madame Butt sang Italian, French, and English selections, in which she proved her versatility and fluency. " 0 Don Fatalo '' from Verdi's "Don Carlos," and Poldowski's _ " L'houre Exguise'' being • admirablv rendered, whilst for "A Joyous Easter Hymn," which tho organ obbligato made ■ still more effective, Madamd Butt was thrice recalled, and presented with three lovely bouquets, two being composed of fine aruin lilies.

Mr. Kenuerley Rumford gives ono the impression of being ablo to sing any song, grave or gay, with advantage both to himself and the composer, and his contributions to tho programme wero of a very varied order. Starting with two German songs from .Schumann's "Dichterliebo" and "Fruhlingonacht," which included "A May Song," "Lovo's Tears," and "The Rose and tho Lily," he concluded his first appearance with "0, Death" (Brahms), and as an encore sang, "O Star of Eve," which was rendored still more effectivo by tho organ obbligato, a fact which the singer acknowledged by roturning with Mr. Page'in answer to the applanso. At Mr. Rumforcl'B next appearance he sang a quartet of his favourite airs, including "Tho Little Red Fox," an old Irish air which he has probably rendered more times than any other in _ his repertoire. "The Magpie is a Gipsy Bird" is another of his typical accelerando selections, and as an encoro to these and ■ "How Deep the Slumber" ami "Come You, Mary," tho latter composed by the accompanist of the party, Mr. Rumford responded with another rparkling Irish ballad which is nearly as popular with him as "The Littlo Red Fox." Associated at the end of tlie programme, Madame Butt and Mr. Rumford gave a delightful and most effectivo rendering of Goring Thomas's "Night Hymn at Sea," with organ obbligato. For this they wero four times recalled and tho applause never ceased until finally tho accompanist struck up tho well-known "Keys of Heaven." the rendering of which sent the audience homo satisfied. Mr. Mowat Carter, the violinist, though unfortunate enough in tho opening duet with Mr.' Murdoch to break a string when half-way through Rubinstein's duet, the first movement in the G Major Sonata, proved at his subsc.nuent appearance in "Avo Maria" and in "Gipsy Dancer" (Nachez) that he possesses a refinement of exposition and a purity of tone without any attempt at superfluous display. . Mr. William Murdoch's pianoforte soli wero marked by brilliance of oxecution and a erismiess and delicacy of touch, together witli a strength and firmness which could liardlv be surpassed. His cultivated judgment, .admirable breadth and strength of tone, and tasteful aim refined expression, were amply demonstrated ill Debussy's "La Soiree dans Grenada" and "Mouvcment/ ami snl> soquenttv in "Hhapsodio G Minor (Brahms') ami "Poupeo \ alsanto (1 01dini) in the ranid movements of winch he displayed liis admirable executive abilities to the utmost advantage, and no matter how much strength of eflort or celorilv ill expression was requisite lie was Fully equal to it in every respect, and moreover there were no affectations mannerisms to detract from his admirablo work. Tho accompanist was .Mr. Harold Ciaxten, and, as stated, Mr. Bernard I Pago (City., Organist) presided tho I organ* - • ?