MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1960, 17 January 1914, Page 9

MUSIC.

""*"•: • [Bf .Svtyras.] ... iftoiba..'-' -. ~._. : ...., i.Tho visit of Madalno Melba to Australia in April will bo dependent upon her power to caned existing contracts. She is now iii America on a concert tour, but when that is concluded sho will bo expected to return to London.' for the Covoiit Garden season, to begin in May. A trip to Australia will, of course, mean that she must miss Covent Garden, as she did in 1012. when she was in this part of the world with her opera company. So far, it nppenrs, no definite arrangements have been made for Mother visit, but Madame Meiba is anxious to como here for a brief holiday,' and will do do if possible. This much is clear from letters received by Mr. John Lemmone. Meanwhile the famous singer is enjoying a triumphal progress through America. At her second eoncort in New York, at the Hippodrome, about 6000 people Wero present, and similar records hare been achieved all along the. pathway of the star .. ','■. A Now "Carmen," An' interesting controversy has bceti ! excited concerning tha reading given by I Madame Donaldo, the Canadian prdma I donna, of the role Of Carmen in Mr. Raymond Horn's production of this opera at' Covent Garden last month. The London "Daily Telegraph" critio blames the artist for what he describes as lior "crude, low comedy entraixco," I when sho squatted on the floor upon being dragged out of the cigarette factory by Don Joso j. but Mar. Razo, who writes'a reply, claims that this piece of business is quite justifiable. "Has llw critic," ho demands,- "never heard ot a woman in. A fit of violent rage, falling on the floor, and remaining there out of sheer obstinacy?" In defence of this and oilier points of the pc-rformaiwc. the manager mentions tho interesting fa«t that Madame. Donalds, received much advice in tho interpretation ot thepart from her mother, the famous Mafic jßozo, who sang Carmen about WOO times, find studied, the roio with tlio composer. So far as ttio reading given by Madame Calvu is concerned, though siie is regarded as one oi' tne greatest of Cannchs, it is pointed out that her Snisinoss of hurling a cUair at Dan Jose, and thrusting '•[ powder puff in his face, was severely criticised, and in the latter instance SaSignao stonily lorbade her to icpuac tho incident, '. . A Witty Pianist. Publically known as a groat pianist Harold.liauar lias also won the distinction in' private of being a subtle- and witty conversationalist. Those who hnve had the pleasure of encountering ibis bright and diamine man describe him as one of tho most stimulating talkers they havo ever met.' His power of gentle, but toucliins, irony is line, and people relate a rich story of his subtle sarcasm during his early career in Paris. At. that lime the famous pian- j ist was an obscuro music teacher z\viiiK lesson for a few i'rancs a lesson. Host of his clients were well-Ui-do, though soinq of tliom. notably a doctor, were painfully lons-winded in pay- j ing tho fees. Bauer had a particular trouble with the doctor and at last was forced to hung about his waiting-room sec-king for aw interview. One day an English friend found tho patien.t inusi- j ohm grimly approaching tho end of a two hours' wait. "Hullo, Baticr/' said | the friend cheerfully, "working hero"? "i'es, didn't you know," said Bjyuur with tcrrlMo sweetness, "I'm tho head waiter hero now." To. Stay in Australia, Mr. Ronald Foster, ' manager for Madame Clara Butt and Mr, Keunerloy Rumfqrd in their Australian tour, has boon invited to act as judgo in tho vncal section at t-ho Dunedin competitions. Mr. Foster is not rot-uniing to Loiidon with tins concert party, having decided to settle in Sydney as a teacher o!' singins.