PAUL DUFAULT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2930, 16 November 1916, Page 7

PAUL DUFAULT

LAST NIGHT'S CONCERT. Tho third concert of tlio Paul Dufault farewell season attracted a largo audience to tho Grand Otjcra Houso last night. Tho programme was both interesting and attractive, providing abundant scope for tlio well-known, teller's natural and acquired, capabilities, and Mr. Dufault did it full justice. Ho had to respond to frequent encores, and followed his usual practico of giving "request" numbers on theso occasions, with the result that last night's audienco enjoyed somo of the songs_with which tho singer bad previously charmed Wellington peoplo, in addition to the compositions included in the programme. Mr. Dufault opened his portion of Ihe concert with Handel's "Where E'er Ton Walk," and then sang tlio fine aria, "How Many Hired Servants of My Father," from Sir Arthur Sullivan's "Tho Prodigal Son." Both numbers were sung delightfully, tho aria especially demonstrating the dramatic quality and flexibility of Mr. Dufault's voice. Tho tenor's other programme numbers included: "Sometimes in Summer" (Bennett), "Bluet's d'Amour" (Possard). "The Secret" (Scott), "Sing to Me" (Homer), "Melisande" (Gootz), and "An Pays Blou" (Cliaminade). Tho range was wide, oven without tho recalls, and it may be said that Mr. Dufault was brilliant in all directions. Ho showed again that ho could' be robust without loss of'.tenderness, and flexible without sacrifice of purity of tone. Mr. Dufault and Miss Pauline Bindley gave as «i duet Gounod's ''I Pardon Thco" (from "Romeo and .Tuliet"): They sang with a nico conception of tho passionato intensity of_ tho words, and- their voices blended delightfully. As a recall number thoy gave a dainty little duet that was entirely pleasing. "SLiss Bindley's sola-numbers included the prayer aria from "La Tosca" (Puccini), 'My Message"; (d'Hardelot), and "Spring's Awakening" (Sanderson). Her clear, fresh roico was heard to excellent advantage. The instrumental portion of the programme was contributed by Miss Florcnco Scapini, who played "By tho Sea" (Schnbert-Welhelm), "Va- ' ria'tions -on Corelli Theme" (TartiniKreisler), "Prelude and Allegro" (Pug-nani-Kreisler), "Yalse Triste" (Sibelius), and "Gypsy Airs" (Sarasate). Tho violinist showed again that sho is a musician of liiiusual ability. Two final farewell. concerts will bo given by Paul Dufault at the Town Hall to-tinorrow and Saturday. Special ■now programmes have .been prepared for both' nights. On Saturday tho programme wili/bo largely comprising' many English and French songs of battle. Soldiers in liniform, it is announced, will bo admitted, for half-price to all part? of tho hall. The plans ore at the Bristol.