CAPPELLI

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 267, 31 July 1918, Page 6

CAPPELLI

TENOR RECEIVES AN OVATION. Very rarely has a singer enthused ai Wellington publio as haß Cappelli, the golden-throated Italian tenor. When it eamo to his final numbers last evening tho applause, which hnd been generous throughout tho evening, increased in volume until cheers rent the air. The final bracket was an exhausting one. Itconsisted of the soulful singing, of that exquisite air, "All, Si Ben Mio" (from Verdi's "II Trovatore"), ever so tenderly expressed. Then followed the narrative of Lohengrin, in which tho knight declares his identity in the Wagnerian opora of that name. It embodies long, high-pitched recitatives, and . concludes with a defiant declamation, which rang out with a. proud defiance. The effect was irresistible. A fine effort this and a tax 011 any tenor, but Cappelli sing 3 with a notable ease, that compelled the audience to ask for more. So he sang on and on. "0 Solo Mio," the fine aria "0 Paradiso" (from Meyerbeer's "L'African©"), and "Mattinata.'' » Then camo cheers which bows would not satisfy, and the singer returned once more to carol with charming grace the beautiful ballad. "Vieni." The scene was not one to easily forget. In the first half the tenor sang the melodious air, "Andrea," from Giordano's opera, "Chernier, II Spirito Gentile" (from Donizetti's "La Favourita"); and that rythmical lilt in Spanish style, "Lolita." Mr. John Amadio, most satisfying of flautists, though handicapped with a cold, playw. his way into the heart of the big audience. His numbers included "Dreaming" (Schumann), Buse's "Polonaise' Bnlliante," Elman's arrangement • of Schubert's "Serenade," German's delightful "Gipsy Bevels," and the quaint study in- imitation of a flute duet. Signor Cesaroni sang "Vorroi" (Tosti), The Two Grenadiers," and "0 Star of' Eve (from "Tannhauser"), and Miss Veronica. Bedford sang Massenet's "Elegig, Brahm's "The Smith," and the Serenade" of Gounod (with flute obbligato). As usual Mr. Harold Whittle's acconv paniments were an outstanding feahii'o of tho concert. ' It will be learned vriilj pleasure that the management may arrange for two farewell concerts in Wellington on the return of the company from the south.