ANTONIA DOLORES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 129, 25 February 1919, Page 8

ANTONIA DOLORES

SECOND RECITAL. , Arnold White once wrote: "What really matters is quality. Quality is style. Stylo is personality. Personality is the man." Had he known Antonio Dolores he might have added "or the woman" to his last seitlence, for the French singer certainly possesses an ingratiating personality on and off the platform. That was very evident ill her work last evening, particularly, if one might discriminate, in the gipsy songs of Dvorak, who holds a distinguished place ampng- modem composers. There were 110 fewer than seven songs in tlio bracket, and to each and all. tlio singer lent the value of her personality to her mobile- art as. a songstress. Of .these songs "1 Chant My Lay," "Tune Thy Strings, 0 Gipsy," "Songs MyMother Taught Mo," and "The Cloudy Heights of Taka" were fine examples of Czechoslovak eons. Dolores also sang "M'a Presa" (Paradies) and "Pur-Dicesti" lLotti), both melodious songs of the dawn of the eighteenth century. Cesar l'Yanck's sombre and appealing "in Procession" was also sung, and many who heard it would \ like to hear it again. In the sphere of opera Dolores sang the brilliant aria from "Mignon" (Thomas), "J9 S.uis Titania" in its native French, which called for her fullest powers. In all but brilliancy of tone Mademoiselle's effort was a fine one. She also sang "Fairy Lullaby" (Mrs. -Beach) and "Would Y.oti?" (M'Coy). Encores were numerous and aufays happily selected. There is no English ballad better sung by Dolores than Arnc's delightful old song "The Lass With the Delicate Air," to which she lends a tender daintiness altogether charming. Another song of much simple grace and beauty was "All- - a folk song of Brittany, "Mandoline" (Debussy) was also sung by special request. Mr. John Pronse sang Tscliaikovsky "Pilgrim's Song" with splendid fervour nnd impressement. It is a favourite song of the singer's, and one of the- richest treasures in the Tscliaikovsky album. Ho also lent a full measuro of dramatic intensity to Korbay's savage folk songs, "Shepherd. See Thy Horse's Foaming' Mane, and - "Had (i Horse," for which' he was peremptorily encored. He also sang, in softer mood, "My Love's an Arbutus." Mr. Harold Smith played the "Gavotto arid Musette" of, D'Albert, and was also honoured with a recall. One objectionable feature at last evening's concert (ond also noticeable during the recent season of musical comedy) was the drone of the electric current in connection with the lighting of the . auditorium. At times this nolo could be heard during the piano passages of some .of the songs, nnd must have been more disconcerting to the singers than to the audience.

TO-MOEEOW'S CONCEPT. The third concert will be : given tomorrow evening, when another new programme will bo given, while the tourtli and last concert will be given on Friday evening,* when another, entirely ''new programme will be given. For-, to-morrow s programme, Millie. Dolores will give tho big recit "Mi parea" from the scene of Desdemona, '-Canzone-Piangea," from the 4th aci: of "Othello,"'Verdi's "Ave Maria," and "Berceuse" and "Taujoiirs a toi," by Tchaikowsky, in addition to several other more popular items. Mr. .Tolln Prouse will also be heard in "O could vou but for rue short hour" and "Don Juan's Serenade/' from Tchaikowsky, and "Thou'rt Passing Hence" (Sullivan), while the pianist, in addition to his accompaniments, will also plav Barcarolle and Etincdles, by Moskowski. Seats for to-morrow's and Friday's concerts can be booked, at the Bristol, while the day sale tickets are available at Neil Perry's, tobacconist, Manners Street, all day. Concessions are again .allowed for both song recitals to students and schools.