AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3192, 14 May 1873, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

queen's theatre.

The “Heart of Midlothian” was produced at the Queen’s Theatre last evening. The attendance, however, was small, which may he attributable to the inc’emency of the weather. The piece ran smoothly, and was well received by the audience. This evening will he produced “ Rob Roy.”

the emanuel-anderson c incests. Although, owing, probably, to the threatening appearance of the weather, the audience at the. Masonic Hall was limited, the programme was gone through with equal care, as if the room had been crowded. Mt Winter’s name did not appear in the bills, and consequently, a greater amount of labor was thrown upon Mr Anderson and Miss ivranuel; but there was sufficient variety to interest and charm an audience. Mr, Alfred Ander son’s extraordinary execution and exquisite taste, enable him to dispense with any instrumental assistance ; aiul Miss Emanuel could hardly be content with an ordinary accompanyist after one so careful to give full effect and support to the singer as Mr. Anderson, in the first part, both the audience and the performers were disturbed, and somewhat disconcerted, by the freaks of the footlights, which persisted in going out just at the time when the annoyance was most perceptible. We know nothing more irritating ; and those whose business it is to look after such arrangements shou’d take care that the gasometer and pipes are in order, so that headaches and noxious smells may not render an audience uncomfortable throughout the evening. Had the attraction been less, so unpleasant was the smell of gas in that close and ill-ventilated room, that it would not have been borne. Miss Emanuel, in the first part, gave “Sing, sweet bird” in very beautiful style; the shakes on different notes were very effective, and the piano obligate of Mr Anderson wai a masterpiece of accompaniment. She was encored in this piece, in “The Last Rose of Summer,” aud in “ Robert, toi que j’airae.” In response to the last recall, she substituted “ I’ll follow thee,” in which both voice and piano were admirably managed; and the same oneness of purpose, feeding, and expression were evinced in the vocal valse “ Viva la Vita,” which was finely rendered. Mr Anderson’s splendid execution was shown in every piece he played. lie has such perfect command over the instrument that in his hands it answers truly to its name —piano forte. Now soft and silvery in its tones, and, when expression is needed, powerful and sustained, while at the same time accompaniments are introduced so rapidly and in such true harmony that it is a band in itself. *• La Grande Uuchesse,” a fantasia from “ The Hose of Castile,” aud an “.Evening with the Vhristys,” in which thejchief theme is the beautiful air, “Come where my love lies dreaming,” arranged by himself, one by Wallace from “ Maritana, and another by Sydney Smith from “ Massaniello,” were the leading pieces last evening. No matter how difficult the intervals, nor how rapid the passages, they were played with unerring precision. The concertina and piano duet from “ l.es Huguenots” was played as only a true musician can play it, as was also the recall solo, “Auld Robin Gray,” without accompaniment. For this evening a special treat i's provided, aqd we fepommend every lover of music that csn be present to attend, as, by special request, one of Beethoven’s finest compositions, and some sonatas arranged by Bailer will be played. It is seldom an opportunity is afforded of listening to a classic rendering of the works of those classic composers. No doubt they abound with difficulties that deter ordinary musicians from grappling with them ; but when played by a master, they are rich in beauties that charm every ear, and Mr Anderson is r q ’al to developing them. Miss Emanuel’s share in the concert we have already named ; but in addition to the list of pieces announced elsewhere, she will give for the first time in this place tdr J. Benedict’s arrangement for the voice of “The Carnival of Venice,” a most difficult composition. The concert is a “ bespeak,” and we trust the merit* of the performers will fee acknowledged by the house being fairly crammed.