THE DE MURSKA CONCERTS.

Evening Star, Issue 4119, 10 May 1876, Page 2

THE DE MURSKA CONCERTS.

PEINCESS’S THEATEE,

The new Princess's Theatre was opened last evening by the De Mursba Company. Every part of the house was well filled, and thus its special characteristics were fairly tested. (The neat| chaste decorations had a peculiarly good effect in the brilliant light of the centre gosalier, while the side lights produced softened half tints to the shadows of the screens, as well as being guides in treading the various passages. The stage was most tastefully arranged and decorated. Instead of a cold, comfortless, bare floor, it was covered with an elegant carpet. Instead of a thread-bare scene forming a frosty-looking bock ground, it was surrounded with elegantly-painted curtain designs, opening up a pretty back-country picture; while ferns and evergreens, tastefully arranged and interspersed ' with crimson drapery and furniture, gave the idea of a sung and elegantly-furnished drawing-room. The entrance to the pit and stalls is from Stafford street, by a wide roofed passage from the street to the theatre, free from all obstructions; and the pathway is covered with fresh, dry tanners’ bark. This long passage is brilliantly illuminated with two gasaliers, casting light in every direction. It was used last evening as a pleasant promenade by hundreds daring the short interval between the two ports of the concert. So far as the ventilation is concerned, the system appears to have answered its purpose. The end proposed is a supply of fresh air without sensation of draught. The test of success therefore is the freedom from the inconvenience of a sense of closeness and oppressiveness. Increase of warmth through aggregation of numbers of persons there must be of necessi'y ; but if this is unaccompanied by a feeling of languor, sickness, or discomfort, the purpose has been gained; and, judging by the little u<e mode of fans, and by the general appearance of cheerfulness of the audience, both in the crowded pit and the dress circle, as well as by the absence of complaints, the ventilating arrangements have stood the test satisfactorily. The concert supplied the solution to the acoustic properties of the theatre. Its first test was a short address by the proprietor, Mr Sibbald, who, in answer to an enthusiastic call addressed a few words to the audience, expressing his satisfaction with the support accorded to him. Every word, although he spoke merely in his natural conversational tone, was distinctly heard. We thought that Signor Susiui, in his first solo, “Nabuoo,” was scarcely prepared to believe in the effect of his magnificent voice, and exerted himself as if it were necessary in order to produce a correct impression. There was no reason to regret this, for in his loudest tones there is always music and correct intonation. It is only the volume of sound that is increased. Signor Qiammona’s flute solos and accompaniments were splendidly played, and the lower notes of the instrument were brought out with more than usual roundness and fulness. Mdlle. de Murska was received with that enthusiasm that is never accorded excepting to those whose high talent has secured a place in public estimation. Until she had measured her strength she too seemed unaware of the degree of force necessary to produce the effect she purposed, but she quickly discovered it and sang throughout the evening witu fail appreciation of the resonant capabilities of the place. Delighted as Dunedin audiences have ever been with Mdlle. de Murska’s wo derful artistic efforts, she has never been heard to so good effect as last evening. We need not minutely criticise each piece with which she favored her audience. There was much to praise and nothing to find fault with. Signor Eosuati sang, as he always does, with sweetness and taste. His duet with Signor Susini was a very fine piece of vocalisation. Maestro lUa, who by his skilful accompaniments affords such substantial aid to success, proved last evening that however accomplished as a pianist he is even more effective as a' violinist. He chose for a theme several Scotch airs arranged as a fantasia, and on being recalled gave a whimsical rendering of “ Yankee Doodle." The mixture of grave and gay in the variations gave him an excellent opportunity of showing his complete mastery of the violin. He has an excellent bow hand, which enables him to command rich round tones, and the best effects of sostenuto, staccato, arpeggio, or ponticello movements, and because of the truthfulness of his stopping and his knowledge of harmonics, he is enabled to bring out the sweetest capabilities of the violin. Particularly tasteful was “ Auld Bobin Gray,” which was played with the instrument muted. The accompaniment was given rather too loudly by Herr Schott, who evidently was not aware of the comparative power of the piano with that of the muffled violin. We express only the general opinion that not only is the Princess’s Theatre deserving of the commendations which have been accorded to it, but that apart from the favorable conditions under which the concert was given, it was equal, if not superior, to any prior effort of the De Murska Company.

An olteratien has been made in to-morrow’s concert. Madame will giro the great Shadow Song from “Dinorah," in full costume, and with orchestral accompaniments and stage effects also, will sing the celebrated aria, “ Fr£ aux Clerck,” with violin obligato by Mr Hill. And on Friday she will give the mad scene from “Lucia,” in character; and, by request, will repeat “ Casta Diva,” from “ Norma.”