MURIEL BRUNSKILL

Evening Star, Issue 22142, 24 September 1935, Page 13

MURIEL BRUNSKILL

i WONDERFUL PRESS CRITICISMS^ It is doubtful if anv overseas singer ever received more uniformly glowing criticisms in, Australia than did Madame Muriel Brunskill during her recently-concluded tour. The ‘ Australian Musical News,’ in a review of the famous contralto’s first concert in the Commonwealth, said; “ In regard to an artist of such unique calibre, comment would appear superfluous or even impertinent, and resemble a parochial attempt to commend patronisingly the technique of Bach or Beethoven. , Suffice it to say that Madame Brunskill is, the greatest vocal artist heard by me in this country, not merely for her vocal organ as such, but much more for her musicianship and the extraordinary versatility .which she was thereby enabled to display. It has been truly said that the art of singing is to glorify speech. Admitting this, then her singing was singing in excelsis.”

The Brisbane ‘ Telegraph ’ critic (regarded as the most discriminating reviewer in Queensland) said: “ The voice swelled and grew until it seemed that the City Hag was merely a homely drawing room. Her head thrown back, Muriel Brunskill allowed this voice to risfe to its full stature in a manner that was electrifying. And then came a sudden soft cadence, a kind of swooning into her most beautiful soft tones that were as beautifully sensuous as they were chaste in outline. As the evening progressed one wondered more and more at the expressive range of this magnificent voice, its vast reserves, which, despite the ringing power at full strength, still seemed to_ have untold reserves held in check, its consistent purity of tone from the softest pianissimo to the full-throated glory that was revealed in her opening.” New Zealand critics have been equally complimentary and enthusiastic, and they are unanimous on the point that Muriel Brunskill is one of the greatest singers ever heard in this country, Madame Brimskill’s first concert in Dunedin will take place on next Saturday at the -Concert Chamber. The box plans are now open at Begg’s.