TE RANGI PAI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2112, 21 June 1907, Page 2

TE RANGI PAI.

A SUCCESSFUL RECITAL. It was a pleasing tribute to the fame and popularity of Te liangi Pai (Mrs. Howie) that such a large and representative gathering braved the elements last night in order to attend the recital in His Majesty’s Theatre. All parts of the building were fairly well .filled, a large and fashionable assemblage occupying the dress circle. The programme was an admirable selection, and no finer musical treat lias been afforded tho public of Gisborne for many a day. The cantatrice was in excellent voice—sufficient in itself to warrant the success of the evening,— jnid the audience was both enthusiastic and demonstrative in

expressing its appreciation of, the gifted singer’s various members. “Melisandi in the Wood” (Goetz), was Te opening number. The modulations are a severe test ,t'o any but a. iiigli-class singer, and her artistic and finished rendition won rapturous applause. As an encore a sweet serenade “Chansonette” was in contrast, wit'll its limited setting and charming sentiment, and was well received. The audience was, however, given fuller evidence of the vocalist’s powers in “The Beating of Mine Own Heart” (Macfarren), sung by special request . Displaying the songstress’s wonderful range and flexibility of voice, the song was interpreted with the depth of expression and feeling which marks the true artiste, and it excited the audience to a high .pitch of enthusiasm. But beyond all doubt Te Rangi Pai’s previous numbers were overshadowed by her exquisite solo, “The Lost Chord,” rendered with pianoforte and organ accompaniment. This soulful and melodious composition was certainly the gem of the evening, the singer investing it with a grace and charm that captivated her hearers. This is certainly one of her masterpieces, and places the hall-mark upon her seal as a cantatrice of high merit. Te Rangi Pai pleased the audience with two rythmical and melodious Maori numbers, “Aroha,” a love song, and “Hone a Hine,” a slumber song, both of her own composition. Whilst at the piano she gave further proof - of her versatility by a pretty sentimental ditty, “Little Lone Coon,” which appealed to the emotions of the fair sex.

Several of our leading amateurs added to the merit of tlio recital. Miss Fleming, who possesses a light soprano voice of purity and sweetness, with a perfect upper register, was at once established as a prime favorite with the audience. Her initial solo, “For All Eternity” (Mascheroni) was sung in artistic style, whilst as an encore number the simpler “The Sweetest Flower that Blows” was sympathetically interpreted. A pleasing contribution also was Miss Bonar-Millar’s rendition of Tosti’s “Good-bye.” A cultured voice and a sense of the composer’s expression enabled Miss .Miller to do ample justice to Tosti’s exacting work. Mrs. (Dr.) Collins sang “Awake” (Pelissier) in the first part, and later “Kate O’Shea.” A little more attention to enunciation would have added to the success of the songs, which were appreciatively received. Mr. F. J. Teat deserved a recall for the manner in which he handled “The Clang of the Forge” l(Petrie), given with anvil obligato; but Mr. Griffiths’ solo, “My Life for Thee” (Adams), otherwise good, required a little more of the quality known as “soul” in interpretation. He secured an encore, and was heard to better advantage in “The Yeoman’s Wedding.” Of the concerted numbers, the trio “O, Memory” (Leslie), by Te Rangi Pai, Miss Fleming, and Mr. W, Eipfaylor (who took the place of Mr. Dalrvmplc, unavoidably absent), appeared to be the most popular. The substitution of another singer at the last moment probably accounted for a slip, but the voices blended well, and the piece was harmoniously rendered. Miss Miller and Te Rangi Pai were associated in the duet “The Wanderer’s Night Song.” Soprano and contralto parts both being in such capable hands the effect could not be otherwise than good. “Beauty’s Eyes” (Tosti), a duet by Te Rangi Pai and Mr. Griffiths, completed the vocal items.

The Club Orchestra; under the baton of Mr. M. L. Foster, i;ave one or two nice selections. The accompanists, Mrs. Hooper and Mr. Ernest Ohrjsp, an,d the organist, Mr. W. E. Taylor, deserve a word of commendation for their services.