MUSICAL NOTES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 157, 5 December 1874, Page 2

MUSICAL NOTES.

“ Give me leave to speak my mind." The past week will, I think, long he remembered amonst both musical and nonmusical people, as having afforded them an opportunity of hearing an artiste of the very highest reputation interpret some of the gems of classical music, as well as that of a more popular kind. It would take more space than could well be afforded to go in detail through the whole of the pieces with [ which Madame Goddard has favored as during her stay, but I may, perhaps, be allowed to mention one or two which I think stand out in bold relief amonst the many. First, then let me say that 1 consider her rendering of Beethoven’s sonata in A—that loveliest of compositions—one of her greatest triumphs. It is a piece which, in a mixed audience, docs not receive that high meed of praise to which it is fairly entitled, and this, I think, because it is somewhat abstruse ; but all can recognise the genius displayed by Madame Goddard in her rendering. Next in order of merit comes that wonderful fantasia, played so exquisitely Last night, on the Prayer from ilossini’s “ Mose in Egitto.” 'i'liis was a really splendid performance, and one which we shall not easily forget. I may at once acknowledge that I love to hear Madame Goddard play those simple airs upon which Thalberg has created such brilliant and artistic variations. She seems to mo so thoroughly to enter into the spirit of their composition, to bring out so markedly their beauties and sweetness of melody, that they at once find their way to the hearts of her audience, and appeal most powerfully to their sympathies. In this matter-of-fact and prosaic age it is too much the thing to sneer at sentiment ; but let any one who holds these views hear Madame Goddard play “The last rose of summer,” or “Home, sweet home,” and I feel sure he will be inclined to alter his opinion. I was glad to see that last night Christchurch came to the fore, and made Madame Goddard’s farewell to Canterbury a complete triumph. I know I am only expressing the feelings of all when I say that she takes with her the heartiest wishes of the community for her future welfare, leaving here as she does with the knowledge that she has been the means of giving us during the past week unalloyed enjoyment in the highest sense of the word. Of the artistes who have assisted Madame Goddard during her visit, 1 may say that Herr Dodder, by his thoroughly artistic playing, has contributed in no small degree to the success of the concerts. Coming to ns as lie did with a high representation as a violinist, the various items allotted to him have been rendered in a manner fully sustaining it, and lie deserves every credit for his brilliancy of execution and finished style. As an artiste he takes high rank, and worthily supports Madame Goddard. M rs Smythc, upon whom a large proportion of the vocal work has devolved, acquitted herself most creditably, and would have been infinitely more successful had she .Mime no re of i.he ballad clri~ v: of music, for ,• hick ie-r --1 > !e of voice nu»> • lit! ;>} i..Oi lie; tool ornate pieces in h .-lo- inliar rendering of VJdfi;ru “ ' Mail j mg." a nd " Go bin Adair,” shows w uav. she j can do, and she would have been a greater favorite thanjshe was had she given us more of this description of pieces. Mr llainford has achieved a great success during his visit, all hjs songs being excel-

leutly given, and his fine voice has never been heard to such advantage as during these concerts. Mr Skinner will, I fear, never take high rank as a tenor singer, until he manages to conquer his nervousness, which has the effect of marring his best efforts. He deserves credit for the way in which he tries to do his best, but this unfortunate defect certainly prevented him from making himself a favorite with us. I must not omit to pay a tribute of praise to Mr Harcourt Lee, whose services as an accompanist were invaluable. During the series of concerts he has had a very arduous dirty to perform and he has discharged it most admirably. I take leave of the company with regret that we have not heard the more of them, because the more one heard the more they were delighted, and I hope that they will meet with the same deserved success in the North which has attended them here. The Opera Company, after a week’s sojourn at Timaru return to Christchurch on Monday and open a short season at reduced prices. “ Martha ”is the opera announced for Monday next, and as the prices are low I expect to see a full house to greet them on their return. CROTCHET.