AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 607, 30 May 1876, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

ILMA DE MURSKA'S CONCEPT. Mademoiselle lima De Murska's second concert took place at the Oddfellows' Hall. The room was literally crowded, numbers being unable to obtain admission. A more appreciative and enthusiastic audience we have never seen ; but persons should have gome consideration for the artistes who provide the programmes for their delectation, and remember that there are limits to human powers. We can hardly wonder at the vigorous demand for recalls, but it is taxing the goodwill of a singer almost too much to require each song to be repeated. Mdlle, De Murska fully confirmed the impression formed of her on Friday evening, and one cannot but feel that the high expectations which were raised by her repute, have been most amply substantiated by her appearance. Her performance last evening was in all respects of the very highest class; her singing, if possible, surpassing her pre vious effort, and her actions in some of the parts could but make us desire that we had an opportunity of seeing her in genuine opera. The first item was the finale from "La Sonnambula," and a most delicious rendering was given. Her pure sympathetic tones told well in the opening, and were most admirably suited to the piece; the most delicate shades of expression were shown out —always true to the character, never exaggerated. Some of the pianissimo passages were given with a sweetness well nigh unsurpassable; they chained the at* tention of the fast audience, se that nothing bat the musical strains were heard amid the breathless silence—not a note was lost. Never could an artiste desire a more attentive audience. In this there was some opportunity for displaying the highest notes of the singer's voice, and a cadenza ranging into the altissimo register was given, not only with brilliancy, but great sweetness. It is a common remark respecting most singers, that although extended bravura passages are to a degree acceptable as exhibiting personal attainments, they are nevertheless very frequently introduced at the expense of musical effect and enjoyment, for it is but rarely that the evident effort of E reduction does not mar its tonal worth; nt to Mdlle de Murska such cannot apply, all is so easy and graceful that one is under no painful apprehension as to the result, and one can enter into the pur; enjoyment of the piece; and beyond this it is not too much to say that some of her very, highest notes are also her sweetest. In response to the calls for repetition of this, Mdlle de Murska sang " The Last Bote of Summer." It was indeed refreshing to hear again a good rendering of this tender ballad. It must be a great temptation to such a singer to interpolate opportunities for the display of her wondrous individual capacities; and it is the greater honor to her that she was content to give the touching melody in its old simplicity. A " Hungarian" song, with variations, especially composed for Mdlle de Murska, was her next piece on the programme, It opens with a quaint quiet melody, and shortly bursts into a brilliant piece of free writing. This bravura movement was executed with charmingly facile grace; the distant skips all flowing smoothly, notwithstanding the melodial difficulty of the intervals. The finish of the composition owes some of its charm to its strange sevenbar rhythm, to which ose's ears are so little accustomed ; and on account of its rarity it was the more refreshing. This graceful and elegant ending was most deliriously sung; it fell with a soothing calm on all as it was heard again and again, each time softer and softer, nntilitdied away in a gentle whisper. Another overwhelming ovation resulted in a performance of the old Scotch ballad " Within a mile of Kdinboro' town." It must be confessed that aa the first few strains of the "Last Bose" were sung, we felt that Mdlle De Murska was far preferable in the more florid styles; but if any such feeling remained, this ballad was sufficient to banish it completely, for a more delightful rendering of this popular song we couli scarce wish to hear; it was sung With simple grace, and most thorough appreciation of the national style; the old words were very prettily spoken, The closing piece on the programme was a duo by Bicci, " Orispino ela comare" It is one of those humorous pieces which it is impossible to really describe; but which are very enjoyable and intensely amusing. In this Mdlle de Murska was very charming, singing with extreme taste and exactness ; the sweet soprano answering phrases being rendered with the utmost lightness and grace. It was again impossible to withstand the tremendous applause and loud recalls, and the latter part was repeated.

The programme also included two solos by Bignor Boanati and two by Signor Susini, and a duet for both of these. Signo.' Giammona gave two Ante solos, and a pianoforte solo, by the Maestro Giovanni Ilia. To this latter we may give the first place. The familiar air is very finely handled by the great master of florid piano music, Thalberg, and his writing received a most intelligent and commanding interpretation. Specially to be noticed was the clear enunciation of the melody throughout the piece; first when intertwined among the simple arpeggios, and where the florid variations are extended; in the most brilliant parts the eanto was always distinct, the left hand filling in its part with unerring precision. This being encored, Gottschalk's comical musical sketch, the " Banjo," was given.

Signor Giammona performed a couple of flute solos in really masterly style. His wonderful power of enforcing a melody, acompanied by soft under movement, was again exhibited ; and one canuot but notice bow cleverly he manages his breath, bo that never a break is heard. His prolonged shakes were Tery good, and the extended runs throughout the compass of the instrument were played with exquisite smoothness. In answer to an encore, he played an arrangement of a popular waltz.

We regret that our space prevents more than a casual notice of Signori Busini and Bosnati; and especially so as the excellence of their performance deserves lengthened report. Their duet was in all respects most pleasing, and had to be repeated. Signor Suaini appeared in,an aria from Verdi's "Sicilian Yespret "—" O tu Palermo" and in '• Nonpiu Andrai" from "Figaro," and also in the final duet with Mdlle de Murska, already mentioned. But Signor Susini's excellent rendering of his part in this must be noted; hi a fine humour and capital singing : after hearing him no one could say music is not capable of. expressing to the very utmost any style of thought or action., gignor Bosnati sang in Verdi's " Luifn

Miller." and the charming Barcarolle from " Ballo in Maschera'" ; in response to an encore for the latter he substituted the Barcarolle from " Bon Pasquale" ; in all his songs his vocalisation was pure aad clear. We understand that to give Lyttelton folks an opportunity of hearing Mdlle de Murska, the railway authorities purpose putting on a special late train on Wednesday night.