AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 700, 16 September 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

DE MURSKA CONCERTS. The numerous and fashionable audience which assembled last evening at the Music Hall showed how highly the talents of Madame de Murska are held by her supporters in Christchurch. The selections of music made for the opening night of the series were of the most brilliant description, and gave each of the performers every opportunity of displaying their musical ability to the utmost, which they one and all, certainly did. lima de Murska was in splendid voice throughout, whilst Signori Susini and Rosnati were also in fine fettle. Of Maestro Strauss Ilia, as a violinist, it i 3 almost impossible to speak too highly, the way in which hemakes his cremona, as it were, almost speak to his artistic touch, and the lovely music produced therefrom, shows him to be a thorough master of that most difficult, but exquisite instrument, whilst as a pianist he has very few rivals. The complete and useful orchestra, belonging to the Lydia Howarde Troupe, with the addition of Mr Hadley, a rising young pianist, did good service during the evening, Herr Bunz officiating as leader. They played the two overtures, Lamotte's "Invocation a St Cecile " and Robbillard's " D'un tenor pour tout faire," with fine effect and precision. In the scenes from "Dinorah" and "Lucia," Madame de Murska disclosed at once the talent possessed by her, which is of the rarest kind, and the manner in which she enacted the difficult scenes, showed her to be fully alive to the conception of the arduous characters she was essaying, her singing and acting being something marvellous. The "Shadow" scene, as enacted by this talented lady, is one of the most graceful and artistic performances ever seen on the stage, and is full of beautiful music and striking embellishments, whilst the lime light effects contributed greatly to its success. In the " Hungarian Pastoral Song," which is an exceedingly difficult piece of music, Madame quite electrified her audience, her high range of voice, and the beautiful and difficult trills and cadences given during the recital being something most extraordinary, showing the wonderful power the singer has over her well cultivated and evenly-balanced voice. In reply to an overwhelming and most enthusiastic call, Madame de Murska sang, in magnificent style, that beautiful ballad " The Last Rose of Summer," receiving a perfect ovation at its termination. In " The Pastoral" she was most ably assisted by Maestro Strauss Ilia, who played the violin obligato with great proficiency of feeling. The selections on the piano by the same artiste, an arrangement of "Molly Darling" and "Danse Negre," were executed most brilliantly, and in a thoroughly efficient style, and a repetition was demanded and responded to. Signor Susini sang the fine old Vendetta song, from "Lucrezia Borgia," in fine style, whilst his humorous rendering of the buffo song from "The Barber," was vehemently applauded, so much so that the singer had to repeat the latter portion. Signor Rosnati, who was in good voice, sang a selection from "Trovatore" exceedingly well, and also another from " Lucia," with great effect. Signori Susini and Rosnati also contributed, very effectively, a most humorous duet from "Elisir d'Amore," which was loudly redemanded and responded to. We must also complement Mr Poore for the very able and efficient manner in winch he played the flute obligato during the rendering of the mad scene, by Madame de Murska, showing careful study, and a full appreciation of the difficult music pertaining thereto. The second concert will be given on Monday evening, when, in addition Madame De Murska will give, by request, Sir Henry Bishop's lovely song, "Lo here the gentle lark,' 5 " with violin obligato by Maestro Strauss Ilia, and Signori Rosnati and Susini will introduce the great comic duo from "Crispino e la Comare," the latter appearing in full stage costume. LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE. This troupe played last evening at Lyttelton to a capital house, notwithstanding the uneettled state of the weather. The piece selected was the ever popular and favourite burlesque of " Ohilperic," which gave great satisfaction, and sent the audience away in eestacies of delight. The troupe play at Kaiapoi on Monday night, and at Lyttelton again on Tuesday evening. To-night they re-appear at the Music Hall, when " Chilpeiic" and " Christchurch Miscellanies" will be produced, being for the benefit of Mr Briggs, the scenic artist, when we feel sure bis Christchurch friends will rally round and give him a bumper house,