AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 702, 19 September 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

LYDIA HOWARDS TROUPE. This talented Burlesque Company will perform at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Lyttelton, this evening, when “Trovatore” and the burlesque of “The Waterman” will be performed. The company appear at the Music Hall to-morrow evening, when “ Fra Diavolo ” and the “ Swiss Swains ” will constitute the evening’s programme. DE MURSKA CONCERTS. Considering the very unsettled state of the weather last evening there was a good attendance at the Music Hall, when lima de Murska gave her second operatic concert. The evening’s entertainment commenced with an overture, very finely played by the Lydia Howarde orchestra, Maestro Ilia presiding at the piano, usually under the command of Herr Schott. The opening performance was a very fine one, and was loudly applauded, the Maestro and his little band of four, working together as one man, and the overture was consequently greatly enjoyed. This was followed by Signor Susini, who sang the aria “ Tnfelice,” from “ Ernani,” in grand style. Mr Hadley then proceeded to give a grand piano solo, but, though it was played with taste and general correctness of reading, it lacked strength, giving one the idea that the player had not sufficient faith in himself to make of this musical composition what we have heard it at the hands of some other musicians. The great treat of the evening was undoubtedly the gem which followed, viz., lima de Murska’s singing of “Lo! here the gentle lark,” which was sung by this artiste in such a finished manner, that her voice at times might have been taken for the bird itself about which she was singing. I'he blending of the voice and the violin was at times so perfect that it was almost impossible to tell where the one began and the otner ended. For tast*>, exquisite feeling, and pathos, and at the same time for the very acme of vocal perfection, lima De Murska’s rendering of this charming song has never been approached in this city. Maestro Strauss Ilia gave her great assistance with his violin obligato, played w,th correctness and precision. Signor Roonati sang the romanza “ Non e ver ” with great effect. Maestro Ilia’s selections on the piano were played as only that artiste can play them, and quite took the house by storm The grand trio from Belisario by lima De Murska and Signori Rosnati and Susiffi, was a splendid piece of vocalisation throughout, and was a grand termination to the first part of the programme. In the opening of the second part the orchestra, with Maestro Ilia at its head, again delighted all lovers of good orchestral music The grand duet from “ Marta ” gave Signori Rosnati and Susini an opportunity of displaying their fine vocal abilities to great advantage, and its rendition was warmly received, lima De Murska then repeated

her celebrated shadow dance and song most successfully, and was enthusiastically greeted. Signor Susini then gave a very enjoyable scena from Mozart's “ Madamina,” after which Maestro Ilia performed “L’Ecune de Mor” upon the grand piano in fine style, His command over this instrument is something wonderful; and his delicacy of touch not to be surpassed by any musician who has as yet visited us. Signor Rosnati then gave “ When other lips,” but although we cannot agree that by a long way his pronunciation and accent was anything like perfect, still, coming from a foreigner, it was quite as good as could have been expected, and it was sung very nicely, and a repetition demanded. The closing scene of the entertainment was the grand duo from “ Crispin© e la Oomare,” in which lima de Murska and Signor Susini appeared to immense advantage. Indeed they worked up the audience to a pitch of enthusiasm not often witnessed. The entire concert was a great success. The third of the series will be given this evening, when several new innovations will be introduced.