MISS CARANDINI’S CONCERT.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 775, 14 December 1876, Page 2

MISS CARANDINI’S CONCERT.

When, a few days ago, this talanted artiste announced her last concert, we fully made up our mind that a bumper house would be given her, as an appreciation of her acknow ledged talents and as a response to the many obligating owing to her by the people of Christchurch for her gratuitous services rendered at public concerts. But it seems that little dependence can be placed upon what the Christchurch public will or will not do. Apait from the personal claims of the concert giver, such a programme as was provided ought to have drawn a splendid house, instead whereof the front seats

were but partially filled, and the second and third seats nearly empty. Why this should be we cannot understand. If we have not good concerts going there is an outcry, and if such be provided where is the support 1 There is but one conrse to pursue to maintain good concerts amongst us (whether given by resident professionals or amateurs), and that is for those artists not to assist in any of the many cheap entertainments always going on in our midst. This is the only way out of the deplorable state of things now existing amongst us. The concert throughout was a great treat. All the vocalists were in good voice, and as none have appeared for some time past they seemed quite fresh to the audience. Miss Carandini had a heavy part to sustain, but all her music was sung with that true feeling and tone which characterise all her efforts. Her rendering of Mrs Gatty’s song, “O fair dove,” was excellent. "When the tide comes in” and •* Rory of the Glen” were both beautifully sung, and elicited encores. Miss Kent (contralto) was very successful in her song “ O ye tears," and also in the two duets she she sung with Miss Oarandi, and in “ The sailor sighsj” with Mr Appleby. This'lady has very much improved in voice and style since last we heard her. Mr Appleby, who is somewhat of a stranger at town concerts, sang " The sorrows of the heart’’ fromßalfe’s “ Sicilian Bride” in good style, and appeared to great advantage in the concerted pieces. There were two of Mendelssohn’s part songs in the programme, “ The nightingale” and " Fly with me” and “ A cold frost came,” both very nicely given by Miss Carandini, Miss Kent, Messrs Appleby and Merton. The instrumental items in the prograrqme were not many, but all were given in masterly style. Of Herr Schott’s solos on the oboe and Cor Anglaise we cannot speak too highly. It is a perfect treat to listen to him, the equality of tone which he produces, and the entire absence of the reediness one is accustomed to hear from such instruments, rendered his solos highly enjoyable. The last item to mention, but certainly not in point of merit, was the pianoforte duet by the Misses Marshman, the andante and finale from Beethoven’s symphony, in 0 minor. It is always a treat to listen to the playing of these ladies ; they are always successful, and were especially so last night, Mr R. Searell was accompanist, and got through a heavy task with his usual success. In place of an omitted item Mr Searell played Brinley Richard’s “ Storm at sea ” in capital style. The concert throughout was a great success musically; we regret, for the sake of Miss Carandini, that it was not so financially.