MADAME TASCA’S FIRST CONCERT.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1467, 29 October 1878, Page 2

MADAME TASCA’S FIRST CONCERT.

l?»i a considerable time we have not had the pleasure of hearing a pianoforte player who could boast, of exhibiting the incredible perfection to which the art of piano-playing has been brought during the last twenty years, going hand in-hand with the improvements of the instrument itself. It is no wonder that the visit of Madame 7moß>

who created much sensation on her late tour through Australia, should have been looked for with impatience. The first concert of the series took place last night at the Oddfellows’ Hall, and convinced all who were capable of judging that the highest eulogies bestowed by the Australian Press are not only well deserved but scarcely do credit enough, as similar reports have been only too frequently wasted on performers who cannot nearly compare themselves with Madame Tasca. Those who know what lifelong perseverance, what untiring energy, day after day, it requires to make a piax.isto of the first order, how every day lost means a decline, will know how to appreciate Madame Taeca’s playing. Litolff’s “ Spinnlied,” which has been played frequently in New Zealand, and badly too, opeued the instrumental part of the recital, and, with Gottsclxalk’s “ Pasquinade,” proved the sparkling brilliancy and marvellous power of the performer. Beethoven’s Sonata, Op. No. 27 (which we should prefer not to call “The Moonlight Sonata,”), was excellently played, with fine taste and understanding. We are glad that Madame Tasca showed her respect for the great master by not playing this from memory. But why the repetition in the last part of the Allegretto P We hope to hear more classical interpretations of a similar character during the series of concerts. Mendelsohn’s “Prelude,” Liszt’s “ Eigoletto, Thalberg’s “ Sweet Home ” for the left hand alone, and Mr Plumpton’s compositions were nil admirably played, aud received with enthusiastic applause. Miss Ilosaly Merz, the prim adonna soprano, found a most 11 ittering reception, and had to add an encore almost to every song. She has a powerful voice, evidently accustomed to large houses, and her rendering of the German songs, and especially of Mr Plumpton’s pretty ballad, captivated the audience. It is pleasant to bo able to mention the sympathetic acknowledgement of Mr Plumpton’s contributions to the great success of the evening in his clever compositions and tasteful accompaniment. Everyone who takes an interest in music should go and judge for themselves, and may safely do so with the certainty that they will be delighted.