MADAME TASCA’S THIRD CONCERT.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1470, 1 November 1878, Page 3

MADAME TASCA’S THIRD CONCERT.

At la st we can report that, at the third concert of Madame Tasca, every seat was taken, and the audience represented that class of the musical public of Christchurch that might have been expected to be present on the opening night, and many expressed their regret that they had not come before. The programme was the best one yet given. Madame Tasca opened her masterly interpretations with the exceedingly graceful Scherzo B flat minor of Chopin. It is perhaps not equal in depth of feeling to many others of the high-spirited Pole’s compositions, but it makes up for that by a fluency and clearness in its structure that renders it at once understood even by those who are not familiar with his peculiar style. The delicate and charming passages in which it abounds were played in a manner so finished, that we do not recollect having heard it better performed by any artiste in Europe, What was most to be admired in her execution was that there was scarcely an indistinct note in the most rapid movements, and that her audience feels the most perfect reliance upon her taste. The D flat valse, of the same composer, was also delightfully interpreted. Mendelssohn’s Andante and Roudo Capriccioso are well known, and are always favourite pieces with the more accomplished amateur, who, however, doubtless observed the difference, which never can be overcome, between artist and amateur. The fairy-like G- minor motion, evidently shaped after the immortal elf-musio of the “ Midsummer Night’s Dream,” might possibly have been improved by being a little more subdued. The enthusiastic audience demanded another encore, and Madame Tasca readily gave tho duetto of the Songs without words, and as to its poetic rendering there was only one opinion. The Stephen Heller transcription of Schubert’s “Forelle” was the finest performance of the evening. The melody was beautifully expressive, and the magnificent passages of the right hand were executed to perfection. Q-ottschalk’s “Trovatore” fantasia, Thalberg’s “ Homo Sweet Home” for the left hand only, and Mr Plumpton’s transcription of “Faust Melodies” could scarcely add any new delight to the previous pieces. Mr Piumpton proved himself in the latter duet a perfect master of the harmonium. Miss Rosaly Merz was again well received by the audience. It would, however, be desirable that this lady should, in her future contributions, select pieces more in accord with the spirit of the instrumental masterpieces of which the other portions of the concert consist, We are glad that Madame Tasca has determined to give a farewell recital on Monday next, on which occasion a new programme, containing the master works of the German school, will be performed.