MADAME TASOA’S FAREWELL CONCERT.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1473, 5 November 1878, Page 3

MADAME TASOA’S FAREWELL CONCERT.

Madame Tasca gave her farewell concert at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. The programme consisted of compositions almost all of which were heard for the first time in tho colonies. By no one could the experiment of introducing unknown masterpieces be more appropriately undertaken than by a performer of Madame Tasca’s excellence. A true artist will certainly not feel disappointed if the genius and sublimity of such works is not at once fully understood and appreciated by the general public. Madame Tasca may, however, be assured that the impression made by her playing that style of music will last and secure for her a grateful remembrance scarcely obtained by any of her predecessors. Chopin’s “Ballade,” in G minor,is a beautiful composition, but it requires a more intimate knowledge of his music than the previously played Scherzo. Tho second fhema especially is of exquisite beauty. First introduced with a delicacy and tenderness which leave no doubt as to the author, it is worked out to a passionate brilliancy and grandeur not equalled in any similar work. Its execution was such as deserves tho highest praise. Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 26 is very seldom played in its totality, because the finale requires a master’s hand. As a composition it does not rank with many others of his sonatas. There is a want of accord in its four parts, and one is surprised at the combination of the andante con variazioni and the playful scherzo with the funeral march. Madame Tasca interpreted it excellently, the March alone was not so quiet and grand as in Charles Hallo’s reading. A new feature of last night’s concert was the introduction of two compositions by Madame Tasca, of which the Tarantella has a claim to the first place. Written in a brilliant style, it contains many spirited amiabilities, and produced a highly pleasing effect. The two Romances of Schumann, his” Schlummerlied”and a repetition of Heller’s Transcription were charmingly given, and Madame Tasca s recitals were brought to an effective close by her playing of Mendelssohn’s Capriccio Brillante in B minor, which was as magnificently performed as we ever heard it. The very difficult passages, difficult if played in such a tempo, sounded splendid. Miss Merz was more pleasing than ever before, and Mendelssohn’s song was a very good proof of her ability. His Excellency the Governor and suite attended the concert, and there was a very good audience.