ODDFELLOWS’ HALL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1540, 24 January 1879, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS’ HALL.

MDLLE. ALICE CJIAHBONNET. Notwithstanding the attraction of Henry V. at the Theatre Koyal, the announcement of Mdlle. Charbonnet’s first appearance in Christchurch had the effect of drawing an excellent audience at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night. That is to suy the Hall was not overcrowded, but taking into consideration the recognised fact that so far as solo instrumental artistes are concerned, Christchurch audiences are celebrated lor taking no professional reputation, how high or well established, fur granted, until a has pissed the crucial test of local criticism, the attendance was unusually large, and keenly appreciated the musical treat submitted to them. Mdlle.

Oharbonnet is unquestionably the most brilliant and [accomplished pianisto that has appeared in Christchurch since Madame Arabella Goddard, and like that great artiste at once established' herself in the opinion of those who heard her play, asa musician of the very first rank. Considered critically it is impossible to find _ a blemish in Mdlle. Charbonnet’s playing. She is gifted with a firm and brilliant touch, consummate power of expression, with nnusually brilliant execution. The most difficult harmonies she masters with tne greatest ease, and the most intricate and involved passages are executed with as much ease as if they were simple scales. As an instance of wonderful manual excellence, her rendering of a fantasia from Auber s “ Masaniello ” with the left hand may be cited. As far as the ear was concerned it was impossible to detect the absence of the other hand. Her first item on the programme was Thalberg’s arrangement of the prayer from « Moss in Egitto ” which was rendered with great power of expression, and being encored, Mdlle. Oharbonnett gave a charming little oappriccio called the “ Musical Box.” This dainty little composition exhibited the artiste’s brilliant fingering to perfection, and was rapturously applauded. Hies’ third concerto (allegro) was finely played, but the gem of the evening was the famous sestetto from “ Lucia di Lammermoor,” arranged by Liszt, The air was first taken in _ the _ treble and then in the bass, accompanied with the grand harmonies, the effect realising all the choral effects intended by the composer. This being encored, Mdlle. Oharbonnet substituted “Behold how brightly breaks the morning,” from Auber’s opera, “ Masaniello. This again exhibited the player’s great power of memory, which is not the least of her gifts. Her last piece was a “Polonaise Brillante” by Weber, a wonderful specimen of sparkling manipulation. The vocal part of the concert was sustained by Miss Florence Neville and Signor Luisetti. The former has an excellent soprano voice, pure in tone and rich in quality, her high notes being unusually clear and limpid. She also possesses considerable power and much expression. In the course the evening Miss Neville sang “ Una Voce, from “II Barbiere,” Millard’s pretty ballad, «Waiting,” the grand duet between Manrico and Leonora in the last act of “II Trovatore” with Signor Luisetti, and Malloy’s waltz song, « Oh, how delightful.” The duet was encored, and the artistes repeated the last part. Signor Luisetti, in addition to his share in the duet, gave a fine cavatina from Donizetti s comic opera, “La Oenerertola” in excellent style, hie voice being heard to far greater advantage than it was in the Theatre at the Hospital concert. This gentleman will be an acquisition to the musical circles of Christchurch. He sings with admirable taste, and his voice is rich in quality and extremely melodious. The concert was over at half-past 9 o clock, and from first to last was unusually excellent. Mdlle. Oharbonnet will give her next and concluding concert on Monday evening with an entire change of programme.