AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2475, 14 March 1882, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATBE BOYAL. It is, we think, much to be regretted that the Montague-Turner Company should have taken leave of Ohristchnroh except in opera. Not that M. Leon Oaron's cantata is devoid of merit, but the performers last night seemed to be ill at eaoo in ordinary evening costume, and one could hardly recognise them after so long an acquaintance in stage dresses. The cantata was preceded by a miscellaneous concert. Miss Montague sang a number from " Triviata" with her usual success, and Miss Deakin contributed a Scotch song. Mr Farley sang "To Anthea," by HattoD, fairly well, but without expression. Mr Turner watf very good in Blumenthal's "The Message." In the cantata, Miss Montague undertook the soprano part, Miss Lambert the oontralto, Mr Turner the tenor, and Mr Gordon the bass. As a whole, it went well, though, for a proper rendition of the work, so as to bring out fully the ideas of the composer, a far stronger body of vocalists than was engaged last night was necessary. Eor instance, the chorus of nymphs was sung by four ladies, who, though doing their utmost, and that most gallantly, yet, as a necessity, failed to develope the full ideal of the composer. Miss Montague sang excellently the music allotted to her, especially the solo " Then fair south land " and " O golden Day of Glory." Only one oontralto solo occurs in the work, " On thy Bweet peace," and this was well rendered by Miss Lambert Mr Turner sang his solo, " O summer land " very nicely indeed, and great praise is due to Mr Gordon for his adnJrable rendering of the bass solo "Now on the grassy plains," whioh reoeived the compliment of an encore. The ooncerted musio, especially the march, " Wave, wave," was nioely sung, but there is far too much elaboration of the " Amen " chorus without any commensurate pleasure in the vocalisation. Indeed, it gets tiresome after the few first bars. The orchestra, as usual, worked wel', ani Signor Sorge, who presided at the organ, is entitled to special praise for bis excellent work in connection with the cantata. THE AUSTBIAN BAND. This band gave another performance lact night at the Oddfellows* Hall. The programme was a very excellent one, of which may be selected for especial commendation the pot-pourri " Girofie-Girofla," whioh was encored, the overture " Semiramis," and the fantaaie "Evening Prayer," to both of whioh a similar compliment was extended. The dance numbers on the programme were, it is needless to say, admirably rendered, the time and tune being perfect. Owing to their engagements in Wellington, the band will not appear this evening. THOMPSON'S DIOBAMA.

Another crowded house at the Gaiety Theatre greeted Thompson's Diorama of the Zulu war last night. There wbb the usual distribution of gifts, whioh created a ; great deal of amusement. To-night, the Diorama will be again exhibited.