THE CARANDINI CONCERTS.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 112, 11 April 1868, Page 3

THE CARANDINI CONCERTS.

After tlio high, enooniums au<i enthusiastic notices of the various journals of the other provinces, we must confess to have long wished for a visit of the Carandim, and this week they took us suddenly by storm. A telegram on Monday evening announced their intention of arriving on Tuesday, and as many of our settlers had heard them in the sister colonies, an amount of enthusiasm was got up very speedily. Unfortunately, however, the party was unable to come by the Lyttelton, and their arrival {via Picton) at nine p.m., precluded the arrangement being qarried out. The company consists of Carandini and her two daughters—Miss Rosiua and Miss Fannie—with Mr. Walter Sherwin, and their first concert was given in the Council Chamber on Wednesday evening, to a large and very respectable assemblage. We feel great diffidence indeed in attempting a critique on the performance. For while the whole was infinitely superior to anything ever heard in Blenheim before, and beyond doubt first-class in every respect, we feel unable to do it that justice which it really deserves. The pleasant memories of old times in another land were strongly evoked, and with all around us, we passed a most enjoyable evening. The programme commenced ■with an operatic selection from Lucia di Lammermoor, by Mdme. Carandini and Mr. Sherwin—“ My Sufferings and Sorrow ” —which was an admirable performance. “Love’s Request,” was charmingly sung by Miss Fannie, and from the first she won golden opinions whenever she made her appearance. Mr. Sherwin.sang a portion of a patriotic song, “The Red Cross Banner,” in an artistic manner, but it did not receive the approbation which the words at least warranted. Miss Rosina followed with “Ah! Che Assorta,” the rmisic of which was faultlessly rendered, but the Italian words were evidently not appreciated. A humorous duet—“ Anticipations of Switzerland” —by Madame Carandini and Mr. Sherwin, was very well received, especially the echo in the ..latter portion, which was beautifully ■ executed, and showed the lady’s powers to be of first-class order. A fantasia illustrative of a “ Summer’s Eve,” by Miss Rosina, drew forth the first encore. To say this piece was faultless is not sufficiently expressive, and we must advise our readers to go and judge for themselves. The old plaintive ballad, “ Auld Robin Gray,” was next given by Mdme. Carandini; but while well the air did not satisfy some of our Northern friends, so well as some, other of the lady’s performances. The two sisters joined in a duet—“ When shall we meet,” and this piece showed to perfection the rich contralto voice of Miss Fannie, who also

accompanied on the pianoforte. Admirable as this was, however, the encore song —“Beware, take care,” exceeded it; the adaptation to the words of the arch-looks and glances, every one of which told effectively, will possibly disturb the rest of some of the young gentlemen present for many a day after the fair councillors have left us ; undoubtedly this was the best piece of the everting. A duet from Norma was beautifully rendered by Madame and Miss Rosina, The charming Irish ballad, “ Kathleen Mavourneen,” sung by Miss Fannie, was followed by an encore, when she gave 4 4 The Lady of the Sea, which was sung with a most effective naivete , and elicited great applause. 44 I’ve wandered in dreams,” a duet, by Miss Rosina and Mr. Sherwin followed, and showed the powers of that gentleman as a tenor, to be equal to his reputation. Madame Carandini gave 44 The Old Arm Chair,” with a pathos which will long dwell on the memory of her auditory, who listened breathlessly, and who tried, but in vain, to elicit an. encore. A buffo duet by .Madame and Mr. Sherwin— 44 Maria, you know,” was very amusing, and the best concerted piece of the evening. Miss Rosina sang “ Kate O’Shane,” in a touching plaintive and sweet sophrano voice, and a duet by Madame and Miss Fannie, 44 1 heard a voice, ” concluded the carte. The audience were entranced by the flood of melody which poured upon them by these gifted artistes, and, in conclusion, we can only say they have quite justified the euconiums lavished upon them elsewhere.

A second concert was given on Thursday evening, at which we were unable to be present, but we believe the attendance was very good. The last of the series will be given this evening, when we venture to predict the hcmse will be a full one, and that the public will show that they can fully appreciate this opportunity of hearing firstclass music.