Remenyi Concert.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 129, 6 May 1885, Page 3

Remenyi Concert.

It is almost needless for us to state that this entertainment, which has been looked forward to with such pleasurable anticipation by all music lovers m this district and which took place last evening m the Town Hall was an unqualified success m all respects. To attempt to criticise the performance of the master violinist we do not for a moment contemplate. Remenyi simply held his audience spell-bound m each selection from the moment he first drew his bow until he had finished playing. We have never before heard such exquisite rendition of music on this instrument, and were more than once tempted to harbour a suspicion . that the great master mind of the player was controlled by some immortal being, and that the performer was merely an antomaton acting with a perfectness and willingness unsurpassable. The first performance was a " Fantasia " on " Les Hugenots," and as has been truthfully stated by one of our exchanges one would almost fancy they heard the dying cries of the murdered ones m agonising supplication, the plaintivencss and wailing tone given out by the instrument calling up vividly before the eyes portions or the beautiful opera. The second and third numbers given by the artist were as the first sotil-stirring and grandly beautiful. Remenyi, unlike other stars of fame, when encored responds with a willingness and evident pleasure that his efforts have been appreciated. At the conclusion of his last piece he was encored and gave the " Marsellaise " and such a musical portrayal of the martial and national hymn very nearly brought the audience to their feet. A second encore was enthusiastically given coming from all parts of the hall and was graciously responded to once more. Space forbids us dealing individually with the other items rendered during the evening. Miss Powning, a lady possessing a soprano, voice of the purest timbre and sweetness unaccompanied with the slightest affectation, delighted the audience with several songs m Italian and English. Mr Rudolf Himmer (tenor), also rendered two songs with truly artistic effect and that carefulness and popular style of expression only attained by continual study. As pianist, MrLuckstone's performances were much admired, although at times rather more forte expression than necessary was displayed. Altogether the entertainment was at once, classical, popular, and thoroughly good, and the audience evidently appreciated the performance to the fullest extent. The evening with Remenyi will long be remembered with feelings of pleasure by those who comprised his audience last night, who would not have missed the musical treat provided under any consideration. The recollection is one that can be dwelt upoh with rapture m years to come,as something delightful to look back to, arid the memory of which will always cause exquisite retrospective enjoyment.