Te Rangi Pai

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8196, 24 May 1906, Page 5

Te Rangi Pai

Avery large and enthusiastic audience assembled at the Opera House last night to hear Te Eangi Pai. It would have been strange, after this gifted lady's English triumphs, if it had been otherwise, even though one's own country is popularly supposed to be niggardly with its plaudits. But the fact is that in Te Eangi Pai we have a contralto of whom any country might be reasonably proud. Her talent is of a kind which does not invite, but which compels the highest appreciation. Its qualities are of the highest order. The auditor is impressed most perhaps by the clear organ-like tone, which m all its ranges fills the building to its remotest part with resounding melody ; yet purity and sweetness are just as apparent in the wonderful gift of song with which Te Rangi Pai is endowed. Her mauage-nent and control of her voice is evidence that she has overcome the difficulties of technique. Withal, the artist has a simplicity of manner, an easy grace, and a commanding presence. Her enunciation, too, must be mentioned as .being almost perfect, the words being clearly heard in every part of the building. Her numbers last night were a recitative and aria from Handel's " Rinaido," which necessitated the use of all the fine qualities of her magnificent voice; a rendering of " Home, Sweet Home " and a plaintive Maori slumber song " Hine e Hine," the words of both being in Te Rangi Pai's mother tongue, which is peculiarly musical; and finally the sacred song " Nearer my God to Thee," which, with its organ accompaniment, quite captivated the audience. Needless to say Te Rangi Pai was encored on every occasion, and she graciously acquiesced in the audience's wishes. The concerted numbers by Te Rangi Pai and the other members of the company were all musical treats, which were warmly applauded. Miss Amy Murphy and Te Rangi Pai sang " Quia est Homo ?" The latter and Mr W. B. Cadzow were associated in the duet "Home to our Mountains," and she also sang " Snowdrops " as a duet with Mr Wells, while the four singers gave Barnby's " Sweet and Low'' as a final number. To Rangi Pai is is supported by excellent artists. Miss Amy Murphy is a singer, who is wellknown in Palmerston as being in the front rank of colonial vocalists. Her soprano voice was heard splendidly last night in the waltz song, "Se Saran Rose," and " Gocd-bve" (Tosti), for both of which she was recalled, giving on one occasion the charming " Swingsong." Mr W. B. Cadzow, the tenor of the company, quite took the audience by storm. He sang first the song "Nirvana," and later the well-known but difficult " March of the Cameron Men," receiving a treble encore for the latter, and giving in response the tuneful " Long ago in Alcala." Mr Handley Wells, basso, contributed the recitative and aria " She alone charmeth my sadness " (Gounod) and the song " Big Ben " (Pontet), the latter number being encored. Mr Horace Hunt played the accompaniments as they should be played, and also gave a pianoforte solo " Bondo Capriccioso " (Mendelssohn). Altogether the concert was a delightful one and will long be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to be present. The second concert will be given tonight at the Opera House.