MDLLE, OHARBONNET'S CONCERT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 303, 31 December 1878, Page 2

MDLLE, OHARBONNET'S CONCERT.

Prepared as we had been by the numerous notices in the press of Australia and other parts of New Zealand of Mdlle. Alice Charbonnet a piano playing to find in her a performer of great talent and skill, we were yet taken by surprise last night on Ideating her for the first time. Her first performance vras a " Moonlight sonata " by Betnoven in her rendering of which what pleased us even more than the brilliance of her execution was the evident feeling with which she played. Hearing the music as each note rang out clearly and distinctly, and at the same time watching the performer, who appeared to be completely wrapped up in w hat was to her so evidently a labor of love, one couldalmost fancy that she was thinking aloud and giving utterance to her thoughts in a language abounding in euphony and melody. The " Prayer " from Mose in Egittn was a magnificent exhibition of wonderful skill and exquisite taste, and the tremendous outburst of .genuine applause that burst from the audience so soon as they bad recovered from their surprise must have afforded a gratify™J P r ™* of their appreciation of the treat afforded them. The performance with the left hand wa9 simply marvellous, and as words would fail to describe that which must be heard to be appreciated we will not attempt the task. The Grand Duo from William Tell, Mademoiselle on the piano and Mr Charles Bonmngton on the, violin, wa9 a perfect masterpiece, and as such was recognised by the audience who greeted it with a storm of applause and a demand for its repetition that would take no denial Added to her splendid taleuts as a pianist of the highest order, Mdlle Charbonnet has so charming and so natural a manner that she at once installs herself as a favorite with - the audience almost before she has touched a note, while such good nature as she digplays in responding.to encores we have never before seen in any performer on the stage. Of Miss Florence Neville, by whom she is so ably supported, it may be said that her voice is a soprano of considerable compass, and much sweetness, and that she excels in operatic music especially,, being exceedingly articulate in the execution of florid passages and at the same time highly sympathetic in style and expression. Mdlle Charbonnet was particularly fortunate in being assisted by our well remembered and highly esteemed friend Mr Bonnington, who kindly came from Wellington to assist at the concerts Much interest was felt in his appearance after so long an absence, and his masterly execution of the Somanza in P by Beethoven and his brilliant performance with Mdlle m the grand duo from William Tell (by De Benot and Osborne) showed that his violin has not been " hung upon the willows " We must not overlook the valuable assistance rendered by.Mr Oakey, whose performance, on the piano and harmonium, aud excellent accompaniments so materially promoted the success of the concert. Having said so ranch of the performers we may add a word respecting the audience, than whom we never saw an assemblage of people more enthusiastic m their expressions of approval and delight. Bouquets were showered on the stage, occasionally in numbers too great for the ladies to carry away with them, and demands for encore* followed each performance, and were on almost every occasion good humoredly responded to. To morrow evening we hope to see the house well filled, for we fully believe , that we are not merely expressing our own opinion but that of every individual who was fortunate enough to' be present last night, when we say that these concerts are a rich and rare musical treat that cannot fai! to be most thoroughly enjoyed by all whose privilege it is to listen to them.