MADAME GODDARD’S FAREWELL CONCERT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4252, 5 November 1874, Page 2

MADAME GODDARD’S FAREWELL CONCERT.

(From the Melbournei>ai7y Telegraph.) Prior to her departure for New Zealand Mr.W. S. Lyster tendered to Madame Arabella Goddard a farewell complimentary concert in the Operahouse. It was in every respect a great success; but it is not easy to sit down and glow over it whilst suffering from the pain of irreparable loss. Two pianistes of Madame’s calibre do not crop up in a generation; and several generations have failed in producing even one who could come any way near her. Her first treat was Mendelssohn’s concerto in D minor, with orchestral accompaniments. Madame Goddard led off magnificently on her old iron grand, and the orchestra, under the conduct of Mr. John Hill, rose equal to the occasion. The result was a most conspicuous success. Madame Goddard next performed Thalberg’s arrangement of the prayer from “Most, in. Egitto,” and in the most finished style; but though she, more than all other living pianistes

excels in the sustentatiou of sound, the pi ano can never express the full grandeur of this great creation. During the second part Madame Goddard, in conjunction with Mr. John Hill, once more favored the audience with the duet from “Lea Hugeuots,” arranged by Thalberg and De Beriot. The instruments were in perfect sympathy with each other, and the artists were highly successful in their rendering of what are recognised as the gems in this favorite opera. The concluding number was a fantasia on Welsh airs by Jules deSivrai, introducing the “Christmas Carol,” the popular air, “Jenny Jones,” and “ The Dairy House.” The familiar melodies so captivated those in front that an encore was very enthusiastically called for. Madame Goddard cordially responded by playing in her inimitable style and finish that “ Home Sweet Home” of Thalberg’s with which her name is inseperably connected. Every convenient opportunity of applauding her was eagerly seized upon during the night, and at the conclusion she received quite an ovation. Herr Doehler (late solo violinist at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham) made his first public appearance, and was cordially received. His selections were well chosen to display bistabilities, and met with the approval of the audience. His performance of Hanman’s fantaisie brilliante procured him an encode, to which he responded.