MDME. CARANDINI'S BENEFIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 293, 27 November 1862, Page 6

MDME. CARANDINI'S BENEFIT.

{To the Editor of the Dailt Times.) Sir,—While looking over the programme of the benefit to Mdme. Carandini, and especially that portion devoted to the " national music" of the integral parts of Great Britain, I was disappointed to find that Mr Small (though an Irishman) has the fate of my native country in his hands. While giving to that gentleman all due credit for his clear though broad exposition of Irish comicality in music, I must protest against this style beiner considered our music par excellence. In my opinion, and that of critics infinitely superior, Ireland is represented by melody unsurpassed (to use a mild word) by any in the land. Who can for one moment say the " Irish Jaunting Car," and "Widow Machree a>one," &c, &c, are to be pitted against the '■' Harp that once,"' or the " Last Rose of Summer," and other Jess popular but not Jess.sweet, and certainly much more feeling nnd beautiful thereby. These I call the music of Ireland. ' >

For tills reason 1 regret that on the assumption of Mr Small's singing the usual loh (and should he attempt' the more refined class as above, I fear me -we shall not' be as much delighted as we generally are with friend Small), it was not decided by Mdme. Caran-