SOIREE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 63, 21 June 1873, Page 2

SOIREE.

The patrons of the entertainment given in the Music Hall last Monday night had nothing to complain of either in the arrangement of the bill -of fare prepared for their delectation, or in the performers’ execution of their self-imposed task of catering for the pleasures of those whom it was their object to attract and to please. Indeed, it would, have been next to impossible, with the material at Mr. Root’s command, not to have produced something at once edifying and profitable. The Soiree Musicale, —as its promoters prefer to name it, in contra-distinction to that, class of entertainment which includes dancing as a portion of it—had been a thing of delight m the expectations of many in our little social world for some considerable time past; and the throng which gathered in the Hall, gave the most felicitous evidence of their appreciation of the efforts made on their behalf. Tea was on the table at six precisely, a few minutes after which the Rev. Mr. Root ascended the platform and led a choral invocation for the Divine Blessing on the proceedings about to take place. The company then composed themselves round the tables, each according to his or her choice, and the good things provided by the ladies were discussed with that kind of fierce friendliness which was the most positive proof that they had not been provided in vain. While the attacking party are making their grand assault, we propose a walk round the room. The spacious Hall was capitally filled and arranged with great taste and regard to comfort, and personal convenience. There were eight tables in all, three ranged on cither side, and two occupying the centre floor; these were individually presided over by one or more ladies according to their size (the tables we mean—-not the ladies.) Standing at either end of the room the eye rested upon a scene which, although Soirees have not been rare in Gisborne, has not been equalled here before. There was sitting room for at least 150 persons, all of which was occupied to the certain knowledge of our reporter who (artful dog) in furbishing his own understanding on the strict points of Soiree etiquette, took refuge from the crush, with some difficulty—between two fair nymphs, who, as tea and cake dispensers, added cream to the cream of a most enjoyable half-hour. The variety of taste exhibited in the arrangement of each table, was quite sufficient to stamp it with an individuality which accorded best with the tastes and wishes of those who personally superintended their adornment; while the whole, especially as viewed from the stage, hml a happy harmony about it, which was complete and perfect in the reflection of the joyous hilarity of the ladies’ voices, and considerably heightened by their presence, A little after 7 o’clock choral grace was again led by the Pastor, and the company dispersed for half an hour .while the Hall was being cleared, aud the seats re-arranged. The concert portion of the programme was introduced by Mr. Root who said that if they had given satisfaction in their desire to provide for the bodily requirements, he trusted equal satisfaction would be given in the provision that had been made for the gratification of the mind. They did not pretend to. be perfect, but would do their best. Ho had proposed that the Music and Singing should be confined to the Church Choir, but -so many of its members were found he euffowing from colds that he had to give up the idea. A very judicious introduction was .made in placing Bishop’s “Beam of Light” firt't on the programme, which was rendered by the Choir in a very pleasing manner. The voices -were more unsteady than’ later in the evening, but but a more perfect acquaintance with this glee was perceptible than in some others. Mr. Graham sang “Ah, I have sighed to rest me ” in a way which would have told more in his favor if he had thrown pathos into it. It suited his flexible voice well, and his execution was careful and musical. „ Mr. Stubbs recited “My Lord Tom Noddy,” which, as a poetic description of a man about to be hanged, and (although, doubtless, delivered in that gentleman’s happiest style,) had, we think, rather a depressing effect. The only instrumental pieces in the programme were given by Messrs. Atcherley and Sherriff, the former on the flute and piccolo and the latter on the piano. These were the gems of the evening, the rapid execution of the wind instruments in the variations of “Ye Banks and Braes,” and the “ Birds of Paradise,” waltz calling forth the warmest applause. The latter is Mr. Atcherley’s own composition. “If thou can’st live on humble Fane,” received the reward it merit ed. This is a very pretty, but simple, duet which was rendered by the Misses Nesbitt in a quiet, lady like, ana unostentatious manner; a little- pardonable tremulousness was observable, which detracted somewhat from the otherwise very musical blending of the voices. Our. gallantry induces us to excuse the second voice for turning her back -to the audience while singing; but the practice should be avoided in future. Mr. Skeet was very happy in his reading from “ Mrs. ‘Caudle’s Lectures.” The good humored way an which Mr. C. .enquires for his ■“ wat’shj” after having been made a “ Brother. and Mrs. C’s. expostulation, and wondering what folks would say if she were made a “ Sister,” creating much merriment. ” '* ■ - & ®

The Choir gave next “The Red Crow Knight.” Hus is a heavy piece of music and, although not beyond the powers of some of the performers, was unsuited to the great number who attempted to lead throughout. The trebles were drowned in their best part by the basses while no tenor note was heard from beginning to end; numbers do not always produce the best music, while they are apt to interrupt the more efficient. There was, however, no break down, and no very unmusical effect produced. "

“ Comfort Ye My People,” must give place to all solo comers. This short, but beautiful

Tenor Solo from the Messiah, was rendered by Mr. Root with an art istic effect which did great credit to the Rev. gentleman’s proficiency as a musician, and his intimate acquaintance with this sublime passage from the subliroest of Oratorios; but we think his voice is better adapted to a score in which the strain is not so continuous, a little harshness being observablo in the sustentation of the upper notes. The perfect intonation and correct time observed by the singer, however, made ample amends, for that which otherwise, would have been without a fault. Mrs. Root accompanied the Soloist on the piano. Mr. Wvllie read ‘ Burns ’ lam o Shanter” in that peculiar dialect requisito to an appreciation of this masterpiece of Scotland s bard. It was somewhat too long, but the prosiness of the reading was relieved by the interest taken by the audience in the subject. Mr.,, and Mrs. Graham in “Peace to thy Spirit ” received a well-deserved ovation. The lady was a little too much agitated to do full justice to her solo, still not sufficient to mar the musical effect of a sweetly plaintive duet. The severely serious programme was, at this stage, judiciously enlivened by the appearance at the footlights of an old favorite who sang “ Alonzo the Brave ” as none but he can sing it. Mr. Skipworth was placed at a disadvantage in having no accompaniment; he had no breathing time nor musical assistance in rendering this comic melange with effect. He did without either and received the only encore bestowed during the performance, a'highly suggestive fact which ought not to be lost sight of in the arrangement of fut ure programmes. Mr. Root read Tennyson’s “Charge of tho Light Brigade ” with his customary care and correctness as to modulation— the charm of charms in elocutive reading. The well known glee, “ Hark’tis the Indian Drum,” was the best rendered full choral piece of the evening ; the trebles feeling, evidently, more at ease in having arrived at the end of the programme, gave a full volume of sound which we looked for in vain in the earlier pieces. Mrs. Graham sang “ Sweet be thv Drcams ” with a graceful composure which plainly showed that her former nervousness had led, and was met by a complimentary acknowledgment. Mr. Root brought the programme to a close with the Solo, “ Home they brought her Warrior Dead which, although rendered with due regard to rhythmical measure, is a little below his compass. A stanza of “ God save the Queen ” brought one of the pleasantest evenings it has been our lot to spend for a long time past, to a close. Mrs. Root, Miss Nesbitt, and Mrs. Graham presided alternately at the piano during the evening.

There are but two suggestions we have to make, and they are, that we may mwn have another such a treat; and when we do, we hope that programmes will be given out. We have an eye to the main chance ’tis true; but those in any other line of business felt the disappointment as much as*we did.

The proceeds of the Soiree amounted to £25 7s, a sum which, as it is to be given to the Presbyterian Church Building Fund, must be very gratifying to all concerned.