Musical.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 2, 8 April 1893, Page 10

Musical.

(By Cokxet.) A nmv instrument called the violctta, possessing a compass between the viola and violincello, has been invented by Dr Stelzuer, of Wiesbaden. It is claimed it will be possible to have a new setting of string quartettes. A grand opera house, to be devoted exclusively to the presentation of Mozart’s operatic compositions, is proposed in Salsburg, the architecture being in the Italian Renaissance style. The cost of the building is estimated at £90,000. From 185-1 to 1881, Italy' gave to the world no less than 1026 operas. How many of these will survive ? At the meeting of the New Zealand Brass Bauds Association, held in Oamaru on 31st ult., Lieut. Siddall and Mr Mohr (conductors of the Garrison and City Bands) were elected vice-presidents 'cf the Association. The bands are in future to play two test pieces instead of a choice selection and one test selection. The death is announced of Mr John Boosey, of Boosey and Co., who did much to lower the cost of music by publishing songs in book form. It is contemplated producing Aubcr’s “ Fra Diavolo” in Dunedin under the direction of Mr Salvini. A new clarionet has been brought out by Messrs Mahillon and Co., of London, giving the player greater facility in fingering, and is styled “ the clarionet of the future.” Mr C. Gray, who has done so much to promote a love of music among our young people, lias a very pleasant institution in connection with his classes—namely, a students’ concert. It is held monthly', and the last, which took place on the 27th ult., was so well attended that the available accommodation was taxed to the utmost. Some idea of the quality of the work done may' be judged from the fact that the programme included selections from Suppc, Weber, Baff, Vincent, Abt, Chopin, Mozart, Farmer, and Schumann. Writing on the best method of study for a singer, Madame Albani remarks : —“ A verygreat help lies in the careful study' of each oratorio, opera, or whatever music students may' be undertaking. They should learn all the traditions obtainable of the intention of each composer when he -wrote the work on which they may' bo employed. When I was going to sing “Mignon” and “Hamlet” I went to Paris and studied both with the composer; and for each of Wagner’s operas which I have sung, I went specially to Germany to study' each opera with the best Wagnerian disciple. I would say' to a student, ‘Study' the notes, the words, the intention and meaning of everything —think those thoroughly' out, gather it all up into one consecutive whole, and then add to it any' genius y-ou may have of your own.’ And in doing this do not be discouraged if you do not immediately attain the desired result; but persevere in your idea. In studying a new work I have many times failed to reach the effect for which I was striving ;but I have worked on, and perhaps at rehearsal, or perhaps at the first performance, it has come to me quite miexpecedly and as a great surprise, and, I may' even say like an inspiration. This I have looked upon as a reward for hard work, and only those who have experienced it can know what a reward it is.”

There are two much-needed reforms that might well be taken in hand, by our municipal rulers. One of these is the erection of a few drinking* fountains in severed parts of the town, and the other is the numbering of the houses. The Councillor who will move in one or both of these matters will earn the gratitude of a great many people, and particularly of the new arrivals ’who now reach here in large numbers by every steamer. Visitors, it is true, gain some assistance from the names of thoroughfares being printed on the lamps at tho street corners, but even here there is room for improvement. The lettering is so small that a stranger may sometimes be seen peering up at a lamp-post as though he was about to engage in climbing a greasy pole, and wished to find the easiest point of attack.