Theatre Royal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 777, 21 March 1905, Page 2

Theatre Royal.

THE JUILLEE SINGERS,

Ilus widely renowned and talented company received a very enthusiastic reception at tho Theatre Hoval on Monday n%ht, jivhon they re-appeared at New Plymouth after" an interval of nearly four years, During that time thero have, of course, been changes, in the personnel of the Jubilee Singers, but it niiiy be said nt the outset that the combination has m no way deteriorated, and maintains tho high standard of excellence with which its name is inscpar-i able. Under the direction of Professor C. A. White, the singers gave on evening's' ]>crfonnanco which delighted music lovers and the general public alike. It would be hard to describe the effect produced by the songs and music which are peculiar to these singers. The .Jub lee Songs, with their beautiful hurmonv and peculiar poetry, have for vears been the delight of many thousands. Critics have been unable to explain the mystery surrounding the interpretation of their musicul phrases; Musicians have tried to compose their music, but only -with this result, that the same effect cannot be produced as is shown by the Jubilee Singers, being the outcome of those untutored minds of slavery days. The songs are the folk lore of these people, which found their origin in spontaneous outbursts of religious fervour, feelings of despondency or joy, all of which were expressed in song.

The opening chorus, 'Steal Away to Jesus," evidencing that notwithstanding all obstacles they were willing to make any sacrifice to attend their religious meetings, which were forbidden, was beautifully interpreted by the company, and'when the second part "The Lord's Prayer,", had been rendered with perfect feeling and expression, the enthusiasm of the audience was marked. As the programme continued, and exquisitely balanced choruses, in which perfect technique and sympathetic treatment were shown, were succeeded by quaint and rollicking choruses, the theatre rang- with, ap.plause, and tho audience were fain to bring the singers back as often as they would appear. The concerted melodies were most delightful, especially the fervent and inspiring number, "The Gospel Train ;" the rollicking and declamatory "Who Huilt the Ark,"

"Did not Old Pharoah Get Lost," the sprightly 'Shun Old Katun," •Mingle Hells," ''Listen to the Chines," "Over Jordan," and other pieces. The items are too varied to enter into a description of their significance. Uy request the chorus "My Way's Cloudy" was superseded by the immensely popular "Climb up My Little Children." in which the singers were highly effective. A much appreciated item was the chorus "l'eter on the Sea," sung as it used to be in 'the olden days of slavery without embellishment of any kind*. Each and all of the selections from the company's repertoire were highly successful, and many additional numbers had to be given to appease the "house." And the individual singers were also well roueived. Mr Harry C. Newton, in the boss solo, "Davy Jones' Locker," displayed <v voice of considerable quality] and h s .second number "Asleep on the IVvp" was really a gem. Mr H. 11. Collins gave the familiar "Kentucky Uabe," with its pleasing refrain, and' a novelty to ninny of the, public was the singing of Miss Hello F. Gibbons, desprMied as the only lady baritone, She received an' encore for her rendition of ''Where the Mississippi Flows." Mr Clarence Tjsdalc complexly captured the audience with his line cultivated tenor .voice, and had to give two extra numbers, and the male, quartette made quite a hit with "They Kissed I Saw Them Ho It." The pieces which were given in response to the recalls wore also splendidly received. The company will conclude their season this evening, when a cUajujo, Ql will bo fiv^n, ■■>■■■• t-i - "