FAREWELL TO THE KENNEDYS.

Thames Star, Volume III, Issue 1690, 3 June 1874, Page 2

FAREWELL TO THE KENNEDYS.

The entertainment given by Mr Kennedy, assisted by the various members of bis family, "was given for the last time at the Academy of Music last night, |' The performance was under the patronage of the Thames Scottish volunteers, who attended in force, and the house was filled in every part. The entertainment wa3 carried out in the most spirited manner. Not o^y was every item in the programme given, but one 'or two extras were introduced by way 'of treat, and the " twa hours " were more than usually extended. Mr. Kennedy's introductory portion of the programme lasted over an hour, during which he kept his audience thoroughly amused. -It was not alone the Scottish dement that appreciated his clev.er skeieues and admirable rendering of j^onpr. The audience as a m hole paid the highest compliment that could be rendered to any person coming forward as a public entertainer; by joining in. thr enthusiastic plaudits, under cover of wl'ieh Mr. Kennedy took leave of his pvlrons. Jt is scarcely to be assumed thai none but Scotchmen can appreciate Scotch song£,

We venture to assert that in many English and Irish homes thik, music of Scotland, and the poetry of Burns and others whose names arc dear to Scotchmen, are as well understood and as fully appreciated as 1 they are amongst the most patriotic Scotchmen. It is not therefore surprising "that Mr Kennedy should be able to cast such a spell over an audience comprised of various nationalities. The songs of Scotland appeal to the feelings, and therein 1" lies their power. They depict the humoura-and passions of human nature under various guises ; and whether the feeling displayed be that of ■love or hate, fiiendship or patriotism, their simple words and appropriate musical notes commend themselves to all who have a soul for music ; aid

"Ho.that hath not music in hiY soul is fit

for treason." We believe one "of Scotland VbardsMbas said, and it is perfectly true. We do not profess to be; of. thattSusceptiblev race which i;canvbe ; cheated,linto .displaying directly opposite feelings at a moment's notice and by a change of tune;;but we* do think that Scottish njusic is the only ''natipna! music capable of exciting .these diverse feelings, and Scotchmen' theonly people so easily moVed. It is' no reproach; to them : .it ; is their; peculiarity possibly; and there have been many TannahiHs who could ? so stir r their, feelings as tb induce- a rapid change ~s of humour. In^the programme-.provided, last night Mr' Kennedy., iqserted^some .^of ; thebest things we have fieard himin,and he seemed; so much t epepufgged ,by .the good house and the kindly greeting shown, therein that he put alibis .force.!intojihis, songs ; all his nationality and his humour into his stories. His sons and daughters did. likewise, and whether atl;he pianoforte in that peculiar stirringstrathspey,music, i in splps,.: or in part songsj j^lf.feemed thoroughly inspired by the occasion and exerted them selves ithe. .utmpst. ;Mt.i ; Kennedy gafe" Alisfcer'MeAiister "in his best- style; and afteri thanking ■ the audience -for '■ their attendance/ and ttßoi Scottish ? for -their patroDage; lie sailed* upon the audience to assist in the-national anthem of Scotland—" Auld Lang, Syne ; "u which was .--given, as previously; in a most I enthusiastic manner^ Three, cheers were,, I called for the Volunteers, and Mr Kennedy . and his family vrmade^the,ir ; rbpws,: amid the cheers of one of the most en-5 tkusiaitic; audiences, 1 =we have; seen-in-a Thames theatre^. We onh hope thafcMri Kennedy's engagements will allow him to pay another visit here, if pnly for a^short' season. ..'■■.■....•. .•. - «