Levy Concert Company.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2792, 25 January 1878, Page 2

Levy Concert Company.

The Levy Concert Company will give a grand entertainment at the Academy of Music this erening, the programme of which appears in our advertising columns. Of coarse the principal feature in these concerts is the cornet playing of Mr Levy, who is said to be the greatest executant on the cornet of this or any other time. The opinions of the Press in various parts of the world bear out this assertion, and from amongst the flattering notices we bare seen of Levy's playing we select an extract from oar Auckland evening con* temporary, the opinions of those near home being possibly as valuable as those of some of the great critics. Referring to Mr Levy's second appearance in Auckland the Star said:—" The appearance of Levy was the signal for general cheering. When it had subsided Lery commenced his ' Bussian air rain variations * (Levy), as performed by command of his'lmperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. The first notes given proclaimed the great excellence of the player, and the listener was at once im*

pressed with his complete command of the instrument. The clour, ringing, clarion tones of the cornet seemed, as it were, to bid defiance to any other instrument. As i cry proceeds the listener is astonished at the übiimited volume of sound which from tho instrument fills the entire building. The volumes of sound issuing from tho instrument, and their rapidly changing character affect one like a sudden tempest bursting over head, and the mind is lost in contemplation of its grandeur and force. Suddenly this effective display is over, and soft and gentle music succeeds —peaceful as the murmuring of a brook —-a soothing, almost solemn cadence, lingering with an exquisite tenderness on the air. The stillness which pervades the auditory tells how every nerve is vibrating with tho same feeling, and every ear is drinking in the fluttering dulcet sounds. In response to vociferous acclamations and recall, Levy played ' Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer.' . . ■ . . The ballad, 'Sad is the parting,' was Levy's second piece, given with his usual success When repeating the air with the mute Levy astonished his hearers. The marvellous time he sustained the long note, and the very harmonious shakes introduced, with the dulcet air which rippled continuously from the cornet, and seemed never going to stop, had a most pleasing effect. The sadden resumption of full-toned play, concluding with the long-triumphant blast elicited a storm of applause, which was acknowledged by Levy with Yankee ' Doodle." We need not add anything to this, not having yet had the pleesure of listening to Mr Levy's playing. Of the other members of the company it may be said they are all people with high reputations. Signbr Giorza is a pianist of celebrity. Signer Rosnati a fine tenor singer, and the ladies are everywhere spoken of in high terms of praise. The programme requires no word of recommendation.