Academy of Music.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3854, 6 May 1881, Page 2

Academy of Music.

Last erening the Thames Amateur Opera Company, under the leadership of Mr Owen, made their appearance at the Academy in the " Sorcerer.' f There was an excellent bouse and the object for which the performance was given will no doubt be materially assisted. Gilbert and Sullivan's " Sorcerer " is a conception such as only people with a taste for intaicate music can thoroughly appreciate. Unlike "Pinafore," which revels in " taking " airs and easily remembered choruses, the " Sorcerer " is much more classical in style, and few solos are of such an effective character as those in Sullivan's chef d'eeuvre. The composer has, in several instances introduced harmonious discords such as only the accomplished musician can understand. These discords, being necessarily of different notes in close combination, are most difficult for vocalists unused to such musical effects, and in the chorus " O Marvellous Illusion,'* the general rendering terminates in a most inharmonious jumble. Even though the discordant phrases are correctly interpreted, the mass fail to understand or appreciate them, and when imperfectly sung they are most apt to excite a feeling of disgust and derision in the minds of the audience. The performance last night on the whole was a decided success, and several of the solos' were rendered with true artistic fooling. The gentleman who sang " Time Was " was eminently successful, and his excellent get-up as I >r Daly gave the greatest gusto to bis amorous lament. The lady to whom was entrusted the part of Aline I acquitted herself (as she always does) with great eclat, and her interpretation of the composer's meaning in " Oh happy young Heart" was everything that could have been desired. 'Constance found an energetic and most able representative in the young lady cast for the part, and Mrs Fartlett was also successful, her make-up especially being capital. The gentleman who sustained the part of John Wellington Wells (ot the firm of J. W. Wells and Co ) was one of the most successful of the evening, and although cynics may grumble at the in-, cantation scene, which was too real to be true, his acting, and vocalism were alike perfect. The Iddy who was cast for Lady Sangazure acted with judgment and tact, and the duet between herself and Mr Wells brought down the house. Sir Marmaduke sang welt, and interpreted the arduous part incidental to the representative of such an ancient and honourable house, with characteristic truth and freedom. The choruses were fairly well sung, with the exception of '" 0 Marvellous Illusion," which was sung in such a manner as to thoroughly interpret (he words if not the score. Altogether, the opera was well put on, and we hope that as the energetic conductor becomes better and better versed in stage tactics, to see other operas placed upon the boards of the Academy by the Thames Amateur Opera Troupe. In conclusion we may compliment Mr Wiseman,, who supplied the costumes. They were most suitable and appropriate, and the costumier must have gone to a large amount of truble in making them so remarkably in keeping with the composers' dramatis persona. I