OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12634, 23 October 1905, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

WATiCIN MILLS' FAREWELL

TO-NIGHT

Mr. Watkih Mills and his party arrived from the south by Saturday's mail train. Mr. Mills describes Wan« ganui as one of the best and brightest little towns he visits, and the company generally were pleased to rest here Saturday and Sunday. Consequently they will be in splendid fettle for the concert this evening. The programme of musical gems is published in another column, but the piece de resistance is •The Persian Garden,'' so further reference to a Christchurch production may not be out of place: "As has been said on a previous occasion, the work as a whole is emphatically one which can only be done full justice to by professional artists of high ability This desideratum was fully supplied by. the eminent combination of voices represented by the quartette of which Mr. Watkin Mills is the bright particular star, and last night the great audience in the Canterbury Hall had in the song cycle a musical treat of the very highest order. Miss Lonsdale, in her interpretation of the music allotted to the contralto, not only showed gerat artistic power, but much intensity and dramatic foroe, allied to richness of tone. This was especially noticeable in her splendid singing of the recitative "Ah, Not a Drop," and the air "I Sometimes Think," which followed. Miss Lonsdale, in both of these numbers, brought out strongly the meaning which both poet and composer intended to convey, her phrasing being excelletit. Another solo which M-iss Lonsdale gave with great effect was "When You and I Behind the Veil," the solemnity of which she emphasised with much dignity of expression. So also in the number commencing "The Worldly Hope," with its mysterious refrain ''Waste Not Your Hour," Miss Lonsdale was heard to groat advantage. In the concerted music, too, she was exceedingly good. Miss Kirkwood displayed great artistic ability. This was conspicuous in her opening recitative, and particularly in the song "I Sent My Soul," which followed. Miss Kirkwood was also good in the fine duet with Mr. Wilde, "A Book of Verses" Perhaps her best effort was the solo "Each Morn." The tenor music of the cycle is admirably suited to Mr. Wilde's charmingly melodious voice and cultivated style. His opening solo, "Before the Phantom." was admirably sung, and in "Alas that Spring" he was also excellent, while in tho lovely melody, "Ah, Moon of My Delight" he evoked deservedly enthusiastic applause. The motif of the song was not only inteligantly and artistically interpreted, but the beautiful music was sung with such delicacy of tone and expression as to make it stand-out most markedly even amidst so many gems of melody as were given by the other members of the quartette during the evening. He was also heard to great advantage in the duet with Miss Kirkwood, and the concerted musio generally. The magnificent manner in which Mr. Watkin Mills sang evoked storms of applause. His opening recitative, "Now the New Year," was given with much power and dramatic intensity, as were also the solo "Myself When Young," and the following recitative, "Ah, Make the Most." In the great bass solo—worthy almost from its dignity of composition of a place in oratorio—Mr. Mills sang splendidly, the dramatic character of the last verse particularly being wonderfully brought out. In the concerted music Mr. Mills' fine voice was a tower of strength. To the undoubted artistic triumph achieved last night by the combination the excellent playing by M. Farlovitz 6i the very exacting accompaniment contributed in no small degree. This will positively be the last appearance of this popular musical combination, as they leave Auckland for 'Frisco per s.s. Ventura on the 27th of the present month. The doors will be open-this evening at 7.30. Concert at 8 o'clock. Books of the words will be on sale, price 3d. A few reserved seats are still procurable at H. I. Jones and Son, Limited. Patrons should call early, as they are sure to sell to-day.