THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2608, 30 March 1889, Page 2

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS.

The abovo talented company "f singers paid their second and farewell visit to the Waikato this week. On Thursday evening th« Public Hall at Cambridge was literally era mined from floor to ceiliug ; for at the back tho youngsters were piled up almost to the roof and Borne of them pulled down the upper sashes of the windows and sat thereon. The Jubilee Singers evidently made a favourable impression on their provious visit, for wo did not think that any one performance could extract £50 from the pockets of the Cainbridge public, and yet, tin: takings on Thursday evening c«mld not have falle.n far short of that am i.iut. Oi tiii.-i occasion tho company consisted of only eight vocalists and their accompanist; Miss Lawrence and Mr Loudin both being absent. The public were aware that Mis.s Lawrence w,,uid not be present, but they expected Mr Loudin and were greutly disappointed us they wanted to hear his celebrated laughing song again. His rich bass voice was also greatly missed in the ehoruse--, for although Mr McAdoo has a line voice, it is not ncurly as deep as Mr Loudin's and consequently not so telling. Tlui charm of these singers lius in tho wonderful precision with which they go through the performance, each word being ulLerwi simultaneously and each note being held exactly tho same duration of tune by every individual, until it sounds as if uttered by only one. Nothing but constant and continuous practice could effect this, as tin: peculiar intervals of time—which giies the distinctive character to their performance—and the inordinate length given to some note?, and the curtailing of others, would render it almost an impossibility to transcribe the choruses to paper iu the manner in which they render them. In fact, if anyone will take their book of songs ami piny thorn us there written, they will very soon find thut a different interpretation is ;».it upon them. Previous to the conceit couiiiu-ir.'iiii.', Mr Williams apologised for Ihcir " v.uiogated appearance," and explained l!i;it by a mistake their luggage had been feiit to Wanganni, instead of to Waikato. During the interval he also expressed sympathy with tho English nation m the loss they had sustained by the death of the Hon. John Bright. The following is the programme : —"Steal Away to Jesus," and tho Lord's Prayer; "My Way is Cloudy," "Nobody Knows the Trouble I See ;" " I'm Kollmg Through an Unfriendly World,' , encored, the fino rolling passages for the bass greatly pleasing Ihu audience, " Hear the Angels Singing" was substituted. The next was a solo, " Where are the Old Folks," by Mr Williams, the company joining in (lie chorus. Tho solo was beautifully rendered, it just suited Mr Williams fine tenor voice; and tho chorus when given pianissimo and without accompaniment was perfection. The next was " Mary and Martha," and then tho Misses Johnson and Wilson and Messrs Lane and McAdoo sang a quartette, a medley of popular airs, and in response to an encore gave "Come Where tho Wild Flowers Bloom," which so entranced a baby that was present that it let out a scream, however, it happened to be on tho exact note which the singers finished and seemed to s.uuewbat astonish them. "The Gutipul Train " brought the first part of the programme to an end. Part two began with a medley of American airs ending with " Rule Britannia," this was encored, and another chorus was given with a laughing accompaniment for the tenors which delighted tho audience. "Iu the River of Jordan," "He Arose From the Dead," and " Going to Ride up in the Chiiriot" followed; and then "Jingle Bells "or the Sleigh Ride was sung. This met with voicferous applause and was repeated. Then followed " Come Down Angels," "I've Been Redeemed," and "Farewell my Brother" closed the performance. The accompaniments throughout were played by Miss Hanson in a masterly manner, which could not be excelled, Many of tho audienco would have liked to have heard this lady play a solo upon the harmonium. At Hamilton last night they had a very full house, worth about £40, and the singers were heartily applauded throughout the performance. The pieces which met with the warmest appreciation were the "Jingle Glee or Sleigh Bide," " The Lnrd's Prayer," "Steal Away to Jesus," "I'm Rolling Through an Unfriendly 'World," "Ho Arose from the Dead," Miss Johnston, soprano, received enthusiastic applause for her beautiful sons , , "The Song That Reached My Heart," and, in response to an encore, gave "My Jack is a Sailor Brave." The concluding chorus, " Farewell My Brothers " sent the audience away vory pleased with the evening' < entertainment. We noticed a large numberof settlors present from long distances, from Haraoipi, Alexandra, Raglan, Ngaruawahin, Tamahero and other out-districts. Tho Jubilee Singers will appear at Te Aroha to-night.