Miss Marie Narelle

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 7, 14 February 1907, Page 19

Miss Marie Narelle

As an interpreter of Irish songs Miss Narelle stands unrivalled, and therefore Jt was not to be .wondered at that her brief farewell season in Dunedin, which commenced on Monday night,' was most succesful. Those who had heard the ' Queen- of Irish Song ' on her first visit were determined to * renew the pleasant impressions then created, whilst many who had not had 1 that pleasure, took the opportunity of hearing her on this * occasion. That the reception accorded to her was flattering in the highest degree may be inferred from the fact, that every item,* "on the programme for which she w.as responsible was enthusiastically encored. It is difficult to say in what particular kind of ballad she excels,' for she seems equally at home in the simple love song, the pathetic melody, and the patriotic war song. Added to a well cultivated voice the gifted- singer .is the possessor of rare dramatic talent, which she uses to the highest possible advantage. In ' Father O'Flynn ' we saw her in a humorous mood, with the quaint drollery of the Irish peasant, whilst in the war song of the clans of Tyrconnell, we were, as it were, transported to a far-off time, and heard the clang and clamor of martial strife. In these typical instances we had convincing- evidence of her versatility as a singer and an actress. Miss Narelle was ably assisted by Mr. Chester Fentress, the talented tenor of the company, who was also recalled several times, his finished rendering of such items as ." The wind that shakes the barley ' and • Cruiskeen Lawn 1 being specially appreciated. -Miss Brand on-Ushe 7 -, the pianist of the company, contributed the piano solos, ' Wedding Day ' and ' Caprice Espagnol ' in a highly artistic manner. On- Tuesday evening the final concert of t/he season was given, when *an enthusiastic -reception was again accorded Miss Narelle and her talented company.