Operatic Concert from 2YA

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 41, 24 April 1931, Page 12

Operatic Concert from 2YA

_ By Signor Cesaroni and Company

N the’ evening of April’.27 Signor Cesaroni and his company will pre‘sent an operatic concert, which should ‘make a wide appeal. Commencing the programme, Signor Cesaroni will sing in English, to orchestral accompaniment, two numbers entitled "Romance," the first being from Verdi’s opera "The Masked Ball," and the second from "Il Trovatore," by the same composer. Both of these excerpts are fine examples of the old Italian school of Bel Canto, or smooth singSab 6a Oe ee «Se

ing. Simple and melodious, they are typical. of the majority of Verdi's operas, which, unlike many by othe: composers, have a universal appeal. Following these, the company will] present the well-known "Processional March," from "Tannhauser," which because of its delightful. melody and martial rhythm, is a favourite band selection. It occurs in the opera at the commencement of the Song Contest in the Hall of Song, described’ in more detail in an article on "Tannhauser"’ appearing elsewhere in this issue. The next item is the "Chorus of Dervishes," from Beethoven’s cantata, "The Ruins of Athens." The colourful, realistic atmosphere which pervades this g

composition is amazing, especially when it is known that its composer was never in Turkey, The initial presentation of "The Ruins of Athens" in London in 1844 proved such a success that the entire work was adapted and produced in an English setting. The "Chorus of Dervishes" contains several Turkish words which are often, repeated during the performance, and cdded interest is lent to the rendition if their meaning is understood. The first of these is "Kaaba," and is. the Holy Stone of Mecca, by which the. followers of Mahomet. swear. The second, "Borack," is the beast on which the prophet flew in one night from Mecca to, Jerusalem, and, according te some versions, from thence to heaven. The next selection, "Marcia Allo Turea," by Beethoven, will be played as. a pianoforte solo by Gordon Short, one of . Wellington’s leading musicians. It depicts, the Turkish cayalry entering the fallen.city of Athens and marching victofiously through its ruins, and, in consequence, has a strongly triumphant theme as the motif. The humorous duet from: Mozart's brilliant opera, "Don Juan," which follows, ‘will be sung by Signor Cesaroni and George Gray,. When lLeporello, servant of Don Juan, attempts to deliver a message to one of his master’s many loves, her husband comes out and treats him so badly that he returns‘to Don Juan in a very sorrowful condi? tion. He tries to resign, but Don Juan is highly amused at the whole affair, and will not hear of such a thing. Finally, he salves his servant’s feelings with a purse of gold, and Leporello rejuctantly consents to return to the mostcomplicated and difficult task of delivering messages in furtherance of his master’s amours, The, final excerpt, which is from "The Marriage of Figaro," by Mozart. occurring at the end.of Act I is one of the most brilliant items of the opera. | _It was often performed in New -Zealand and Australia by the late Andrew Blake, a Scottish baritone of exceptional ability. Count: Almaviva learns that Cherubino, a page, is in love with the Countess, and in,a rage threatens to have the boy killed, Figaro, the Count’s valet, pleads for him, however. and the Count finally relents, giving, Cherubino a’ commission as captain in his own regiment, where he may expend some of his energies on the field" of honour. nore Z