Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-01-09
A mus ements.

IL TROvATORE.-wACHTEL
We suppose the opera last night must be called
great success, as well in regard to the per
Torrance itself as to the attendance, which, not
outstanding the unfavOrable weather, was both
large and fashionable. We suppose, too, we are
bound to agree that Herr Wachtel is the great
tenor Of the age. That is what the advertising
criticisms call him; and, besides, Mr.. Rosa has
caused 1t TO be made known that his salary is
something quite unexampledfOr quantity. This
OF course cllnehes things. But for all that, we
must confess that we were considerably disap-
pointed; and We think a majority of the eudi-
ence would like to make the same confess
sion If they were not afraid of being con-
education by reason of their plain speak
ing. Not that he can be regarded as a failure,
by any Eeans. On the contrary as Q tenor vo-
ousto, and particularly in the higher notes, he
general performance is not equal to his reputa-
ton, and that, while his voice is one of unques-
toned power when put to the test, it is not very
sweet or sympathetic, nor was the average OF
his execution up to the standard of many other
tenors who might be named. This was proven
when the first notes Of his voice came from be-
hind the scenes, with the artist hidden from
view. Nobody then recognized it as having
much merit, and very few, not familiar with the
plot OF the opera or unprovided with a libretto,
suspected 1t to be that Of the great singer
they had come to hear. 1t was shown
also by the fact that he made little or no i'm
preston on the audience up to the outburst
solo Di quella pira And the explanation of
this hearty applause is largely to be found in
the satisfaction which human nature generally,
an American human nature especially, expert
ences In getting the largest possible return for
its mcney-the highest soaring and the deepest
diving, so to speak. In other words, the majority
OF an audience Is willing to sit for q whole
they can be rewarded in the end by one solitary
grand stroke, provided always II be such q stroke
as they have never enjoyed before, and may not
easily enjoy again, except at great cost Of money
Of Wachtel's success, though 1t is not to be
denied that he has been and still is a singer OF
great merit, with fine method and superior
powers of v0caliZation. But he Is not the satis-
ying artist one naturally expects.
or the rest Of the troupe there Is not much
that needs to be said. The minor artists as
rule did well in their way; but the performance
pected from combination made up specially to
support or rather to set of the principal attrac-
ton. The company as 1t stands win do very
well to gather in provincial greenbacks, but a.
a whole it is far inferior to the Parepa-R Rosa
troupe lately here.
NoULroN.
The M0ulton concert was attended last even
ing by large audience. The diplomatic circles
were largely represented, and from the mutual
recognition it was quite noticeable that Mrs.
MVulton has many friends among them. By the
warm applause which greeted her every song,
il was plain that the audience was appreciative
Her method is admirable and thoroughly artistic
and the quality of her voice pure and true though
its sweetness Is not unanimous through the diff
ferent registers. However, the audience was
well PLEASE with the and further
Sig. Ferranti and Mr.. Wehli all carried q share
of the laurels Of the evening. wehli's left hand
performance Of Home. sweet Home captivated
performance. Tonight, again, similar induce,
ment is offered by this tr0upe.