The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1875-02-13
From Tuesdays Daily Herald.l
THE OPERA.
First Performance OF One In Dallas.

First Performance OF One In Dallas.
Fields theater was crowded last
night with the largest and most FASH
iunuOle audience that ever assembled
in this city. The occasion was the
first performance of FlOtow's beautiful
little opera of "Martha" 10y u number
OF lady and gentlemen amateurs. II
had been but short time in prepara-
ton, and was given sooner than was
originally intended. For a first per-
Torrance by amateurs il was highly
creditable to the lyric talent and mu-
steal culture of all who took part in 1t.
The cast was a very fair one, and the
opera was put upon the stage, in the
way of scenery, choruses ana orches-
ira, in q way that reflects much credit
upon the management and Prof Often,
who has been interchangeable and ubiqu-
itous from first to last.
The part of "Martha' was taken by
Miss Ella Rives, formerly of Virginia,
a young lady whose pure method, high
liz cultivated soprano voice, with its
plaintive sweetness and flexibility,
united to q modest, pensive manner,
made her just the beau ideal OF that
character. She sang her part with the
feeling and ease OF an artist, and her
voice, with its clear notes, marvellous
trill, and certain vein of tenderness
running through it, made her render
ing of her songs singularly pleasing
and touching. An italian would say
she has "tears in her voice." Miss
Rives achieved q musical triumph, and
where everything was sung so well 1t
would be difficult to particularize.
Mrs. Ben Ward made u charming
"Nancy.n The embarrassment in
seperable from first performance was
not sufficient to prevent her becoming
quite at home, and i'll the duet with
.'Plunkett" in the fourth act, she was
as cO4uelish and merry rs the part re-
.quired, and sang with more warmth
and spirit than ut any other time.
Mrs. Ward possesses inezzo soprano
voice OF considerable power, fine G ,ni-
pass, and rich and mellow in tone. III
the duet in the first act with Nancy"
the song at the opening of the third
act, and III the last act, she won fresh
lyric laurels, which she can wear de-
servedly.
The famous "spinning wheel" scene
was admirably done, The acting aud
singing of all being good.
The part of ''I.ioneP was sung by
DIR. j. W. Mctihee, who was evidently
suffering from the effects OF violent
cold ami the fatigue incident TO such
strain upon his voice as the part re-
quires. The iDusic demands much of
"a tenor voice and the success with
which he got through is u sufficient
proof OF his capacity rs singer.
When u younger man he possessed IA
voice OF rare strength, compass, sweet
ness aud smoothness, aud it still re-
taius many OF its original elements,
which was heard here and there iii
different songs aud duets. The beau
tiiul song. - Like Dreanh," Was ex'
ceeuinsiy We'll sung, for instance.
MIR. K. II. tOat iaade u "Plunketp'
worthy of the operatic boards. He
has tie advantage OF "a fine physique
and handsome personal appearances,
aud one of those rich, light bass
voices which approximate III tone,
quality and richness 10 baritone.
HIS method is good and his acting un-
usually clever for an amateur. There
is clear, horn like sound about some
of his notes, which come rolling out
with an ease that is quite remarkable.
In the duet in the first act, between
"LioneP' and "Plunkett," aud in the
duet between "Nancy" and "Plun-
KEITH in tile last act, as well as In the
nprayeru in the last act, he was very
artistic and thoroughly good. ~
Major ObeDchaInis TRISTAN was
in every way an admirable effort. He
sang the thankless and difficult music
of that ungrateful part with as much
correctness and taste as II 1t had been
the leading part. His costume was
quite orthodox, and his acting in Keep
ing with the character. Tristan"
was, in short, success. In the trio In
the first act, and the market scene, lie
was first rate.
Mr.. Hess performance Of the "Sher-
iffn gave the public an opportunity OF
hearing voice which only lacks culti-
walton to be heard with increased pleas.
ure, for it is good one--a sort of vocal
rough diamond His costume was cor
rect and effective.
The ladies aud gentlemen who
took part in the chorus are
to he congratulated for their
triumphs. The honors were somewhat
with the ladies, the gentlemen not
having had the opportunities OF prac-
Using their lady friends had. The CO.'S
tunes of both were very picturesque
and becoming. A prettier chorus will
never be seen here.
To Professor Often, who, by the way,
was presented between the acts with q
handsome silver mounted baton, q
souvenir from the gentlemen taking
part IN tile chorus, much OF the
credifistiuc for the successful produce
ton Of this, our first, opefsL Without
him Che thing could not have been
done. He has worked hard and de-
serves well tor his exertions.
To Messrs. Ward, Aunspugf, Morgan,
Booth, Raymond and others, whose
names cannot lie recalled, ms well Mr.
Francis, the accomplished pianist, Mr..
PARKER. Mr.. Knhler and Mr.. Iaure,
aud others OF the oche~tra, acknowledg
msuts are due for valuable artistic
services.
The production OF = Martha y marks
an era in the musical history OF Dailas
which caunot tut ie a source Of pride
IT, all Interested ia the elevation nf the
standard If art
Ofcourse. The opera must be repeated
either ut nid-Issut or afserwsrd. II not
sooner.
From Wednesdays Daily Hersid.i