The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-11-08
MISS ABBOTr ABROAD.
Her Rendition OF tlie Operas i'm Dublin
other Musical Matters

dublin Dispatch TO the n. Y,IHerald, 7th.l
Your accomplished young countrywoman,
Miss Emma Abbott. made her first appear
ance before a Dublin audience last Tuesday
night in Italian opera, and achieved sue
cess. The Dublin audiences have much
musical taste; they have many opportuni-
ties of becoming acquainted with good music
and good singers. There is always consid-
cradle sprinkling of professionals among
them, which helps to guide them in tech
nical matters. Hence, operate singers usTl-
ally attach special importance to
visit TO Dublin. The part
selected for Miss Abbott's debut was
Marguerite, i'm GOunod's "Faust-an am
bilious role, when we remember the many
distinguished women who have adopted il.
There had been no trumpeting of her praises
in the press. but it was generally known
that she had abilities far above the average
of young debutantes. and large audience
was assembled in the Theatre Royal to hear
her. At her first coming on the stage 1t was
plain that her mere appearance had made a
favorable impression. She possesses grace
full finely modelled figure. a most express
i've face, which is lighted up by constant
play OF emotion, a graceful viVacity of geS-
ture and movement. Sir Robert Stewart,
I the professor of music in the University or
Dublin. and chief director of the Philhar-
monte and other musical societies in Dublin,
whose musical aDllillcS pfOCuIcu nm thc
honor of knighthood from Queen Victoria,
has given the following criticism of Miss
Abbott:
lt'Her voice is a light soprano of long
range great power above; considerable pow
er on the lower octave Her dramatic tall
ent is very great. and her artistic struggles
promise to eliminate in brilliant future.
Young as she is, she produced a decidedly
powerful impression in Marguerite by her
reading of a part associated with all the
great singers of the day"
The first distinct piece she had to deliver
was the quaint "Cera un Re, which was
greeted with ringing cheers, but she wisely
husbanded her resources. The jewel song
was given with Perhaps shade OF hesita-
ton, but she carried away the house, who
insisted on its repetition. But in the thrill
ling duet with Faust, "Tardi 81 ia, she re-
yealed the full extent of her resources. Her
voice showed its true pOwer-ciear and
sweet as a bell, cultivated with care and rich
in promises of still greater splendOr in the
future. Her possession of the favorable
verdict and good will of her audience was
now complete.
The death of Valentine and the weird pas
sages at the close, their pathos and dignity
mingled with passion of the highest kind.
and hearty plaudits and a recall rewarded
Miss Abbott.
All the local papers have had favorable
notices, and the professional critics antici-
pate a noble and prosperous career from such
beginning Colonel Mapleson said to me
this morning that she has splendid future
before her, provided flor his experienced
caution suggested a prOyiso) she is not spoiled
now by 100 much praise. Her performance
surpaSses 50 much what might be expected,
considering her standing in the operate
world, that the applause and expressions OF
approval are prOportiOnately accumulated.
''Such excuses" he said, "have turned
strong heads before now. / sincerely hope
Miss Abbott's head will not be turned. l
expect to take her with me to America next
autumn with my opera troupe"
| asked the colonel whether there was any
chance of his taking company over this
fall, but he said it was not possible. Next
autumn, however, he looked forward TO
having everything ready. But he said things
have not gone smoothly with his arrange
ments. He wants to geta lease for five years
of the Academy of Music. Difficulties on
this point exist between him and Mr.. Kings
land and enc or two members of the COM
mittee. Some decision must soon be arrived
at as he is resolved to have opera in
New York next fall, and he must
know in time where he is to have it.
Most favorable offers have been made TO
him, in connection with the Grand Opera
House, by Mr.. John Morris, of the commit
tee of the Erie shareholders in London. He
has been offered the first year free. and the
other conditions are very tempting. But
Colonel Mapleson prefers the Academy of
Music If he can have ii on terms which will
enable him to put before the New York pub
lie an entertainment complete both in all
its parts and all its accessories. One thing
is clear New York will be sure of good
opera troupe during the season 1s77-7s.