The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-12-16
ADJUSTMENTS.
THE HUGsJENOTs.

OF LES HuguenObs. Uluok huu mohake mon
reigned supreme in the musical world. and II
tradition must be believed, were as giants to The
humble composer OF "Robert 10 Diable;" for
that opera had preceded "Ths Huguerots." aud
to use 3 common expression, been torn 10 pieces
by the critics OF the time, just as Wagner 10 TO-
day, and pretty much on the same grounds
Meyer Beer had previously composed sew
eral Italian operas, but Robert, ana the
"Huguenots' were the gauntlets, which ne d 10.
family threw at the feet OF an exaoting and cfiti-
cal world. We pass over period OF forty years
OF successes and triumphs INCLUDING the crea-
ton OF "Le Prophetic" "L'htoile dc Nord" and
"I;Africaine y, which make our task an easy and
delightfully."- pleasant one, to listen to the 'Hu-
guenots" once more at the Varieties Theatre.
II has been charged that the argument OF the
two first acts OF the 'Huguenots" lacksin dramatic
effect and the blame, while it is laid at the door
of Mr. Eugene Scribe, the librettist, nevertheless
reflects upon the composer.
For our part we cannot see how the argument,
which is one Of the most effective OF the lyrical
stage, could have been improved in this respect.
The first act is absolutely necessary 40 an intro
duction to the plot, and reveals the identity OF
Raoul, Marcel and de Nepers, and Is not weak at
all in situations, for we have the arrival OF Mar
Gel with the celebrated Lutheran song, Elm teste
burg list unser Goh; the mysterious visit OF
Valentine to ask de Nevers to break off the mar
riage contemplated between them by the Queen
the supposed discovery Of the "chsste Hugue-
not" that the lady whose life he has saved and
in whom his soul is enwrspped does not deserve
his love. All of which, as well rs the anonymous
message to Raoul, is clothed with most charming
and soul-s stirring melodies, broad harmonic
phrases, too much of which, we regret to say, is
eliminated in the German manner OF presenting
the "Hugusnots."
The second act opens with q Irritation scene
between Queen Margaret and Raoul, which may
be out OF place. strictly considered, but its local
color and the beauty Of the music should be more
than sufficient to justify the hbrettist and the
,;,tn in, int mis- IN
impressive than the scene of the reconciliation
between the Catholics and Professionals which
follows, and what is there moro dramatic than
the closing scene, when Raoul, deceived % 70 the
object of the visit OF Valentine to the Hotel de
Neyers, refuses the hand Of the proud and viii
famous Oomte de St. Bris.
The three remaining acts OF the "Huguenots"
are 80 intensely powerful and correct that the
critics pen would wilt under any attempt to de-
preoiate their lyrical or dramatic merits. And
wherever there 10 dramatic action the genius Of
the musician msnifests itself in artistic construc-
tions, harmonious combinations and in rich and
varied melodies that soar 80 freely and poetical-
ly that the auditor follows them in their magical
elevations to descend only into realization OF the
prodigious sensations which have been wrought
upon his delighted mind.
Listen to the accompaniment OF violinceo ut
the beginning OF the duo between Marcel and
Valentine, the horn accompaniment at the end !,
| listen TO the great triumph OF the master, the
continuation scene of the fourth act, it's splendid
vocal and instrumental music, always increasing
in it's effects and ba fling the efforts Of the imag-
nation to keep apace with theml
The duo that follows between Raoul and VAL
entine, q gem Of freshness and melody and hap
Ply combinations, which, like the touching song
| OF Alice at the foot of the cross, in 'Robert,
with it's hautbois prelude and accompaniment
| leave an impression that can never be effaced
| from the mind OF whomsoever has heard 1t
| once. We find no such indications OF the inven-
| tive genius in ssLohengrin" or "Fsnnhauser.
| hn rafa un In n n
terestipg subject we might dwell too long-loDg
enough at least to forget the interpreters Of this
masterpiece. Miss Pappenheim never pleased us
more. il ever as much as she did yesterday at
| the matinee. Her voice seemed to have acquired
new powers and steadiness which served the
drsmatio role of Valentine admirably, snd we are
At loss to say whether we preferred her
in the powerful effects Of the duo OF
the third act or in the fervent and warm tones OF
that Of the fourth act. In this act she WAS ar
| tistically supported by MIR, Adams, who seemed TO
have cast off, for the nonce, the embarrassments
we have recently noticed in his voice, and uttered
| high "C' to the great delight OF the audience.
We mention this note, not that We consider it
. necessary adjunct TO tenor's voice. but sim
| ply because some people do. We prefer the art
| of Mr.. Adams. Mr.. Blum WAS the de NeUeTs.
in that role as he had on the previous night in
| the character OF Wofrum, in 'Tannhauser."
Miss Human makes charming and denlfed
| Queen Marguerite, singing the music of THAT
| role Win grace, elegance anu the purify Vi NoCe
which we have frequently referred to.
Tonight, "Lohengrin." and last opera per-
Torrance at the
VARIETIES THEATRE.
Reserved seats this evening will be only one
| dollar. On Monday John 4. Raymond will ap-
pear here Tor the first time in his new character
of Pembroke, the insurance agent in Bartley's
OPERA HOUSE.
| nv, tbn Eruo Dam opbe i'm
Opera Company will open q short season oil
| Italian opera at the old Temple OF Music, on
Bourbon street. The opening opera will be
''Gounod's Faust" with Pappenheim, Phillips,
I Van Hufflen as Mephistopheles. On Wednes-
day, "Rigoletto;' ON Thursday, "La Favorta,
and on Friday evening 'La Traviato." The gen.
eral admission will be one dollar, and reserved
| seats fifty cents extra.
The ticket Office is established at Philip Wer-
ein's music store, No. 1876 Canal street, and will
be open tomorrow morning, at 8 a. m.
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
The Evapgeline Extravaganza Combination
| will begin their second week at the Academy to-
| night, with Gle Petit Corsair" and His Bloom
| ing Bride
| EXTRAORDINARY ATTRACTION.
Manager Strong, Of the St. Charles Theatre,
| Brothers Combination and New England Seren-
aders" for Tuesday and Wednesday next. two
i nights only and one matinee. The entertain
ments of the combination comprise first part
concert scene with four end mon. The company
has, besides, six comedians, double set Of song
and dance artists. five vocalists, single dancers,
the Arnold Brothers, triple clog dancers, and a
number OF other artists in minstrelsy and the
| variety business.
The engagements Of this combination else
where will prevent them from remaining with us
| longer than the time mentioned. 1t should be
borne in mind that this is no fault OF Mr.. Strong,
who undertook the management Of the 81.
Charles at such q late period Of the season that
he has met with great difficulties in obtaining
theatrical companies Of q polite character, and
none other will be permitted to appear at the st.
| Charles.
THE CIRCUS.
Yesterday was announced as being positively
the last day of the stay Of the circus in city,
but at a late hour yesterday evening Mr.. Cole
was prevailed on to remain and give two more
performances, to-day, at and at p. m. This
will necessitate the abandonment Of their Mon
day afternoon performance in Donaldsonyile,
where they will exhibit on Monday night; but the
rush has been so great during the week that
| many were unable to obtain admittance and 60