New-York tribune., 1878-03-19
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
ITALIAN OPERA.

Mr. StrakOsch began his season Of Italian
opera at Booths Theatre, Last night, in manner winch
should have been gratifying himself, and not unsas
factory the public. The house full OF peo-
pie, the principal artists literally applauded,
and the performance whole lively and vigorous
The opera was Aida" and 1t was produced with the
scenery that Mr. strakosch had prepared for It's
original representation at the Academy OF Music with
toeraby large force Of dancers processonmen backa
moors. etc, mostly in need Of training; and with an
orchestra of foryve pieces which was not near enough
for grand opera. The principal parts were filed by
Miss Kellogg, who essayed Ida for the first time in
this city Miss Cary. who cordially welcomed in
the character Of Anners which she almost be said
70 have made her own; and the tenor, sghor Fra
pOli, who appeared Rdddes The best OF these was
Miss Cary Her Amneris deserves 10 be called crea-
tion; certainly have her more perfectly
fitted with dramatic character, and there are few
parts which better display the splendOr OF her rich
voice. She comes back blooming than ever,
and she has lost none hold upon the public favor
sgnor Frapo Is not tenor OF extraordinary gifts, hut
he made fair impression. Italy produces many useful
singers Of his rank IL may be said to
manufacture them extensively for domestic use
and for expectation, and taking them as
they run he particularly good specimen without
having naturally sympathetic organ. he has acquired
the art OF singing with sort Of conventional express
sion which makes partial amends for dry and cooress
tone His strength is in @ moderate compass
OF the upper register; he makes all his effects
with these few notes. and despite tendency
70 force them occasionally It must be said that he uses
them well and sometimes brilliantly. He has quite
enough passion and Is perfectly at home the stage
kss Kelogg's venture in Aida was watched with no
little curiosity The character seemed TO be outside her
line, yet assumption OF IL could hardly be
called surprise, because all knew that she is
ambitious to do everything that anybody else does She
looked handsome In the dusy face and bright robes OF
the African princess and she showed at all points OF the
performance an intellectual appreciation OF the part
that did her honor. The pcnsve pathos and the fierce
love- the melancholy and the heroism the nidness and
beat that possess Aida by turns,-she acted them ALL
And yet we must call aida OF Miss Kclloggs mis-
takes There arc two very simple reasons why it was
mistake In the first place. her nature ia not emo.
tional. Her perceptions quick and accurate
but she never transmits 10 her audience the
pulse Of deep and genuine feeling. In the
ond place. the strong music OF this, as OF all
Intensely dramatic roles Is written for TIE lower reg
fser where Miss Kellogg Is weak. In the third act.
where Size has the delicate cie aZzuIri, and some
nae for her beautiful high notes in the duet with
Rad0mes did admirably. But New-I Ork has yet 10
hear a satisfactory Aida. The remaining chafactcrs-
fhe Ataoads'0 OF Sig Verdi, the RanJs OF Mr. Comfy,
and the Kng OF Mr. Gotscnalk-cal Tor no special re-
mark. 40
Tonight Nine Marie R0ze will make her debut In ala
Favorta" The high position OF this lady IN the world
Of art 10 well understood here that her rs appear
ence Is likely 10 be observed with Keen and general IN
tefcst.