The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-11-12
AIIUSElIENTS.
"sonnambuia" ut the Academy First APP.
pearance OF Nine. Gerster.

Waiting for dinner, we know, usually
sharpens appetite. The interest which our
musical public would naturally take in n singer
so young. promising. and we'll endorsed rs
Nine. Gerster has been heightened by the un-
lucky attack Of gastric foyer which has deferred
her first appearance and deprived the manage
ment, for tho time. OF one OF its strongest attrac
lions Her recovery fortunately allows her to
assume her place at the Academy. and the audi
ence had an opportunity Yesterday evening for
at least an approNlmative verdict on an artist Of
whom as much has been promised much was
expected.
Nine Etelka Gerster was born in Kaschau.
Hungary and is now about % years old. At ~
years OF age tho accidental discovery Of un-
usual promise in her voice. led to her removal
TO Vienna. where she had her early training at
the Conservatorum. under the instruction Of
Mmc. Marches and the patronage OF Director
Holmes crgcr. Her appearance at the Fenicc.
in Venice. in 1876, brought her into relation
with Director Carlo Gardni, now her husband.
Under his management she made successful
engagements In Genoa, Mnrsrillcs. Berlin, and
other cities. from which with brief interval. she
comes directly 20 our stage =,
La Sonnnmbua." in which shoIlast evening
made her debut is en- inently lyric opera;
Its soprano role calls for Il. young. fresh. aud
elastic voice, with we'll Developed facility and
brilllancc OF execution and at least fail pnthOs
and feeling In dramatic expression. 1t neither
passion and grand proportion OF tho
full dramatic rOlc, yet there are prob
ably many singers able to do Justice 10
the large style and intensity OF Valentine or
Norma who would not succeed. or certainly not
please in the girlish sweetness Of imu,d.
Whom. therefore. u dtbutantc chooses this part
for her opening night 1t Is nearly tantamouut
To claiming the qualities Just indicated-a
young. pure. and Vibrutory organ. and WE'LL
trained facility and purity Of method.
And these are lust the qualities which Mmc.
Gerstar IA heard Inst evening. dis plays. but all
in large and most grnti fying measure. THE sill
very and resonant tU,tbTe 81 her voice is srt OF
by an exquisite delicacy and neatncss Of cXecu-
ton in rapid passages. q hrmness OF attack and
ucortainty in iutOnution which especially III her
Tor the nurid and graceful music ot tho
role. In face aud figure she il rather prepos-
sensing than strictly handsome but with cor
tain timid. appealing grace of youth and sim
plicty. moro taking TO an audience than mere
loneliness 81 fcnturc. In Tho aEitated music
OF the second act she WIS truthful and pathetic
in action and expression. and her Efforts were
followed throughout 10y the most indulgcnt and
sympathetic applause " a very large aud bril-
liant auditory. Her voice Is sympathctir. light
in character. Of great carrying quality. anu r.
markably even throughout.
We have, clearly. in Nine Gcrs'er m nd
mirable lyric prima donna. and one who gives
reason for the belief that shc may show US yet
nndemonstratcd power in more intense and
dramatic operas.
sionate aud pathetic 10y turns. II was one Il
the finest presentations IN which he has thus far
been heard Mr.. Foil also found in the toHfe "A
character better suited To his voice and style
than others in which he has heretofore ap-
reared.