The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-24
ADJUSTMENTS.
ACADEMY or MusIc-rAusr.

Faust .Signor tnmpahihi
Nephistopbees signsr Del rusn.s
wasnsr ignor Franesschi
sebel. Nine Lahlache
Martha Mile Rob,ai
Gounod's opera of Faust has been SO often pre-
scented to the New York public that many OF its arias
are as familiar household words. An audience
like that which assembled at the Academy of Music
last night TO witness its repetition could not
therefore, be otherwise than critical for the hddifus
Of the place brought with them memories OF the
tender ana sympathctic Margherita of Christine
Nilsson. well as of the more foreefni
representation of the character by Pauline
Lucca. They had likewise heard Nine Marie koze
and Clara Louise Kellogg in the part. had naturally
made comparisons of the methods Of the
several artists, and felt curiosity to
ascertain in what degree Nine. Etelka Gerster
was equal or superior to either of the prima donnas
above named 1t was her American debut in this
character, and the great success she has
achieved in every other part which she
has undertaken created interest that
filed the vast auditorium of the Academy
from the orchestra rail to the uppermost
gallery with throng that represented the best taste
and culture of the metropolis. Whoever has heard
Gerster during the present season in her
various interpretations will doubtless recog-
nize the fact that. physically, facialiy and
vocally she is well qualified to illustrate all OF the
gentler emotions that pertain to woman In
fact this seems to be her field OF action, and 1t
would be revelation if she developed any
thing like strong tragic force. 1t Is for this
reason, perhaps, that she SO quickly won the SYM
patty Of the opera-going public and aroused expecta
tions that not fully realized last night
1t was not due to any fault in her
knowledge OF art. of her execution or
her exquisite her perfect conception Of the
requirements Of the character but simply physical
inability to bring out in bold relief the strong pas
sionate nature that presents the end Of her life in
such strong contrast with its gentle begin
ninr II is scarcely necessary to say
that she acted and sang with grace. was warmly
praised and the recipient of the usual tokens which
an enthusiastic audience wont to bestow.
She invested the jewel song with peculiar
charm for il was full of natural coquetry and
a warmth OF tone that elected prolonged applause.
Her trls admirable, and her higher notes as
clear and ringing bell. She was likewise ex-
tremely effective in the church scene. al
though. as above written. the same brill
liant ability added to stronger physique
would have wonderfully augmented the enthusiasm
of the audience. Sgnor campanini personated
Faust and have rarely had upon the operate
stage better one. His 'Salyi, Dimora was gem
that called for encore. and. in fact from
first to last this fine artist exhibited the true
artist in voice and action. The Mephistophelcs OF
Signor Del Pnente, the Valentine Of Signor
Galassi and the Sicbel of Nine. Lablache
we're among the best of these characterizatons that
have been seen III New York. Lablachc notably
excellent. and her rich contralto never filled the
house to greater satisfaction. Nine. Marie Roze APP
pears as the prima donna i'll "Trovatore" this even
ing