The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-02-01
RUTH THE GLEANE.
A Complete Success.

LAST evening the first representation in this
city of the new sacred opera, Ruth the
Cleaner" by the author of "Belshazzar" took
place at City Hall before large and deeply
interested audience. Mr.. Butterfield has been
very happy in his metrical setting Of this beau
tiful scIiptnral idyl and though forced by the
necessities of dramatic composition to depart
from the simplicity Of the original has sue
cseded in preserving its spirit. The story af-
fords fine opportunities for scenic effects, and
as varied by the fashioner of the opera, lends it.
self readily to dramatic incident. AS musical
production Ruth" is quite as meritorious as
"Belshazzar," its score finer, and its liberetto
more interesting. While its opel ing scenes are
not so promising as those of the other opera, it
is equal in sustained interest and the close is
very dramatic.
Ruth received a fine Interpretation last
evening. Though the company labored under
the disadvantage of having to forego dress re-
hearsals it acquitted itself admirably, and was
notably free from the faults of a first night
The costuming and appointments were very
pleasing, and the stage display highly effective
The scene at the opening of the third act the
barley field, made a charming picture, and the
song of the cleaners, COB, come, come away
was one of the prettiest cboruses in the work.
Notably good, was the quartette near the close
OF the last act. "The rose in its beauty mus t
fade" by Ruth" "Naomi," Boaz'' and 'sBel-
zaradan." The action of the opening scene is
laid in Bethlehem, in the time of famine, and
describes the widowhood of ssNaomi." There
is in this scene mixed quartette, Cast thy
burden upon the Lord followed by choral
I'VE men of Israel, why despair" two of most
pleasing movements in the opera. Very good,
too, is the closing chorus, the farewell to Beth
lehem. The second act is a night scene, a for
tress of the King of Moab, the scene being in
troduced by a recitative from Hassan. This is
followed by spirited soldiers chorus, and by a
noble male quartette, "When the evening drops
its cartain." At the close is charming aria
by Ruth, "Entreat me not to leave thee"
which was sung with great tenderness.
The third act is noticeable for the cleaners
chorus and for the fine and spirited finale,
''Work boys, work" The fourth act is the
most dramatic in the work, its theme being
the attempted murder of "Boaz" and his rescue
by "Ruth." The air by 'Naomi" is tenderly
done, and the trio, "Rutb,'' "Boaz," and ssBel-
zaradan" is the strongest in tbs work. The
fifth act fittingly closes with the bridal. The
bridal song is very sweet.
OF the manner in which the singers acquitted
themselves much May be said in praise. The
soloists discharged their parts, often arduous
and exacting, with great credit, and the chorus
was well trained and in excellent sympathy.
The conductor handled the stick with grace,
and the orchestra was thoroughly fine. Indeed
the orchestration of the work is notably good
The opera will be repeated this evening, and
be given for the last time tomorrow evening.
Those who enjoy fine music, with the accom-
paniments of good scenery and elegant COS
tunes, and pleasing tale pleasingly told,
should not fail to attend. We look to see an
audience as large as that of last night.
The following ara the names of the soloists
Ruth-The Cleaner. Miss Mary Moody
Naomi-Her Mother-i n-law.. Miss f. Dodwell
Zuleika-Queen of Moab. Miss Jennie King
Zillah-A Shepherdess. ........... Miss Minnie Poole
Orpah-Sister-n-law to Ruth miss Katie Wilson
Hadassah Ladies of .......Mlss Hattie Butler
Iimma Egon's Court, ......s.. Mrs. w. L. Fitch
Three Angels. Mrs. Hall, Miss Butler. Miss King
lsraelitish Woman. Miss Allie Moody
Will H. stockbridge
Belzaradan-Eglon's Chief Captain. Stanley Felch
Eglon-King of Moab. ..........,. Nv. K. Howard
Hassan-An Egyptian Artifcian. C. M. Follansbee
Tubai-An Aged Minstrel. 2. ID. Whitehouse
Jephonah-Boaz' Head Servant Mr.. Butterfed