The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-12-09
B 0 Y S
AMUSEM ENTS.
EMMA ABBOTT ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY AT
PIKE's

EMMA ABBOTT ENGLISH OPERA COMPANY AT
Pixies.
Miss Emma Abbott, the charming little
American prima DONNA who has stronger
hold on the affections Of the American peo-
pie than any other singer, made her ap-
pearance at Pixies Opera.house last night
in the role of Virginia" in Masses new
opera of paul and Virginia" The audi
ence conf rtably filed the house and was
made up of the very best elements OF Gin
cinnat slciety. 1t was an attentive, care
full, critical audience, but withal one heart-
| ily in love with the charming little singer,
and that delighted to rejoice at every tri-
umph she achieved.
Miss Emma Abbott has many advantages
over the average operatic artist. First of
all the public is well acquainted with her,
and has the greatest respect and admiration
for her personally. Then she shows such
chldlike honesty in every effort she puts
forth, is so entirely devoid OF stage trickery
or efforts of any kind to appear to do more
than she really does that the audience al
ways holds her in such high esteem that a
new work presented by her is sure of a fair
hearing as well as fine rendering.
| 1t was under such auspices that Victor
Masses new opera, paul and Virginia" !"
was given last night The scores retell the
familiar story in sweet and impressive style.
and both the music and libretto impress
the listener most favorably on the first
hearing, aud we feel sure that it is an opera
that vastly improves on acquaintance. The
music is very sweet and in excellent accord
with the spirit of the story that is told
clearly but with no great force or care.
However, as people sit through Italian OF
German opera without understanding q
word that il said, merely applying the act
ing to the argument, there need be nc
close criticism Of the literary merits of the
English version of lbretto. In this the
story is plainly told in language that al
lows the sparkling music to dance alonf
with perfect freedom, and this is all that il
needed.
Miss Abbott sung just as she always sings
with perfect ease and accuracy and with {
power that would appear marvellous to ont
who had never before heard her. She looked
as fresh and bright as when she made her frs
appearance here. and her work shows tina
she has continued to be the close studen
that she gave indication Of when we frs
heard her. Her prettiest piece of worl
was the BIRD Song" which was renderes
in such an exquisite manner that tn
audience applauded her again ana again
, every round of which had been honestl
earned. What astonished her friends mos
. last night was her excellent acting. al
: knew of her abilities as a vocalist but fev
a had any idea that she was the fine actres
with it that she shows herself to be. Al
praise to Honest Little Emma" who cal
do and do we'll whatever she undertakes.
!. The company is an excellent one, render
j. ing very fine support to the prima donna
& Tom Karl has charged little since his ar
pearance here three years ago, and in 81
II ''Panl" Of last night he showed 70 good %
O. vantage. Mrs. Seguin, always q favorit'
9 received warm welcome, and though So
: fering from cold her voice showed its q
II customed brilliancy and richness Nj
% Ryse and the other members Of the con
pany contributed TO what all things col
st sidered, may be put down as very plea
r ing and meritorious performance.
Y Tonight 0ounods Romeo and juliet