New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-20
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MUSIC AND TIE DRAMA.
MADAME FAVART.

The translation of any dramatic work from one
language to another is always difficult and deli
cate matter, but the satisfactory translation of
French opera-bouffc is probably impoSsibility.
The experiment has been tried again and again. but
always without success. whether tho new version
was in English or German. Not only is the transla-
tor obliged, account of the music. to adhere moro
closely 20 the lines of the original than in an ordi-
nary play, but the subtle spirit which peTvadcs
true opcra-boufe is essentially Gallo, and fairly
elndes the most careful efforts at reproduction.
That Mr.. Farnies version of the clever brettO of
Mn Duru ana Chivot was Inadequate was there
fore. not surprising, and the which attended
the production of Ofenbachs light and joyous
opera, Madame Favart," at the Fifth Avenue
Theatre last evening was due to wholly in
dependent of the merits of the book. IT was sue
cessful because, of the charm Of Oaenbach's
music, which is graceful gay and thor
.oughly spirited; because of the excellent
acting and singing of the leading characters-who
were for the most part capitallv suited with their
roes-and of the admirable drill and efforts
Of both chorus and orchestra: and because the
work had been accorded guarly rich and sump-
uous stage setting which would of itself have been
enough TO carry piece less efficiently rem
dered.
The tendency of the stage in almost all lis
branches has of late years been in tho direction
elaborate scenic effects but nowhere has
this been strongly marked as in comic
opera. Most Of the works which have beer
popular recently" The Pirates Of Penzance,'
q" Billee Taylor" and Ohvetto"-have owed a
large share OF their to the pretty stage pic
lures which they afforded, and " Madame Favart
is the most signal example of what may be legiti-
mately done in this respect. The opera was not
sacrificed to its setting nor it degraded to a
mere spectacle; but nothing which good taste OF
iiberaiity could accomplish was left undone. Eacl
scene was more brilliant than the last the mat
ter of both costumes and decorations and tie pro
cesson in the camp Fontouoy, at the beginning
the third act, more brilliant than anything thai
has been seen here since the days Of the Black
Crook
Elaborate rs the dress Of the opera was, the per
formance was in most respects quite worthy of IT,
Miss Catherine Lewss rendering Of the title part
was full of the quaint spirit of fun and frolic which
is SO delightful in her approximations and though
she was almost overcome by the heat, she sang
with good taste, and with abundant life and dash
Mr. John Howson gave an admirable picture OF the
old French rome, the Marquis DC Poatsablo and Mr.
Frederick Leslie, who is a clever actor and "a good
singer was excellent as Idudrt. Miss Marie Jansen
was very graceful and dainty Suzanne ard the
other leading parts satisfactorily filed almost
without exception. Madame Favart > has I'M
doubtedly entered upon aongand prosperous career
and the of Messrs. Comey and Barton is one
which they richly deserve for il is to their efforts
aud to those of their assistants. McSsrs Charles
Harris and Alfred Cellicr, that the piece in lis
present shape, owes its value.