National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-25
ETELKA GERsTER,s DEBUT
I'm the City of Washingfon-La SOnnaI
buIa-JOe Emmett md other Attraction

I'm the City of washingfon-La SOnnam-
bula-JOe Emmett and other Attractions.
The proof that the Washington public is always
willing and anxious to support irst-class opera
was fully given last evening. No more brilliant
audience was ever assembled within the walls of
theatre than was gathered in the OperaHouse last
night. Ladies were in full evening dress. and the
rich and varied colors of the many elaborate
toilettes, relieved by the dreSscoats and immacu-
late linen of the gentlemen, made q sight
brilliant TO look upon. The most distinguished
members of both branches of Congress, the
Cabinet and the leaders of fashion in our most
fashionable society were present. and the audi
ence that GerSter had to face was one of eXcep-
tlonable intelligence and culture. To say that
she fully realized all the antcipations that her
cess in other cities warranted is but simple truth
The opera given was Bellini's La Sonnambula"
and her AmiRG was one which, once seen, will not
with most sympathetic quality and of most deli
cate hmb6 Her execution is rapid, bril-
ad a and I'd f t9e She bs especially
Bellini's light and graceful music, Civ
ing full and free expression to the tender melo-
dies that are dotted through the opera and which
tend so largely to secure its popularity. Gerster
adds TO her excellent vocalism perfect dramatic
action. Her face, with its wonderful mobility OF
feature lights up with joy in the earlier scenes,
and ner whole movements are in perfect harmony
with 1imiadS character. In the second act, where
she is discovered asleep in the Counts chamber,
and Elr7lo convinced of her infidelity, casts her
on she displayed great emotional power, and
III her fine portrayal of anguish and despair
reused the audience to unwOnted enthusi-
finale of this act that at the fall of the curtain she
was three times recalled and each time received
an ovation of which any artist might well be
proud. Her somnambulistic acting in the last act
was most finished, and at the awakening the
change of movement, the wonderful play of fea-
ture, and the exquisite execution of the brilliant
finale, All non glungc, was fitting close of a,per
formance which had been most enjoyable throug
hOut
The tenor in La sonnambula" divides the hon
ors with the soprano and SignOr Ravelli as EiriR0
made most favorable impression and received
earnest and enthusiastic applause. His voice is
fun and manly, and in his acting he was vigorous
and demOnstrtive-a happy contrast to the gene
raiity Of tcnOrs whom we have seen IN this role.
Signor Del Puente was the Count ROdOlfO, and
IL was pleasure 10 again listen to the rich, reso-
nant baritone of this gentleman and to witness his
careful, correct, and finished acting. His rendi-
ZION OF this character was most artistic effort, and
fully justified the appreciation it received. Mile.
Naierga sang ana acted the part OF Lisa most ac-
ceptably
The chorus and orchestra deserve the fullest
praise both being well trained, and Obeying the
baton OF the conductor in the most perfect man.
ner. The chorus far superior TO any prOfes-
siona chorus that has ever visited this city within
our remembrance, and the only criticism that
could he made upon it would be that the volume
of tone rather too great for the house and the
number too large for the size of the stage. The
qualification, however, of listening TO chorus that
sang III perfect time and harmony; that gave one
full confidence i'll their power and education from
Tie very START was very great, ana the same may
be said of the larger well-balanced and perfectly
trained orchestra, presided over by the talented
Arditi.
The opera tonight will be Faust which is al
ways popular here Included in the cast will be our
own Annie Louise Cary, Signor Campanin, and
Signor Novara. Although the rush was so great
last evening, good seats may be had for tO-nights
performance. Those who were not present last
evening, and who desire to witness the most per-
feet company, both as to numbers and quality,
should certainly not let this opportunity be lost