Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-04-30

TIE SECOND OPERA NIGHT.


"Der Freischutz' was presented at
the .theater last night in better style
than on the occasion of its first per-
Torrance the night before. The ma
chinery worked smoothly, and the
VOLTS Glen, with its fre-breathing
monsters fitting about, its silvery
moon swinging aloft, its ghostly figures
of strange shape, with fairy forms
thrown in for variety, all moved with
precision and weird effect, the bridge
burning feature especially affording a
thrilling spectacle, while the soloists,
the chorus and the orchestra appear
ed to work evenly and tremendously
throughout, and although it was near
midnight when the spectators reached
their homes, it was an enjoyable re-
past. The prima donna of the evening
was Miss Sophie Houston, who acted
and sung Agnes" with charming
grace, and received the most cordial
greeting from her friends. 1t is the
first time her voice has been
heard in public, and while it is
not of unusual strength, yet
it is full Of the sweetest musical quail
ties. At the same time the
lady exhibited thorough composure
and was fully familiar with her score,
while in action nothing more pleasing
could have been desired. Her cos
tunes were exceedingly becoming, and
the lady fully deserved all the enco-
miums bestowed by the enthusiastic
audience. The wealth of flowers pre-
scented was a we'll earned recognition
of her merit. Miss Jessie Steele also
acquitted herself with excellent effect,
winning liberal applause and fully di-
viding honors with Miss Houston.
She did her part of the work with in
telligence, acted finely, and sung with
. voice full of choice melody. The
calls before the curtain OF both of
these highly accomplished young ladies
were frequent, and the floral tributes
about equally divided. The remain
der Of the cast filled their parts fully
up to their work of the night before,
and in the leading features considera-
BILE improvement was exhibited. Mr..
Ryan was particularly noticeable, his
sonorOus, basso tones ringing out rich
and clear, whenever lie raised his
voice in solo or chorus. The audience
was large and very fashionable, the
dress circle and parquette showing
no vacant chairs, while the upper tier
had a fair patronage. The Mozart
society are to be congratulated upon
their success in bringing out so much
local musical talent and though the
cost of putting "Der Freischutz" be-
fore the public will not be short Of
$1,000, and there will perhaps be little
or nothing over after counting returns.
yet the public have enjoyed a fine
musical feast, and the club will doubt
less be encouraged to renewed exer-
lions in searching out aud educating
the wealth of musical talent in our
midst.
FEMALE TEMPERANCE CHAMPION.
Miss Frances c. Willard, a noted
temperance leader, who, for ten years
past, has been hurting hot shot at the
decanter and other tire-water receipt
acles, is about to pay our city a visit,
and will be ameng us early next week
to deliver a course Of lectures. The
lady has a wide reputation; the zeal
and earnestness she has displayed in
the cause, as we'll as her unusual tai
ent, places her high In the rank OF
women Of the present day. Miss
Willard is the president of the w. G.
G. 7. Union, Of South Carolina. She,
in company with Miss Gareton, her
private secretary, are to be guests of
Mrs. W. C. johnson during their stay
here.
MUSICAL s0IREE.
A musical sOiree is to be given at
the parlors of the Tennessee club on
the evening Of the I'd Of May, the
members of the club and their invited
guests participating.
Still the Great Rush