Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-04-12
AIDA"
verdi's Masterpiece Successfully Produced
Last Night-"Carmen" Tonight With a


verdi's Masterpiece Successfully Produced
Last Night-"Carmen" Tonight With a
| Strong Cast.
The Opera House was crowded last evening
on the occasion of the presentation OF Verdis
grand opera, "Aida," by the strakosch- Hess
company This being Passion week there was
not that elaborateness in toilets usually seen
at the opera, though there were many OF our
leading society people present as well as mu'
sic-lovers generally. The opera wss given in
Italian, as Mile Torriani is not familiar with
the English version. The change, however
was acceptable to the audience. It may be
here stated, however, that all the future operas
during the engagement will be rendered in
English.
The music of "Aida" Is somewhat intricate.
It is not written to give undue prominence TO
any single artist, but the honors are divided
among no less than five soloists, all OF whom
have an opportunity to display their vocal
powers to the best possible advantage. The
orchestral score is especially strong, but there
is emily one grand chorus in the entire opera.
The whole abounds in the most enchanting
melody, the concerted passages being espe-
cially pleasing.
The company as whole is worthy Of oil the
praise it has 80 generally received. The sing
ing of the actors and the acting of the singers
was equally good. Mile Torriani, who
assumed the title role, is thorough artistic.
Her voice possesses great range and aexibllity,
a sympathetic tone, of fine texture ana
admirable finish, and Is rarely melod1ous.
It does not excite enthusiasm because OF the
art it displays, but admiration because OF its
rare mellowness and enhancing quality. Her
solo in the first act, "Return Victorious" was
marvelously executed in q rich, well modu'
lated tone, without attempt at purely orna.
mental effects In her duet with Amnerls IN
the second act she was also con;
spicuous for her vocalization and
that concludes the act-which was repeated at
the imperative demand of the audience-she
displayed great vocal power and thorough
method. The third act, during which she sang
in duets with Amonasro and Radames was
constant delight-a brilliant succession Of vo-
cal melodies and artistic surprises. The clos
ing scene in the dungeon was strong in both
action and music, and won the most
enthusiastic applause. The sontrai1o, TO-
role of Amnerls, and acquitted herself with
great credit. She has powerful voice, es:
pecially tuneful in the upper register, and
kept under excellent control. Possessing, be.
sides, pleasing stage presence and being an
actress of unusual merit, she created a decid-
edly favorable impression. Her duets with
Aida, Radames and Ramphis were all artistic.
and her solos displayed vocal culture and
natural ability OF high order. The Rada-
but his voice was a disappointment. On oc-
casions he was equal to the most exacting re-
ouirements of the role, but in other scenes his
execution was faulty, and his voice nat and
strained. His rendering was not at all satis-
factory as an entirety. Mr.. Conley made an
excellent Ramphis, and Mr.. Gottschalk a
very superior Amonasro. Both have voices
of full compass, good quality and a thor
oughly artistic method. All their lines were
pieces was ono of unusual excellence, all OF
the players being accomplished musicians.
The semi-choruses were not noticeably strong,
but the grand chorus at the conclusion Of the
second act did excellent work. Through
out the opera was produced IN an ad-
mirable manner. There was little
in its execution to criticise and much to com.
mend. The leading artists were all proficient
in their roles and could scarcely be improved
has ever visited st. Paul, and is in every way
worthy of the large patronage it has received:
Tonight Bizet's romantic opera Carmen"
will be placed upon the stage. 1t has proved
one of the greatest modern successes on the
lyric stage, and has been pronounced
worthy Of the highest place in the repertoire
of grand opera. Miss Laura Schirmer
will assume the title role, Mile
Torriani will sing Michaela, and the remain
der of the cast will be particularly strong
The opera has never been performed in this
city, and 1t will doubtless attract crowded
house.
The sale of seats for the Minneapolis season
yesterday morning, and the re-
ceipts were large. Special trains will be run
from this city on the last three evenings of
the week for the accommodation of those of
our citizens, who may desire to attend.