Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-05-06
TIE snILs or cosrnvILLr.
A Rsportorisl Opinion After Attending Q
Rehearsal

nentutoaL
The rehearssls OF the "Bells Of Corne-
tllle" BY the Lyric Opera Company are
progressing very satisfactorily, and we
NAV soon expect some definite announce
ment as TO the date OF its production.
II is one Of the most difficult tasks TO
properly produce an opera Time, pa
ti.rc. ard perseverance, are the elements
of success, and without them, but IN
different progress is made. The dith'
cuIties arise in the training Of the cho-
rus-who invariably want to sing the
music in their own way-a liberal ana
improper reading OF the libretto, ana a
general and disheariening chaos OIL al
fairs. IL takes weeks to bring any sem
blance OF order and unity out OF such a
state OF things. Then the work ls only
begun Continual practice and diiigent
study follow until the night OF appear
ance.
The cast Of cl aracters for the BELLS
of Bonneville" has been published In Inc
REGISTER, and We are glad 10 say that al
every succeeding rehearsal the wisdom
displayed in their distribution Is more
and more apparent Mrs. iiornOrooE,
who takes the part OF SrpOtate, has NOT
vet rehearsed with the company, but Is
expected next week. All are familiar
with her delightful soprano voice, and
we are confident that she will be equal
to all the requirements OF the rote. -,
We predict that Mrs. G. W. Fol VIII
score a most pronounced success In the
character Of Germdine. Her vocaiiza.
ton, once heard, is to be remembered
with the pleas ATTEST recollections. She
is a skllful and correct reader OF the
scor AMI has the highest conception
OF the requirements OF the part.
Mr.. C.. y. Lucas, who is taking an
active part in the instruction, and whose
patient labors We hope may be reward
ed with success, will make most ac-
ceptable Henri. lie handles his voice
remarkably well, aud will give consci-
entious Interpretation of the character
of the cxiled Marquis. Mr.. X. '. Ankle
will appear to much better advantage as
Jean Gr76chetr than he did as Rll.h 80
"Pinafore." He is a public fayorite, and
il he does not allow himself TO become
embarrassed his work will be second TO
that Of no one. The character OF GdSpdrd
is a difficult and trying role, but from
what we know and have heard MIR. Hall
will be satisfactory. Mr.. w. b. Howell
also promises to do equally as vel. with
the Bduh.
II is impcssib TO mention the other
characters in this notice. They bear a
very important relation to the success
full rendition Of the opera, and are re-
served for future article.
In assuming the critical tone it is not
with any affectation OF superior knowi-
edge. We meiely desire to notice few
points, such as would strike any COM
mon sense observer. The chorus, in
the first place, wants leader; two
leaders, in fact, one for the male and
one for the female voices. 1t can never
expect to do effective work until it has
these necessary adjuncts. 1t is COM
posed of good voices and promises much
II provided for as above mentioned. The
choruses OF the opera are gems OF music
and should not be lnarred by uneven or
loose singing; or by devoting too much
time in periecting the soloists at the
expense OF this element.
OF the opera itself, it is question
WHClutI tV NHtai w NV
dramatic requirements OF the work. The
music is bright, lively and tuneful, and
if well executed may atone for lack OF
dramatic ability. There is no doubt but
that the ladies' and gentlemen in the
cast have the ability to act the charac-
tiers they assume, but with all amateurs
in the art there is certain reserve and
restraint that cannot be overcome. The
disadvantage they appear under is in
having personal acquaintance with 3
large portion of the audience, before
whom they are naturally timid
in exhibiting an abandon, and, perhaps,
subjecting themselves to unkind criti.
cisms. An audience, however, is always
favorable to home talent, aud appreci-
ates all efforts to please, and this We are
sure the members Of the Lyric company
are entirely competent to do.
These remarks are offered in the kind
est spirit, and ii they contain any sug-
gestiOns OF value the writer will be hap
py to know OF it.