New-York tribune., 1882-04-18
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
EDWIN BOOTH.

II vvosa brilliant and eager multitude that vel.
comed Edwin Booth last night at Booths Theatre,
where he came forth as Richelieu beginning his fare
well engagement prior TO another season IN Ing
land Again and again the paudits of joyful and
affectionate greeting broke out and died away, ana
at the stirring climax of the third act, AMI the SUI
more thrilling elimination of the ecclesiastical
menace. there was an ovcr>. helming tumult of ac-
clamation. Mr. Booths hold upon the heart of this
public was never stronger than 1T is now, ana the
scene of his welcome last night will long be renem
bered and valued as close denotement Of the cer-
tainty with which our people appreciate true
merit. and the fidelity with which they adhere 10
the monarchs whom they once have crowned. Mr.
Booth gave such a performance as abundantly to
nrove that be deserves both the laurel and the
allegiance. He was eight times called before the
curtain.
There is no need here to descant on the drama Of
"Richeheur or 10 describe Mr.. Booths lmpeTsona-
ton. Both those subjects have often been DIS
cussed in this journal; both are widely and
thoroughly well known. There is no need, elther'
of technical balancing of present opinion with
memories of the past. To compare Mr.. Booths act
ing of RicheLeu last night, with his acting Oh IL
six months or year, or ten years, or twenty years
ago, would in wise profit anybody. IL mas
long been noble embOdIment-full OF majesty
passion, weprnful beauty of thought an
antique grace, and. artisticay, the wild luXrahce
vet perfect order of some brilliant Towering vihe
Its massive dignity, its fiery glow, its lofty poeuc
tone its twilight OF humOr and its spontaneous ease
of execution were seen, last night, TO be as anpe
rs positive, and fine as ever. The structure VI
rho nlav NAV be exceedingly theatrical the Ian
ruage of 1t may be stilted but the actor mas W
tbe fire of his genius. fused all its incongrui
and nofu
and made its language rational by his absolute
and burning sincerity. The spectator does not
think of Mr. Booths Richeiiea dramatic per-
formance until 1t has past While present ii is the
consu,nrnate ideal of vrtuous, august, venerable.
nicturesoue power, protecting innocent weakness
from the strong hand of worldly sin. More than
this. il is the actual incarnation of the kindly
human intellect-the austere yet benignant man OF
thourht-sustained by the inherent frmness OF his
own solendid individuality, and by his complete
accordance with the invincible moral laws oil tne
universe.
In Mr.. Booths execution Of his ideals there ap-
parent, in great and eyer-growing fqilness, inc
quality of living rather than acting hls Igur,' gn,
are tot ally unconscious of audience ana OF sur,
roundlngs They cross the stage Ike emOoulu
phantoms in land of dreams The curtain Is
drawn back and we look, through some vast oaSes
ment or cathedral arch, into the luminous world ..
the past--behOiding It's actual denZehs - thof IN
oht their lives before us. His kichethu brings Mlu
1t an historical picture, aud animates Its ehyHo
ment with the spirit Of great man. ana LnS IN
the main lesson, no doubt, that II teacnes ha n
dramatic art. But, with the impression OF ine
work st fresh in mind the chie thought AVN wn,,t ~
il prompts is of spiritual experience more unau tSs
dramatic art The sancity Of the affections tnq
grandeur Of power when allied 10 goodness, aha hs
the eternal youth of the human soul-these are mo
sum of good that is carried away IN tie sa lei'.
brance of this noble work. Youth passes, hopes az
withered, riches take wing health declines ;ts tss
shadows gather, the dark ocean whispers anu "sJ "mJ
for all But the true heart, the righteous mlhu, sJ
the strong will are sufficient unto themselves sIt a
will stand firm forever Acting that has 'his iers io
uuon the public has fulfilled all that IT'S Dest io'''
could claim for its province in human society. a
Miss Pateman gave an admirable perOfnannocoo,
Jalie dc NOrtcmar. The entire cast was as ioio"''
Louis - ~ ROss
ponh
Cardinal Ncheneu .,,an Iiil
'S,sbIfecar
Adrian Mauprat. VIII A. A. nnn p,|sa
Beringhen ~ interson