Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-02-20
"KING FOR 4 DAY. ="

\ Very Acceptable Rendering of the New
Opera by the Abbott Company asst Even
ing-"IoIanthe" Tonight.
The appearance of the Emma Abbott
Opera company in st. Paul is always hailed
with emotions of delight and pleasure by
that very considerable proportion of our
population which finds a never ending
charm in the vocal expression of music.
The present engagement of the company
was anticipated with special pleasure from
the fact that the presentation of several en-
tirely new and popular operas was
announced. This, together with the
popularity of the company, drew
out on last evening an i'm
mensely large and appreciative audience,
every sitting in the Opera house being
filled with an occupant.
The opera yrs ''King for Day." COM
position in three acts, by Adams. 1t was
presented with the following cast:
Nemea ........... ........... Emma Abbott
Zelide. Observation-Disclosures. Lizzie Annandale
King Alfonso Stoddard
Kadoor. Observation-Disclosures. John Gilbert
Zizel Observation-Disclosures. Gustavus Hall
Fllear' '''''.''.'.'''.. ~. WIN OOhneii
Slave. WIN. brooerlck
Altar ...... ....... -: H. Harvey
Zephoris. .............. 80. William Castle
1t was announced that Valentine Fabrini
would appear in the role of "Pifear," but
owing to indisposition his place in the
cast was supplied by Mr.. VIM. Council.
The argument of ''King for Day" has
been hitherto fully given in the GLOBE.
From musical point of view the opera
is more ambitious than majority of the
lighter compositions of the day, there be-
ing a minimum of dialogue, the musical
features of the score gaining in proper
ton.
The score is essentially musical, abound
ing in rich, beautiful melodies and afford
ing ample scope for the lyric capabilities
of the caste, the suspicion being, indeed,
that the almost continuous strain to which
the leading artists are subjected, is too
wearisome test of their vocal powers.
The interest, of course, conferred on the
performance of Miss Abbott, as "Nemea,''
in the rendition of which she asserted her
old power to captivate the feelings and de-
light the senses of an audience. She sang
with the old-time charm and huency of
expression, her voice having gained in
sympathy and mellowness since her last
appearance, the imprisoned passages
which fell to her lot being marked by ten
derness. This was especially noticeable in
the last part of the third act,
where she declares her love in
thrilling melody for "Zephoris."
Her trills also we're given with great fasci-
nation and beauty.
That Miss Annandale established herself
in the good graces of the musical culture
of ST. Paul was manifested by the co.
dial reception given her last night. Her
powers, as a contralto singer of high mer-
it, were given the most fattering recogni-
tion. Her rich, round and deep voice as
serted its range in manner most sweet
and mastery.
Mr.. Castle, as "Zephoris," sang and act
ed with fine power of expression and
graceful abandon, his voice expressing the
fine qualities for which it Is noted.
Mr.. Stoddard made a commanding
''King" both in physique and from vocal
standpoint. He possesses voice of good
range, pleasant and sympathetic.
Mr.. Gilbert sang and added to the Ka-
door" most acceptably. His voice is deep
and powerful and his expression fine.
Messrs. Hall, Broderick and Harvey
contributed pleasantly to round out the
opera. The costuming was rich and the
orchestration very pleasing. The chorus is
not an unusually large one, but it has been
weIlselected and performs nicely.
There were several enco-es and recalls,
the applause following the rendition of
the quartet at the end of the second act,
being deafening.
There were some things of minor i'm
portance which nice taste might carp at,
but altogether the performance was very
enjoyable.
Tonight 'Iolanthe, or the Peer and the
Peri" will be presented for the first time
in St. Paul.