The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-24
ADJUSTMENTS.

IHE Abbott GRAND ENGLISH OPERA.
Last evening the Abbott Grand English
Opera Company gave its first performance st
Dickson's, and the spacious auditorium OF
the Opera House has not often contained q
larger or more brilliant audience than that
that greeted Miss Abbott. The lower floor,
psrquette, balcony and dress circle were
packed, and the galleries were comfortably
filed, while the prevalence of evening dress
gave the house q festal appearance. The
opera selected was Verdi's "Ls Traviats,"
a lyric adaptation of Dumas Dame
aux Camelias." This and "n Tro-
vatore'' have generally been considered
his masterpieces, though bis later operas,
especially "Aida," which was first given in
grand Cairo. in 1872. is thought to be the
fruit of q ripper judgment aud an advanced
school. Measured by the highest standard
his style in the best musical circles is con-
sidered tawdry, spasmodic and meretricious,
offending good taste by sensation and vio-
lence. Notwithstanding this his works en-
JOY q popularity that can hardly be esti-
mated by that accorded to greater composers,
whose elaborate and beautiful music is CHS
eled into more perfect order and symmetry.
His music. is intense and dramatic, singu-
larry vigorous, full OF startling effects and
powerful sound. There are parts of this
opera that blaze with gems made
c~hsrmingly picturesque by the composers
excessive warmth and color. Tbs Abbott
maj agemsDt are 10 be congratulated that
t,ey lave finally decided to give the
musical public something better than the
trash that partially, at least, composed their
last seasons repertoire, which can be sched-
Dled as comic opera" As heretofore stated
IN these columns, this organization contains
TO much good material to be debssed by
rendering frivolous mu9ic. Tnere were many
in the audience who recalled the night, less
than a score Of years ago., when a young girl
appeared IN concert at the old Masonic Hsll.
She was then almost unknown, but had first
interested, then fascinated. then astonished
them by her true swallog -hignts OF v~ocaliza-
1ior. The debutante Of tina time has re-
turn ed ct intervals, and the interest IN her
has increased st every temperance until
now the popularity of Miss Abbott, in this
city, exceeds that OF any other American
primma donna as an actress aud songstress
her improvement IS very perceptiole with
each recurring season, and her exceptional
great gifts nov shine with an added luster.
Miss Abbott has the divine gift of song that
Is inst as much q gift Of nature as the sense
Of p0ssy. She sang last night with great
facility end 10 breaks, f~ashiOning her imper-
sonation from the side or delicate sentiment
and tenderness. I'll central character of
this opera. ''Vioietta," demands an intsrprs-
ter that has much dramatic resource, which
abe characterized with a power and passion
entirely adequate, compelling the closest at
fentlon from her auditors. The great aria
at thefirst act, "Ah forse e lui," she sang in
Italian with such spontaneity, vivscity and
grace as to wholly win the hearts OF
her audience. At its finale the
The scene with "Germont' in the second
act was admirable in every particular
phase OF feeling portrayed; her voice in
this PASSAGE was displayed 10 great advan-
1age, her high notes having an indescribab'e
Sparkle and her Low tones being soft aud
sweet. The death scene In the last act was
given with much artistic intelligence. and
ives decidedly vivid; avoiding the ~conceits
of Bernhardt, it was just as well coutrived
In the FIST and third acts Miss Abbott was
respondent in lovely toilets, each of which
were elaborate specimens of her tailor's
s(Wortb) art, while the diamonds she wore in
The third set were in such profession. and
reelected such dazzling b%rillisncy, as to al
most cause the reproach OF being overlsnden.
Mr.. Castles 'Germont' wcs particularly
effective. His voice is remarkably
well preserved. ana in passages requiring
tenderness and sentiment all its former
charm is ~unimpaired. Signor Tagliapietra.
with bis grand baritone. is an artist OK real
distinction, and IN the character Of the
elder "GeTmont," had a peculiar felicity.
His "Df ProvenzA' was = valued contri-
button to the Joy o, the audience. Other
principals each added their share to the in
terest of the performance. Ind IS much can
he said for the chorus and orchestra. The
opera hiss been literally and tasteiully pro-
vided for by the management; the scenery,
costumes ard stage fittings leave very little
10 be desired. The cast To night In Mig
noLn will hardly oe less an attraction. and
doubtless Miss Ab5otts hosts OF friends will