New-York tribune., 1885-02-05
GERMAN OPERA AT THE METROPOLITAN


In a general way reference has been made
heretofore the merits OF the representation which
Wagners "Walkure" is receiving at the Metropolitan
Opera Tue drama repeatedfor the third time
last night 1t is safe nOw;to assume that the repre-
senaon as perfect Dr. Damrosch.and his artists
are capable OF making 1t.
Last nights performance showed a marked advance
over first last Friday experience having pointed out
number OF minor matters In which the general eject
could lie enhanced by a change. Thus the musical
efficiency OF the nate has been improved by bringing
the singers nearer fOoghts. Herr StaudgPs voice
not being sufficiently powerful orgmordant TO give the
music its effect from the posttio.nrst chosen for
him stage. The conjuraton Of the fire In the same
scene been perfected that fire flashes from
the ground where Wotdn strikes 1t when he summons
Loge and though there is yet noisy OF steam
which refuses look like fire. the picture Is marvel
ous thrilling when all its factors brought into play.
There was some expectation on the part Of persons
familiar with work that representation Of the wild
ride OF the yayia which opens the third act would be
attempted, but Herr Hook seems TO have 10 tho
conclusion that the wiser course 10 avoid the danger
OF making the scene ridiculous by the usual magic
lantern pictures projected against tho cloudy back
ground. In Munich and Vienna this scene has bccn
given q most exciting realism by the OF horses and
riders exposed to momenary view in the clouds by
flash Of lightning but for this effect great stage ample
time and unbounded means are necessary. IL ought
not to impossible TO provide excellent counterfeit
OF the scene pictured In Wagners stage directions. by
means OF combination Of mlgnifers, photographs Of
gappng horses taken by the instantaneous process,
aud the pretty scientific toy known AS this zo-otrope
The pictures might DO moving the dark cloud
surface in such a that they would be invisible
except at the moment when the canvas would be
Illuminated by the lightning, which is now initiated to
perfection.
The stage pictures all worthy OF the highest praise
and il would be Idle to find any fault with them when
W. their OF producing Illusion
which helps the appeal TO the emotions made Dy the
music and poetry Some OF tie changes from tho
origins designs Of Wagner which were referred to In the
record of the first performance OF the drama, have
proved be effective that they have established their
ustication The substitution OF draperies for wooden
door In Hundings hut affords the machinst chance
to proyide reason for the sudden entrance Of moon.
light which inspiration for the impassioned love-
scene which follows, opened BY Siegnund with che
poetical allegory:
Keiner ging-
Goch elmer Kan.
Siehe, der Lenz
lacht in den Saal!
wagners design that the door should open OF ITSELF
disclosing patch Of landscape without bathed 10 moon
light and that moons falling through the open
door should the features Of Siegaund ana seg-
de to each other In spite OF its tender beauty We do
NOT see how this conceit escapes the condemnation
which Wagner pronounced on the sunrise scene In
Meyerbeers 81 Le Prophetic" II Is without motive
unless ths the excellent use made OF II after
ward Why should u door that has remained shut
through severe open CT Its own accord afterward'
Herr Hook tries TO make the occurrence natural fne
draperes are rudey shaken by the wind for some time
bafore the musical climax reached and hnay are torn
,ro their fastenings and falling admit flood OF moon
,nt winch changes the whole tone OF the picture ana
invests IL with charm The fact that tue araperles
are NOT torn down by the storm with whch he Grams
opens need not disturb We are not oDged I'd ndAs
wind ian accompanying element In the thunuerstorn
hch Woeners instrumental Introduction deineates 80
nhically Br,hilde has horse OF excellent bearing
a GOOD manners though his color denies his haneI
cone shoud be gray. Frickas rams call out laughter,
bnt there Is nothing novel in thsi they do tne "ore
ovsr I'm the composition OF the taDieaus err ocA has
proceeded with mastery skill, and more thri'iihs
scene than the gathering Of the Vakyrias az tno pcs
ming Of the thirl act could not Dc cohoe"o' =.
..,rres and attitudes Of the maiden warriors tnere
s,d freedom which borders extravaganza but Is IN
rfect accord with the music Of the ride The hahher
which one of the strange creatures aiter tue o'no,
met and greeted by her sisters makes tne
rel he things which drama offers 10 the Simple
lovers OF pictures dni tney are % @ "a o Drama ara
Snir.d or not Costumes, arnor and weapons can Al!
be studied perfect S 10 he Of Ia
crsonal decorations OF the oldest Northern peopieo
whom have such relies ING 81, mVeis wiea al m:
r.1nest OF Wagner the archaeological treasures
yielded up by tho Oldest scanuinA'an graves 'n"' H'
been discovered. .....
Of The palm; it is little more surprising to see how 70
the character Of Brhiide she towers above hersein
her other roles. Both Of the strong sides wen S
character shows-the mpetuous wid exuitant freedom
OF voice and which proclaim tae vaikyra aoa
In living and doing until the catastrophe reaenSa 1 |
the deep unselnsh tender nature disclosed Dy hot
symr amy with the i-starred lovers and her immeas9
able ioye~for Wotdn-both Of these sides nave pcino.
decentralization in Fran Maternas acting and Singing
Her complete absorption in the part moreover ma aac nav
cestnres botn heroic There Ia not moment while sas
great dramatic artist 10 the scene In whioh the
tion IA not fascinated and tho senses are not
Her attitudes are full Of stanesquc poses Into