St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-28
ITALIAN OPERA.
Successful Close of the mapIesOn
Engagement.

Engagement.
Pretty, piquant. petite Alma FOhstrom
achieved decided triumph yesterday after
noon at the Grand opera house in martha"
Delicate and fragile as a lily, few who had
not previously seen or heard her were pre-
pared for such grand impersonatiOn as she
gave. She has the purest and most pro-
nounced type Of the Northland beauty, the
soft, creamy complexion, with a pretty
blush tint wealth of golden hair, tender
eyes of deepest blue and exquisite features.
From in front of the footlights She looks
but a pretty child, and her position
in grand opera seems unwarranted.
This idea is quickly banished, however,
for it is soon discovered that she is the for
tunate possessor of voice Of singularly
sweet and sympathetic quality, of great
fexibility, and considering the little body
from which it eliminates, of telling power.
AS limit to space precludes the possibility
of entering into details, it must suffice to
say that her Martha was the most pleasing
ever heard in st. Paul. Her method Is
admirable and she achieved the most diff
cult passages with an apparent ease quite
astonishing. The upper register of her
voice is particularly sweet, smooth and
pure, and although she showed remarkable
skill in stacatto effects and in even bird
like trills. she did not take advantage of
such clevernesS to gain applause by taking
liberties as some artists find it irresistably
tempting to do. Hers was a faithful.
artistic performance, both in singing and
action, and the only regret is that she
should not have been assigned to night
performance.
There is no doubt but that La Blache has
been, and indeed still is. true artist, but,
without intending unkindness, it must be
claimed that it was misfortune TO have
her cast for Nancy with such a Martha.
The opera and character are too light for
an artist with her physique and voice, and
unpleasant comparison naturally resulted.
Rayelli was a splendid LiOnello. His de-
lcOus voice is perfect for such part and
he sang and acted with the same conscien-
tiOusness at this matinee performance as on
a Patti night at the Academy in New
York, which is saying much. Cherubini as
PlunkettO left nothing to be desired. He
gave the music in fine style, and regulated
his massive voice to the requirements of the
combination with admirable skill and judy
ment. The orchestra was thoroughly salts
factory, and in short the opera throughout
was given with a finish and beauty that
has never been equaled here.
''IL TRovAToRE."
A fine audience attended the opera house
last night to hear the Mapleson company in
the closing opera of the season, Verdi's III
Trovatore." 1t was fair performance. in
some points truly excellent and in some
points decidedly disappointing. Dotti. the
prima donna Of the occasion, is a lady of
superb presence and graceful carriage, and
probably if she had been less superb i'm per
LIE oh, h,.~
ceptable as lyric artist, for her voice APP
peared inadequate to her physique. Those
who heard FohStrom in the afternoon could
not but regret that the voice of the pretty
little Swedish warbler could not be trans
ferred to the Juno-like form of the stately
Dotti. But our prima donna did some ex-
cellent vOcaliZation and showed faithful
study and finished schooling.
LaBlache did her best work of the week
In Azucena, having an excellent opportu-
nifty to display her talents, both as actress
and singer. Gianinni sang splendidly.
holding to his key faithfully and showing
of what he is capable. much better than did
his singing of Thursday night. De Anna
was glorious and the fullest capabilities of
his splendid voice. The choral work was
much the best of the engagement, and
great credit is due Signor BOmbini for the
ShlllluI III lie uSlU TIC cilO-
rus and orchestra in the intricate concerted
members. The company leave tonight for
Louis by special over the Chicago. St
Paul & Milwaukee road. They will be
warmly welcomed in ST. Paul again.
MAGGIE MITCHELL.
Maggie Mitchell has been on the stage
sine sue was child 9 years old. During
the last many years she has always been
popular, and has acquired handsome for
tune. 1t is said that she is worth from
five 10 six hundred thousand dollars. She
has always been exceedingly liberal with
her money, too.
Tomorrow, Tuesday and Saturday even
ingS Miss Mitchell plays maggie the
Midget" her latest and best piece which
has been changed since its first performance.
In the second act picnic scene will
be introduced, and i'm the third
Miss Mitchell will sing a plaintive
song. accompanying herself on the guitar.
Wednesday evening she will play Pearl
OF Savoy" Thursday evening Little Bare
foot" and Friday evening "Lorle." AT
the Saturday matinee she will play
''Fanchon" by request.
THE MUSEUM.
Matinees as usual at Sackett & Virgins
museum to-day. Next week the celebrated
Japanese village will be the attraction. This
village will be a perfect reproduction OF life
I'm lanap infro1upinU artists noroala / m