The Portland daily press., 1888-10-20
MUSIC AND DRAMA.


AuGNoN.
Last evening the Bostonians opened the
Stockbridge course at City Hall with Am
broise Tbomas's charming opera "Mignon,"
to an audience that filled every seat, and
every available spot for standing ROOM
Prior to the rising of the curtain the manager
stated that Mr.. Ricci. who had been filling
the role of Lothario during the preliminary
season, had given place to Mr.. Mcdonald,
and the announcement was received with ap-
plause. He, however, failed to state that
Mrs. Jessie Bartlett Davis, whose debut in
the slight part of Frederic had been looked
forward to with much anticipation, was
sick with the measles in Boston and that her
sister would take her place. Nevertheless
the lady made very attractive gallant, and
as she cut the only song that appertains to
the part, it WIS of little consequence We
may say, at this point, that the same lady
will assume the part of Lydia, in Dorothy
this evening, and it is said that, apart from
quite as full voice, in manner, stage pres
ence and singing, she differs but little from
Mrs. Davis.
"Mignon" is bright. tuneful, and its dance
measures tend greatly to enhance its popular
ity. The orchestration is beautiful, and
the orchestra last evening, under the efficient
baton Of Mr.. Studley, was one of the chief
features. They gave the overture, which is
admirably written, with great expression
and delicacy of shading, and the charming
minuet movement that prefaces the second
act with a grace and airiness that were a
reminder of Boccherini's, with which the
Symphony Orchestra has made us familiar.
All through the opera their good work was
noticeable. The choruses were strong and
effective, especially in the opening. The
scenery brought by the management was q
pleasing cnange from the old familiar can
vas, and if the stage had been larger more
would have been displayed. The gypsey
scene and dance in the first act we're especial
ly good, and the leading gypsey girl looked
and acted the part perfectly. The costumes
were all handsome.
Miss Juliette Gordon made most impress
size Mignon. Her petite, graceful figure and
her expressive face, appealed to the sympa-
thy OF the audience, and her simple, natural
manner Joined to real dramatic fervor, took
her audience captive in the first act, where
she is subjected to the prosecutions of Giar-
mo-. In the second act she showed that she
possessed lighter vein and was very arch
and winning in the aria, "Once q Maiden,
which was redemanded. In the more serious
miliar "Know'st Thou the Land" which
was artistically sung. Miss Corden's pure
tone and clear enunciation are especially
noteworthy.
The exceedingly lorid music of Filera was
| particularly adopted to Miss Stones soprano,
and her rendering of the celebrated II am
| Tilania," with its trills and melodies, was
| piece of vocal pyrotechnics that brought
| forth an emphatic encore. Miss Stone was
| in good voice and looked exceedingly well.
Tom Karl made fine appearing Wilhelm
Meister, and sang with taste and feeling
His two best numbers were the aria Fare
well, my child" in the second act, and song
"Oh! thou so sweet and pure,'' in the fourth
act. Mr.. Mcdonald was digni6ed and
pleasing Aothario, and his duett with Miss
Gordon, Swift. flying swallows" was warm
ly applauded. The concerted music was all
finely given, the ensemble at the close OF
Mignon's "Know'st thou the land" by quar-.
tette and chorus, deserving high praise, and
receiving an encore. The minor parts were
we'll assumed.
This afternoon "Don Pasquale," and tn is
evening Dorothy" will be given. Good
tickets for the Stockbridge course are on
sale, including this afternoon. or evening
opera.