The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-02-14
THE NATIONAL OPERA.
Grand Rendition Of Faust Last Night At
the Academy.

the Academy.
Richmond has been looking forward
for MANY weeks to the coming OF MIR.
Charles L. Locke's National Opera Com
PAW. We have not heard grand opera
even decently produced for years, and
the National Company, carrying out to
the letter all that they promised, gave our
citizens treat last night In their perfect
rendition of Faust in all Its melodic
beauty, its supernatural scenes, and with
its gorgeous ballet In point OF scenic,
mechanical, and ensemble effects the per-
formance was complete. and as to sing
iny. ii was the best cast now singing this
opera in America.
Miss Juch rs Marguerite charmed her
hearers with her pure voice, lovely face
and exquisite dignity. This lady ranks
in the front of opera and oratorlo sing
ers, and her work last night was all that
could be expected. Such a plaintiye
rendering OF the King of Thule-sucb
Joyous outbursts in the Jewel song-such
impassioned phrasing in the quartette
and duet OF the second ACT, and such
true art in her grief at the death OF Val
eniine, was grand. She captivated her
audience from the start. Mr.. barton
NtGuckin. the Faust of the cast, Is
singing his first season in this country
with the Nationals. He possesses voice OF
remarkable compass and sweetness, Dut
evidently from some indisposition his
notes were bit throaty last evening,
though there was much merit in his
rendition Of the "Salve Dimora' and the
.sl. n a.
extremely high notes.
When we came TO the artistic creation
of Mcphistopheles by Mr. Ludwig we can
not say too much in praise OF his con
scientious, minute conception OF the
part. He was truly devilish in his
make up" gesture, and voice, ana hl'
| singing of the Golden Calf' and The
Serenade" won much applause. In al
the concerted pieces lie was without q
flaw.
OF the minor parts Miss Amanda
Fabris made picturesque sieoei anc
sang with soundness and sweetness th'
Flower Song.
Miss Agnes Perring rs Martha, pu
| Just enough humor into her part To MAKE
IL thoroughly correct, and Mr.. Alone
Stoddard as Valentine sang with mt
effect in the dying scene, and all OF HI
work evidenced careful study.
| We do not know where TO begin Il
describe the scenic effects. Every de
tail-the red glare, OF Mephistopheles, th'
moonlight in the garden scene, and th'
| final angelic chorus-was complete ant
effective. The orchestra OF hlty-eigh
performers and the chorus Of about NIFTY
showed the result Of Mr.. Gustav Hin
rich's mastery training and conducting
The ballet written expressly for Faust D.
its composer, Guonod. was mounted IL
dazzing splendor, and the premieres dan
seusss, as well as coryphees, exhibited
much skill and grace.
Taken in detail, taken as a whole, The
opera last evening was sung and staget
as we will not have il in Richmond To-
some time to come unless we give Mr
Locke hearty support and warrant hi
coming here again next season.
To night Lohengrin will be given witt
the famous Russian tenor, Eliot Sylvia, In
the title roe. This is the first time this
opera has been produced in Richmond
and if you have never heard 1t, dom
let the opportunity fail you, but heal
Wagner's beautiful music TO the old Ger
man folk .lore-hear how near his or
chestral pictures come 10 nature.
There are many good seats to be had
and let our city support an organization
which is both educational and pleasure
| giving