San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-06-27
DRAMATIC OPERA.
A Grand Success at Austin Under
Direction of Prof. Schnaith.


AUSTIN, June 22d, 1SSS.-The second
performance of Flotow's grand drama
tic opera, "Stradella," by local talent,
took place at Millett's Opera house
last night, under the auspices of the
Austin Musical Union. This society
has studied the musical part of the
opera for nearly year past already,
under the able conductorship of Prof.
VIM. Besserer, and as they possess q
large number of fine and cultivated
voices the performance was far supe-
rior to any professional opera troupe
that has ever appeared here. OF the
soloists every one were equal to their
parts, and never during the entire per-
formance did the audience receive the
impression of witnessing "only" an
Austin performance. The ballets oc-
curing in the opera, frequently omit
ted by travelling companies, were per-
hans not as one would see them at the
METROPOLITAN in New York, but for in
stance in the masked ballet, perform
ed by the assistance OF sixteen couples
(non-singers) drawn from the ranks
of our prominent social circles, much
gracefulness was shown and effect OF
which was heightened by the brilliant
costumes of the masqueraders. Forty
young ladies and children appeared
in the second act in a grand rural
ballet.
Leonora, as impersonated by Miss
Rizpah Bowers, was absolutely per-
feet in her role; her voice was excel
lent and very sweet and her acting
easy and natural.
The singing and acting of Messrs.
Crane and Warner in the role of the
two bandits, were faultless.
Mr.. Stacy, who took the part of
Bassi, the irate guardian, has a re-
markably clear and powerful bass
voice, and it is to be regretted that
his role is so comparatively small.
The title role, "Stradella," as play
ed by Mr.. H. Karber, who is also we'll
known in San Antonio, was remark
able piece of acting as well as sing
ing. If Mr.. Karber, instead of acting
as agent for the Lone Star brewery,
had followed the profession of an
opera singer, he would have been just
as successful in the latter line as he
has been in the former. His voice
was sweet and clear and hardly any
body recognized in the fiery young
lover with those long brown curls, our
jovial friend, Karber.
The orchestra, of Is pieces, was
simply excellent, and Mr.. Besserer,
the conductor, has shown with this
opera what he can do, and has we'll
merrited all the congratulations
which he received from his friends.
For the stage management, group
ing, costumes, ballads, scenic effects,
etc, the Musical union had engaged
the services of Mr.. Adolph Schnaith,
from San Antonio, who came over
here for two weeks, and whose able
management showed itself in every
sense.
The costumes, designed by him,
were costly and brilliant, and the
groupings and tableaux of the large
chorus and ballads were excellentlY
arranged.
The closing tableau, showing angels
suspended in mid air in the far back
ground, grouped around the virgin,
the chorus kneeling in sublime adora-
ton, proved Mr.. Schnaith's unex-
celled ability in that line.
The Musical union has the inten-
ton to bring the entire opera to San
Antonio in September.
SPECTATOR.