Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-12-20
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
metropolitan Thearer.

The Emma Abbott English Opera Com.
pany appeared to very large and thor.
oughly appreciative and gratified audience
last night, in Marchetti's beautiful opera,
founded on Victor Hugo's tragedy - Ruy
Bias" The company is larger stronger.
and every way better than when it an,
peared here two Y ears ago. To Emma Alb
bot the public owes great deal for popu-
larizing, as she has, English opera Of the
higher order. Her persistence in it, and
her care IN the composition of her troupes.
and her own musical skill and business
tact, nave so greatly stimulated taste for
good English opera, that a patronage for il
has developed in the last six years moi be-
fore known. The lady, since last here, has
gained IN stage presence, and decidedly i'm
proved IN dramatic action. Her voice re-
mains strong, clear, and as musical as
ever, and is handled with greater
skill. Her success, which was IN
qaalinsd last evening, and won her
encores and recalls, testifies to her
intelligent comprehension OF the task she
had IA hand. 1t was not remarkable for
great brihiancy; but it was pronounced
and satisfying in its refinement; in its
dramatic nature, the modest self possession
OF the ginger and the fine taste of the true
troupe, justified the good report that has
preceded him. He is not Wachtei to be
sure, but his notes are of effective quality,
used with feeling, and are firm and reson-
ant. PrRette, baritone, Broderick, basso
and Lizzie Arnandale, 'contralto, heard
here before and tavorites, thoroughly salts
ned 3 critical audience. Pruette. with
much the more exacting part, was espe-
clally successful, his baritone being of great
volume, sonorous and used with lavish
ness expressive of confidence in its staying
quality No stronger, more numerous or
better balanced chorus has been brought
here. The orchestra OF the troupe, under
the baton of Martens, was precise
sympathetic with the spirit of the
opera, and effective. 1t is rare that
English opera is given better costumed
or with more consideration for detail
and for even musical excellence in every
department. The performance was through
out thoroughly enjoyable one, satisfying
beyond expectation and added new credit
to the skill and taste of The lady whose
name the company bears, and whose life,
public and private, honors the stage. Be
tween the second and third acts Miss
Abbott, by request, sang the "Suwanee
River, was recalled to repeat the last
stanza, and again recalled to receive ap-
given with greater assumption or deeper
feeling; it was full of tears. Tonight
" Trayiata," with Miss Abbott as Violetta-
conceded to be the best vocal and histrionic
part in her repetoire. 1t has more
horrid passages that develop her fine
vocal powers and her versatility
in musical expression than any
opera she sings. Those acquainted with the
opera and its extremes and contrasts of
feeling, understand why Verbs master
piece is so rich in demands upon the vocal
list. The San Francisco press has spoken
of the four latest of Worth's creations "
in dresses Emma Abbott wears in this
seressy opera, to which may be added
that it calls for the full wearing of rich
and much talked-of collection of Jewels.
This ought not to have anything
to do with consideration OF the
opera, but it must be confessed that
curiosity is a drawing force. When,
therefore, it serves to reward painstaking
body Of singers, by all means let them
profit by it. A request has been preferred
and affirmative response given to ladies for
Miss Abbott to interpolate this evening the
song, The Last Rose of Summer"