The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-15
New York ThcnlricnIs.


New IoRK, Jan. ll.-Another novelty
was presented at the opera last week.
Spontini's antiquatcd work, Ferdinand
Cortez," with all its glitter Of gorgeous
scenic effect and stage dressing, was given,
and ~ being repeated three times this
week. The opera was composed ut the
command OF the first Napoleon, and had
its initial performance over eighty years
ago. The librctto is founded on historical
events connected with the lives OF Cortez
and the Mexican King, Montezuma, and
deals with the Spanish invasion and its
Outstanding results. IL presents many
opportunities for dramatically musical
setting, which are used by the composer
in an effective, II somewhat ear-splitting
manner. Tie burning Of the ships in the
third act and the subsequent explosions
arr shockingly noisy episodes, but fol-
lowed, rs they are, 10y the appearance Of
Cortez ON his white charger, accompanied
by a glittcring escort ON horseback, they
become part Of u rather picturesque and
inspiring finale. There are few passages Of
great musical beauty much OF the wearsome
recitativc, and when the "Spontinious"
combustion Ecis in even the conversations
in the boxes cease to he heard. Niemann,
the tenor, who is in the neighbOrhood OF
iifty-cight years Of age, lisa feeble looking
Cortcz whose gait reminds one OF the
antics Of Memphi float going over rough
pavement. Ills earnest endcavor TO reach
and ultimately hold his high notes brings
shoulders aud then applause. II would he
well II We had primo tenore about thirty
ycars younger than this gentleman. There
isan exceptionally fine ballet in Ferdinand
Coriez, and heSdcs the usual flutter Of
pulled out tarlatan We have Indian girls
chocolate colofcd with flowing hair Of
raven hue, who wave tomahawks and look
amiable. They also look pretty. The three
prcmieres dance and play on bells at the
same time, the Indian girls perform re.
viscd edition Of q war lance, and the con-
ventional coryphces ~ buzzing around on
their toes with their arms gracefully up
lifted. With the music, which is descrip-
tive and fascinating, the result is very
pleasing.
Mr.. Gerickc's celebrated orchestra
came over from Boston and gave lis
second concert herr this season in Stein
way hall ON Monday evening. Much
interest was felt rs 10 how this conductor
would interpret Wagner, this being the iirst
time lac has had anyof the masters greater
work ON his program. The selection
WIS Hans Rchtcrs arrangement Of ex-
ccrpts from Sicgfricd and the Goetter.
dammcrung. Though the critics here
with one accord have been very easy with
Gcrickc, he cannot W. said 10 have
achieved succcss in this effort. Scidl
aud Thomas are still Ear beyond him. lie
renders works like Memberships Melu.
sine overture, and such Of the classics rs
Haydn and Mozart with infinite beauty Of
execution, for in his hand there Is the
most perfect combination OF strings in this
country. 80 much cannot he said OF the
wood-wind anl brass The exquisite
purity of tone sent forth 10y the s,ringcd
Instruments was noticeable, both In the
second movement Of the Schumann con.
ccrts. where the sonorously soulful
voices Of the cell are heard,
and later on In tho Wagner
number. when there is heavenly crcs-
ccndo for the int yiolins one gradually
growing chorus 1T passion mounting
higher and higher IN each successive bar
till We are thrilled aud cntranccd by the
inciiablc beauty Of this silycr-likc purity
Of sound. DVomks second symphony,
wildly beautiful and strongly reminiscent
OF familiar tmin VI orchestral ideas,
closed the concert.
"Paul kauyar," play by Steele Mac.
kaye, has been running for several weeks
at the Standard, and every day becomes
more popular. In this work Mackayc has
shown himself 10 he playwright with
much Of the broad conception OF the stage
which chamcterizcs his distinguished con.
iempouries abroad. There Is some blood
and thunder In the play, but what Is there
Is necessary. II is well acted by Annie
Robe, Haworth aud fairly good cast.
"IIeart OF Hearts, the new play, will be
brought out at the Madison Square iheaicr
Monday evening next, when sad-faced
Elaine will have become q memory.
w. v. X.