Los Angeles herald., 1891-11-19
ADJUSTMENTS. A

ADJUSTMENTS.
The opening performance of the Co.
lumbia Opera company at the Los An
,geles theater last evening was in many
ways an agreeable surprise. 1t demon
stra ted that the stock is one of splendid
musicians, and in general presents a
very fair average of voice and voice
culture. The attendance was as good as
could possibly have been expected at
new venture of this description, and the
audience distinguished itself by remark
bleappreciativeness, which showed that
Verdi's great masterpiece when well in
terpieted is not as hackneyed as some
great local musicians have alleged.
The cast for Trovatore was as follows:
Manrico. ....... .............M Mr. William Foran
Azucena Ia Gyps7) ...... Nine. Garso- Dely
Count de Luna. .Signor Perrotti
Fernando. .....,.... .............;J Josef Rubo
Ruiz. z.......................... .TheO. Leben
IneZ Observation-Disclosures. Aida Plato
Old GYPSY ................. Chas A. Deane
To open discussion of the production,
it is no more than just to state that the
work of the musical director, Joseph
Hirschbach, was wonderful. In the
face OF all sorts of difficulties, he has
with very few rehersals almost created
an orchestra for grand opera perform
ances, and he is carrying the whole
weight with him by sheer magnetism,
emanating from his genius. Mr.. Hirsch-
bach, as all the old patrons of New
York's Metropolitan opera house are
aware, is one of the first musicians in
this country, but that he is capable of
producing such results as were shown
last night, probably his best friend
would not have imagined.
Miss Nina Bertini, as Leonora,
showed herself to have a clear, sill
very voice of great 1exibility, and
her rendition was remarkably neat and
correct. Critics have frequently charged
her with lacking dramatic fervor, but
her performance last night shows that
she has greatly improved during the
last year.
Azucena was played by Nine. Gar
so-Dely, who undoubtedly carried off
the honors of the evening by her display
of dramatic force. She has a remark
ably strong voice, which last evening,
howerer, showed a very slight huskiness
in the middle register in the aria Of the
second act. In her duet with Manrico
she had already regained her clearness,
and captured the audience repeatedly
by her efforts. Her dramatic force was
appreciated most generously.
The tenor, Manrico, Mr.. William Fo-
ran, was not in his best form last
evening. He is magnificent whenever
he can give his voice full sway, but when
delicacy was required it seemed that
he was not in condition. His voice has
good quality, and he will undoubtedly
CHI hnfo 1A =.
completed.
Sig. Perotti as Count de Luna made
fine stage appearance, and has excep-
tionally good vocal technique, but the
quality of his voice is not nearly as good
as it was when he first made his bow to
an American audience in New Orleans.
Josef Rubo, the basso, fits very we'll
into the ensemble. The choruses were
excellent, though they had not the
opportunity, in Trovatore, which will be.
afforded them tonight in Cayalleria
Rusticana.
The musical citizens OF Los Angeles
will have their first opportunity of
hearing the great production of the
Italian boy-genius Mascagni tonight,
and whatever may be the general effect
of the productions of grand opera this
week, it is certain that the Individual
efforts of Nine. Garso-Dely, of Mr..
Foran. and the other principals will be
worthy of hearing.
x*x
Robert Burns was the subject of Miss
Howison's lecture last evening in the
Y. M. G. A. assembly rooms. The hall
was well filled, and frequent applause
attested the appreciation OF the audience
for subject and lecturer. The address
was listened to with close attention, and
all were we'll pleased with the entertain
ment. Miss Howison gave aEbrief out
line of the many difficulties which be-
set Burns's path and the condition of
his country at his time. She quoted a
number of his best known works. aptly |
pointing out unobserved treasures OF |
pathos and wit. The quotations were
excellently rendered, the ladv's earn
estness showing her enthusiasm for the |
poets works.
Burns's life was briefly sketched, |
dwelling delightfully."- upon the impor-
tant scenes in it, speaking of him as
the restorer of Scottish nationality. The
lecture was closed by an original poem
on Robert Burns by Wallace Bruce.
The lady certainly furnished a most in
structive as we'll as pathetic picture of |
the poets life.
LIKE the youngster in "Helen's Babies.v we |
''like to see the wheels wound" Another car
at the old courthouse. Call and inspect them
sage and English Dairy
Cheese
.