The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-03-26
AMUSEMENTS


The afternoon performance Of the fourth
oratorlo concert OF the season took place yes
terday in Carnegie Hall Mr.. Damrosch. with
his orchestra, his chorus. and six very compe-
tent artists. provided an entertainment OF the
most absorbing interest and the greatest beau
ty. Saint-SaGns's Biblical opera. Samson
and Delilah." was given. for the first time in
America. Il is one Of several dramatic
works by this talented French composer.
LA Prlncesse Jaune." LIE Dcluge,"
10 Timbre d'ArGent," and "Etlenne
Marcel" being the other opuses that
can strictly be classed under this head. Saint
Sauns has been an industrious writer. and has
composed in every musical form: symphonies,
concertos for plano and for violin. chamber
music. masses. piano pieces songs-there Is.
indeed. scarcely any department OF the art un-
explored by his gifted pen. Success seemed
always to follow Saint-SaGns. His extraor-
binary ability as q virtuoso player OF piano
and organ his marvellous facility in impro-
vsiug. and his keen. critical faculties all
contributed to make him a brilliant star
In the musical armament Theatres opened
their doors easily to him. and all his
operas were produced with measurable sue
cess soon after they were male. His later
ones. Samson and " Etienne Marcel" were
brought out respectively at Weimar and at
Lyons. perhaps because Paris was not enthusi-
astc enough to please hcirauthor. But Saint
saiins could never complain TINT he hnd not
had opportunities OF being heard. lie has
been a fnvorite for the asttwenty years in con-
His compositions are Distinguished for their
exquisite refinement and their dainty grace.
for prianc ssa as in his coneertos Tor %eir i'm.
agination. as in his wonderful 81 anse Maca-
and for classic sro o "r fer In
temps uui commence" where every phrase is
ns e 81 and to hs sF ns fG
used to nlav. are to the eye.
Saint-Saans's critics have accused him Of
coldness. of lack Of emotional warmth: but II
amply atoned for by this same perfection of
form. by certain a ai reserve. and by
music and q dramatic sense and the power Of
Add to this the two facts of high intellect
S av cd 's Of in Which, latter
Branch lie is decidedly Individual. and we
snsea an Nc W"nder then that The
ing expe.ioncs for the assembled audi.
fasht New s york audiences sVo basS s
v nrs a
SIGNALS andia mnteurs: but ono quality Of Saint
were very welcome under Nine Ritter GoetZe's
earnest and skilGul rendering. and with the
additional charm of being set about by
samson il. AS it should be. a powerful
one. although given to the tenor voice.
Only q pnOre r0busto could cope wi tn its de-
mands. NJ. Montario who assumed the .r5le
yesterday. was fully equal to his task. and left
nothing to 90 desired. either in strength Of
voice. in dramatic intensity. or in intelligence
OF expression. This artist grows in favor with
rel Gated hearings.
The strict oratorio style OF writing which
prevail" somewhat conspicuously, during tho
first five scenes OF tho opera are lost when
Do'i'ah and the Palestine Women enter With
them comes the breath of languorous senti-
mcnt and Eastern feeling that spreads out.
later into the splendid love scene with the
climax Of !SGHso,'S betrayal into the hands OF
his enemies. There are many beautiful Choir.
uses. notably Now spring. generous hand"
for female voices and Dawn on the Hiltops."
men is also peculiar and effective. There
is fine opportunity for ballet in the Bac-
chanale." and. indeed. the whole opera must
he magnificent when sot upon the stage. Its
performanc" yesterday was in the highest de-
gree cred!table alike to solosts and others
who took part The less celebrated names Of
the singers were Mr.. Homer Moore Mr.. Distel-
hurst. and Mr.. Purdon Robinson. Herr Fischer
had but little to sing. and the quality OF his
work made his hearers regret that the guam
tity was SO small