Los Angeles herald., 1892-03-23
ADJUSTMENTS.

Emma Juch, In making the transition
from Wagner to Gounod, from the vi
gorous heroic and musically exacting role
of Elizabeth in Tannhauser to the lyrical
modulations and bland and beautiful
musical progressions of Marguerite in
Faust, demonstrated the matchless ver-
satility of her musical genius, and proved
that she is a diva of exceptional grace
and power, gifted with vocal organ of
extended compass, artistic method, and
rare velvety quality.
Taken as q whole, the production OF
Faust by the Juch opera company was
eminently more satisfying than that of
Tannhauser. Imprimis, the orchestra
was more thoroughly in touch with the
leaders baton, the strings and reeds had
perforce plenty OF work cut out for them +,
and in the finale OF the third act they
played that superbly beautiful sympho-
ny, which stands preeminent as mu-
| sical picture, in a mastery manner.
| True it is they wavered in the attack in
up the soldiers chorus, but quickly recov-
cred they deserve infinite credit, making
for many incoherencies OF Monday night,
| LDaU WOulu uGvc SIcdIly WOTTtcu bAC
great maestro of the modern school.
The chorus, composed in the main OF
well-picked voices, especially the tenor
and basses, were off the key several
times in the kermesse scene, but finally
pulled themselves together for fine
rendition OF the dangerous, waltz move.
ment. so full of suggestions, and vibrant
with harmonic beauties, which consti-
tuted the chief charm OF the second
act.
Now as to the cast. Miss Juch,
always eminent, as Marguerite was sing
ularlv felicitous in the romanza, Once
There was King in Thule. She sang
it in an artless, bird-like man
ner, full of the mystery, the long
ings of newly awakened love. In
the Jewel song, that brilliant marve
of technique, she surprised many bJ
not giving display to her rich treasur,
of roulades and trills. In fact, it wa!
sung with unusual simplicity, when the
technical opportunities are borne II
mind the preceding aria being usually
the occasion for the manifestation O
feeling and the Jewel song for musica
pyrotechnics, go to speak. In the love
duo with Faust she surpassed herself
singing most superbly if not divinely
Her work in the death scene of Nalen
tine and the finale was also notable
for its matchless artistic excellence
Mr.. Michelena, the late Emma Abbott
handsome South American tenor, mad,
a thoroughly acceptable Faust. Hi
voice has broadened greatly since h
last sang here, and his upper notes hav'
acquired clear and resonant qualit.
that came into admirable play IN th'
, aria, Hail Thou Pure and Lowly Dwell
, ing, and in the love passages he san,
, with fire and deep feeling. Mr.. Jose
Rubo made a;sterling Mephistopholes
He pictures the coarse, jeering devil o
the German school, as contra-distinctiv
from the subtle, insidious Italian Satan
His serenade in the fourth act was in
, vested with intense, startling diablerie
Mr.. Kaminsky's Valentine was no
successful either from musical or his
trionic point of view. His voice is worl
| and lacks quality, and singing in Rus
sian the effest is not pleasing. His deatl
scene was quite mediocre. especially i
view of the lavish opportunities offere
/ ---~sf.a q: nAl cd -se-s l.ar Aawer son
very sweetly. Miss Gottich was only
fair Martha.
! The stage settings were very good an
the costumes correct and picturesque.
The suggestion is in place that will
such a thoroughly equipped compan
manager Locke should Introduce tn
: Walpurgis night scene with the atten
dant music. Certainly it would be
, delightful feature to all opera. goers, an
: as the Juch Opera company today is tn
only company travelling in America tha
is devoted to grand opera, such ste
would be in keeping with the enterpris
ing spirit Of the management. There
no doubt but that the Grand oper
house will be crowded tonight to hea
Bizet's romantic opera Carmen, one c
the grandest orchestral works in tn
sphere of romantic opera. Miss JUG
: will sing the title role with strong cast
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