Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-03-12
WAGNER ABLY INTERPRETED.
The seidl Concert-A Fashionable rs VOL
as Musical Event.

Despite the dampness overhead and
under foot and regardless Of the criticism
of those who insist that Lent Is n season
OF self-denlal aud abstinence from plea
sure, the beauty and fashion OF the cltV
went to the Academy last night to study
the beauties of Wasrerlan nus!c as inter-
preted by Anton SeIdl and his concert
company. The house was not full by any
means, but II was far from being empty,
and what II lacked in quantity 1t made up
in "oualltv." Local musicians were proml-
nent in the audience, which was certainly
appreciative, and gave the programme
close and uninterrupted attention.
The programme was carried out az an-
nounced. with one eXceptlon-the duet
between Elsa and Ortrud. from "Lohen-
grin" being substituted for the Song OF
The Rhine Maidens.' from "Gotterdam-
meunp." This change detracted some
what from the merit OF the programme,
bnt there can be but little doubt that II
pleased most of the audience. "a 1t Is ono
of Wagner's most melodic numbers, VhlIe
the "Gotterdammeung' trio ~ its oppo-
| site. Miss Juch and Miss STEIN sang the
| duet.
vOcALIsTs.
Six Of the numbers were for voices,
| with orchestral accompaniment. of course.
The educational intent of the concert was
not fully carried ont, however, as the
| princual singers annOt be c.aSsed as
typical Wagner singers. Miss Juch,
| whose delightful voice is very familiar to
| us, has a smooth. perfect soprano. but
| lacks the dramatic breadth that ~ neceS-
sarv TO convey TO an audience the full
meaning of tbe IL seems out OF
! place to ~critiClse so charming an artist,
but we must recognize the fact that Miss
| Juch has achieved and viii continue to
achieve her trlumphs in such works as
Faust" and not IN "%lannhau-
SER or "Lohengrin." Wagner's scores
| demand power rather than sweet
ness, and tho Wagner singer IL a
law unto himself. The singing Of Ga
lassi 10 an evidence of this fact. He is a
GREAT baritone, but his singing of the Ode
to the Evening Star and Wotan's Fare
well" emphasize the statement that be
| does not understand Wagner. His voice IS
such AN one IA we love TO hear IN
Carmen" or even The II~uguenotg"-
q resonant, vibrant voice, educated to
the method peculiar 10 tho school
Of BIzet and Gounod. Miss Stem
shows plainly hat her education was
planned Ia tue shadow OF the mighty ge-
mus which hovers over Bavreuth. Miss
Fabris developed a distinctive and plea
SAINT quality of voice III the "Melster-
singers" ouintotte, and her phrasing was
most intelligent. The other singers are
exceeding capable people.
PINE ORCHESTRAL WORK..
But Seidll All. here is tho man who ap-
preciates the peculiar genius of Wagner
and interprets him masteriully. In Die
Walkure," NJ less than in "Iannhauser y
and "~Lohengrin." he brings TO the sur
face-now with the string choir, now with
the wood winds. now with the brasses-
the various motives that underlie the
waves of an ocean OF varying harmonles.
ready to respond TO the touch OF an intel
ligeat conductor. He may not bring forth
the delicacy Of tone that characterizes Mr.
Nikisch's orchestra, nor hurl at his audi
ence the fierce tones which Theodore
Thomas believes TO be Wagnerian, but he
gives US Wagner's music as Wagner could
he speak, would wish II given. subordi-
mating everything to the various emotions
which the orchestra expresses.
The orchestra has "A pure, noble tone
and is admirably constituted-no one part
being strengthened at the expense Of a
other. IL evidently embraces some ad-
mirable musicians. and there 10 percepti-
BILE at tunes a s,ngularlv beautiful oboe
tone. aud the harpist has q mastery hand
Altogether II was o fine concert and one
thai the critical vii, not soon forget.