Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-27
AMUSEMENTs.

The WAGNER CoScKRr.-Of the large audi
ence that completely filed Metzerott Music
Hall last night less than one-half fully under
stood and appreciated the full beauty of the
wonderful tone pictures Of the great German
composer. as illustrated by Anton Seidl and his
superb orchestra, assisted by generally COM
petent corps Of singers. This minority Of really
appreciative listeners. however. were pro-
nounced in their recognition OF the remarkably
effective work, both by the instrumental and
vocal performers, and they communicated their
own enthusiasm to their less responsive neigh
bors, SO that all applaude at the right time.
and to an unobservant person it appeared that
the whole house was worshping at the shrine
Of Wagner. The truth is that Washington has
had an opportunity to hear comparatively little
Of the latest works OF that composer. and many
who are lovers of music. and some who are
good musicians, have but little comprehen-
sion OF the real beauties Of the great music
dramas on which Wagner expected his reputs-
ton a composer to rest. Because these
works are music dramas they should first be
heard surrounded by scenery and stage effects,
with full orchestra, skilled soloists and complete
chorus. Then the spell of Wagner's genius
impresses the listener and be becomes an ardent
admirer and advocate of the music OF the
future" Heard in a concert room, however,
even interpreted by Seidl orchestra. an entire
evening Of Wagner gives the average concert
goer, If he is honest in the expression OF his
feelings. sort Of musical dyspepsia. Unless
he has heard the selections previously under the
glamour of mastery stage effect, rs has been sug
gested above or has carefully studied them in
the quiet of his closet. he listens to a maze of
tone effects. exhibiting, of course. the com.
poser's wonderful knowledge Of the resources
Of an orchestra, but he waits in vain for strains
Of melody to satisfy his and quicken his
sensibiities. When he does get a few bars of
a melodic theme he finds his enjoyment rudely
interrupted by the Drawing OF the brasses or a
ponderous crash that offends tine ca and con-
POUNDS the understanding. Tins much for the
large number of those who were at the concert
last night. but whose enjoyment neither
complete nor satisfactory.
The work of Mr.. Seidl's orchestra, both in
the numbers in which it the complete ex-
ponent and in its Accomplishments, is worthy of
only the highest praise. 1t was completely I'M
der the control Of its mastery conductor, and
at no time was there any uncertainty as TO its
perfect comprehension Of the score or its abil-
ity to intelligently interpret the composers
meaning. The selections from ''Lohengrin,"
The Siegfried Idyl' aud The Good Friday
SPELL from "Parsifal" were all performed with
a nicely of phrasing and perfection of detail
that exceeded anything ever heard here before.
The vocal numbers that were most attractive
were those from "Lohengrin," which were
thoroughly familiar to the entire audience, the
quintet from 1.-The Meistersingers'' and the
grand scene of the Valkyries from
The Walkure." In the first Misses Juch.
raprls ana stem were all thoroughly satis-
factory, Miss Juch being particularly in splendid
voice and increasing her popularity with the
Washington public. Miss Rathbone, Of whom
30 much had been expected, proved a decided
disappointment Her voice was by no means
equal to the requirements of Isolde, being de-
ficient in volume and thin and sharp in tone.
The ''Walkure" number was given in the most
spirited manner and elected emphatic applause,
even though it was the conclusion Of the pro-
gram. 1t lis hoped that Mr. Seidl will again be
heard here this season and that next year he
will arrange for regular series OF concerts.
He can do good Wagner missionary work in
this city.