New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-06
MUSIC.
'LOHENGRIN" AT THE OPERA

The representation of "Lohengrn' at the opera
last night might afford texts for several disgust
lions Imprimis, might discourse the popu-
larty of the opera. seeing that there was fine
attendance and respectful (there being a notable
lack Of those gentlemen who other occasions
stand back of the chairs and vociferate Bravo
Tamagno" in season and out. and suggest posi-
BILE disparity between receipts and attendance
then might talk Tor the hundredth time about
the opera. which indeed remains an interesting
topic Notwithstanding that the bloom was taken
from 1t some decades ago; again one might vent
study of the influence of Bayreuth upon
singers whose capacities well known TO the
American public. upon the profound effect Of
German criticism upon that public. But, alas the
last suggestions fiat and Improbable; New
York opera-goers a stiffnecked and perverse
generation, and singer acquires no virtue by
going TO Germany unless he she. the case
may be. learns something from the experience and
makes of IL to the profit and entertainment Of
those who come to hear. There many reasons
which have come 10 the consciousness OF the music
lovers of New-York who keep themselves Informed
about European doings why foreign criticism
should be looked upon with suspicion To
cite a single instance, the principal So
prano Of the Berlin opera at the present
time is woman who was a member OF the Ger
company here some years ago. and failed ut
terly to distinguish herself Lest it be thought that
Tent of Nine. Nordca. however. let us hasten
TO say that while that lady's recent experiences,
with which the newspapers have been made to re
sound. cannot fiji New Workers with awe. 1t may.
and indeed must be said that they have not been
without beneficial influence upon her from whch
the audience last nigh; benefited Bayreuth mas
not supplied the temperamental lack which mas so
often been deplored, when she has essayed the
part of Elsa. but it has taught her much touching
the meaning of the character ana suppled her Win
many excellent technical notions. The iinpefsona-
ton which presented last night was great I'M
provement upon her previous approximations or the
role, but the improvements seemed 10 De lhteHert-
ual not emotional requirements. ana IL can
scarcely be said by her most ardent admirers mat
they were strikngly evident in the nrst act OF the
opera. Afterward she warmed percepubly 10 her
task her voice became truer in pitch ana more
charged with feeling. and II became obvious enough
TO any familiar with the singing OF the German
theatres why her Elsa created sensation last
summer in the Wagnerian capital Inc power OF
sensuous beauty has not been wholly lost sEht OF
even in Germany. where IL Is east often mex WIN
on the whole the representation was an adniiaDc
one VI. Jean de Reszke was In excellent voice.
and he sang most persuasvely and acted IKE an
ideal Knight Of the Grail Signora Manteih- t0o'
OF whom much praise has already been spoken
placed the best performance 10 her record OF whch
We have been privileged TO write. In the character
of Ortrud and NJ. PlanCon was stately ana hopie
King Henry. OF Signor AncOna's IelraInondo II Is
possible speak in terms OF compliment II not or
unqua.ine admiration. the role being IIttic be-
yond his vocal and dramatic horizon.