The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-04-20
kNUSEMENTA
The Psrferua,ee OF "verthsr- .t the
M-trspoiitaa Op.r. Heu,e.

TIE Psrfer-,see OF "wsrthsr- q the
M-trspoiitaa Op y. Heu,e.
The long-promised "werther." Msssenees
latest work. was performed last evening In the
Metropolitan before q brilliant audience.
which was keyed to the highest pitch OF inter-
est and excitement. Reports Of its successful
production few weeks ago in Chicago had
reached our public. and expectation was on
tlptoe and prejudice fully turned In favor OF
the new opera.
The results Of It's first representation here
fully Justify whatever praise has already been
accorded 1t. Beautiful stage mounting. Of an
elaborate and artistic character. about which
no Pains have been spared to preserve the
unities, so that house furniture and dec
orations. even to an old spinet all Der
fectly In accord. assist the ultimate end OF
charm and Illusion. The snow sce1s at the be-
ginning OF the fourth act IL realistic and
attractive in . superlaeve degree. while
the opening one. showing the house
and garden OF Chdr1ottes father, with
groups OF pretty children frolickins about
under the trees. is a strong reminder Of the
nrst act Of Olivia" as played by Henry Irving.
The dressing OF every artist In the small cast
Is equally in keeping with the fashion Of the
time In vhich the story IL laiS. the year
1ISO. or thereabouts. Charlotte second
costume 70 quaint almost to ugliuess.
beauty OF feature and grace o, motion to neu-
traize its unbecomir gness. Nothing could be
Chariot and her brothers and SISTERS 10 whom
tssr look. on with admirAtion. growing into
Any li6retto which half followed Goethes
powerful story 10 its barest outlines must be q
been fortunate in this one. which has
the names Of three coilahorators upon ii
n Edouard BlAu. Paul MLllst. and Georges
Hartmann. There pOWerful DOiats in
the book. notably an eloquent defence Of sui
eide s Which Is both sonyine!ng and eonsolinS;
.sn.ts hixhEy coIored dram attic iIlas,rasion q
simply. they are less than half as moving
I'll. Is commentary which can surely be
nrst hearing there are frequently heard
long. dr.a.y wastes OF aDbarentIy aim
m-iody nor rnythm. nor rs variety 'n Of
orshsssration TO eonpensats for seeming
tSs ; Ss 1 srS HT.ts
verdant Races flied with lie and sunshine
as his share; Every time that this hero opens
his mouth, IKE the princess in the Old Hairy
from 1t. Movement rhythm. emotion. gorgeous
administration. and grand climaxes are the
Next to his the most i'm poEtant and finest
music lies In Chor'Otts's rjle: Eames. however.
And after the two prIneiSsi chaSseters Zones COMES
that OF Sophis. who l. ali youth and sunshine
Rnd brightness. The opera grad uAlly discards
the lesser roles and narrows down. conceu-
trating upon really great love duet and the
Grand tragedy at the end, leaviI 9 Foleiy In the
mind vivid impression OF the two lovers.
thrown out iato strong rel ef upon the rrmem-
bered background OF tn. two homes those OF |
her father AMI her husband. which CEarlods |
ha! IN turn inhsrite(, and the pretty children
singing their carol Noe"
Werther Is absolutely In the modern style !
o. p?ssionate. exciting. extravicantiy emo |
touAl operas. While on first hear |
ing It Is dificult to place il exactly
yet i. Is surely = valuable addition
and well worth listening 30 more than once. |
For that reason IL IL to be hoped New Workers |
may tnd It UPON the Metgopolitan's list for |
next week in place OF one, " the IAded |
For Jean de kesZke 4 1, a superb |
opportunity. Of which he n axes the best posi- |
bic use. His staging and acting both were mag /
niheent. it's SAID that nassenet wrote the oIera 1
for him, and everything points to this conrlu-
sion. Sothics; could suit him better than this
music He Is. Of course. the central figure
and a noble one he makes. The management
may bs congratulAtel On so successful = per-
formanca. Ii was gala night. in which
Covers snd app! ause Ind enthusiasm went. as
u hand in hand.