The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-03-08
MUSIC AND MUSICIANS.

The opera season, just closed In New York,
has been an Unprecedented success. both aItis-
tie aud financial. II is acknowledged that the
exceptional excellence of The singers is greater
Than New York, or any other city in the world,
except London, perhaps, has ever seen gath
cred in one organization. The artists have
been gra flied by the plaudIts OF press and pub
lie, given without stint. ana the MANAGEMENT
has taken in the comfortable sum of S550.0OO
during the thirteen weeks of the season. Nine.
Calves performances OF Carmen and Sau-
tuZZa have been the objects of more popular
enthusiasm than any of the other productions.
Nine. Melba, who in Europe is considered the
greatest OF the cOmpany's sopranos, sang for
several weeks without recognition. 1t was her
appearance at the Sunday night concerts, which
led 10 the appreciation of her real abilities. II
goes without saying that Jean de ResZke has
no supei ior among living tenors. Vignas and
De Lucia have met with much favor. 100; and
the bassos, Ed de Reske and PIancon, can
hardly be equaed. Blu: when all the artists
have been so excellent, 1t is almost impossible
10 mention any one especially.
The musical students and critics OF Europe
are devoting much attention TO the task which
Camille Saint-Saens recently set himself of
composing music TO reproduce the tonaity and
style of that USED by the Greeks in their tragic
plays. The French masters effort. which mas
Just been published, was written for Sophoeles'
"Antigoue," which was recently revived at the
Theatre Franchise. A critic thus describes it:
Submissions modes are Greek as the groves
OF Academe or the dialogues OF Plato. His
melodies are remarkable for stern simplicity
and certain plaintive naivete that is very
touching. His cLoruses are written through
out In unison and his orchestra is limited to
flutes, oboes, clarionets and barps, with the
addition Of few stringed instruments to sus-
tain the melodic structure. For his themes
Saint-Saens has utiliZ d several fragments OF
Greek music that have survived"
1t is of en- said that women will never make
great composers. but the European press is
speaking in terms OF the highest praise of a
new lyric drama named "Arahusa" both the
libretto and The music being from the pen of
lady named Nine. de Montgomery, who is al
ready well known for the charming melodies
she has published under the nom de plume of
Tristan Joyeuse. "Aratbusa" which is de-
scrihed as an antique idyl. is founded upon
Andre Chenier's version of VirgiPs pastoral
episode. The subject scarcely seemed TO lend
itself 10 such an Important musical conception
as Nine. de Montgomery has invested 1t with.
but the critics say that In her debut as an ore-
ratio writer she has proved herself to be CON-
poser of great talent The olchestraiion of
"Aiathusa" in particular gives proof OF rare
modern science. The work was received with
immense enthusiasm.
A recent number OF the Paris Figaro con-
talns the following: There Is a law In the
United States which forbIds theatrical represen-
taflons on Sunday. only toleraling sacred music
on hat d y. II is not very severe statute.
however. TO judge by the liberties which, ac-
cording to the following announcement, culled
from Chicago paper. can be taken with IL:
'Theater No. X. To-day, SUNDAY. Grand
Sacred Concert Nine. Theo In Offenbach's
charming operetta, "Ornhee aux Enfers..,
When the law permits of this latitude IN its
INTERPRETATION" adds the Paris paper, 1--WE can
only bow before IL in admiration"
IL Is stated authoritatively that unless the
people OF Chicago go 10 the rescue OF the
Thomas orchestra it viii be disbanded. AT the
last concert all the members of the audience
received notices asking them 10 prevent this
condition OF things by taking associate men,
oerships or by subscribing for season tickets
for the concerts 10 begiu next autumn.
The latest French light opera, lies Forains.p
produced at Les Bouffes Parsiens, makes use
OF the modern craze for the prlze-ring and
kindred amusemenis, known 20 the French As
''le- sport" to give novelty to its plot.