Omaha daily bee., 1895-05-01
MUSIC IN CHICAGO.
Pleasant Recollectlons OF the Abbey Grau
Opera Season OF 90.

Pleasant RecolIections OF the Abbey Grau
Opera Season OF 80.
That all the brilliant singers Of the Metro
politan Opera company may come again Lext
season Is the wish of all who love music and
as matter Of course. there were some dis
appointments and perhaps some occasion for
criticism, but there was also ample reason
for praise. The constellation OF stars did not
differ greatly from those observed in last
seasons armament of song. Calve was miss
Ing and the management said that she was
their bread and butter last year. Neither
was La Sale there, but Tamagno and Maurel
came in their stead. The De Reskes have
been growing so rapidly In art and also In
public esteem that none name them but to
praise. The visit Of Maurel in connection
with the company, was one of the most
interesting features Of the recent season.
Nothing could possibly be finer than his Iago
or his Falstaff. or Melba. Eames, Nordica
and Scalchi it is impossible to speak save in
terms of enthusiasm And then there was
Mantelli, who, though very young. possesses
great dramatic ability and charming voice.
Without doubt she will be heard from in
the front ranks at no distant day. Added to
this list of celebrities were Bauermeister
Mile. de Vigne, NJ Plancon, Ancona and
others OF no small ability.
This we'll balanced organization began the
season in Chicago at the Auditorium, March
II, with Meyerbeer's superb classical work
Les Huguenots,' and closed March 80, with
benefit for Tamagno, when Trovatore was
given. The orchestra was very fair, though
not as good last season, when augmented
by the Thomas orchestra. 1t consisted of
more promiscuous lot this year, brought on
from New York.
The Omaha people will recall our artistic
friend and violinist, Nahan Franko, who held
the responsible position OF concert master
Probably the greatest disappointment was
the failure to give "Die Meistersinger" which
was to have been produced on the Monday
of the last week, but lowing to the inds-
position of Mr.. Jean de Reszke" they gave
Carmen on short notice. with de Lussan as
Bizets heroine. One of our best music
critics of Chicago was heard to say (as to the
way the opera was rendered) that IL might
better have been called "Escamillo and
Michaela!' Ed de Reszke net only took the
baritone part, but sang 1t. and Melba was
Michaeia.
Tuesday evening Of the last week a double
bill was presented, Lucia" with Melba
Bauermeister, Rinaldini and Russitano in
leading parts, and "Cavalleria Rusticana I"
with Heller and Tamagno After the mad
scene Melba received an ovation, having to
appear eight times-and Heller and Tamagno,
both in fine voice, were recalled again and
again.
At the Wednesday matinee Lohengrin was
given, with Nordica and ManteIli, Plancon.
Ancona and Jean de Reszke. Nordica' $
versatility is surprising, she being able to
| eXalt you with the grandeur OF a Wagnerian
heroine, or set you laughing with a playful
ballad. and do both with eOnsummate art and
completeness.
Wednesday evening. in the "Nozze di
Figaro" de Lussan made her best hit, being
compelled to respond to several encores after
| singing ''Voi che Sapete." Her stage pres
! ence is captivating. Thursday evening Verdis
masterpiece, Aida" was given. This opera
| is indeed a most musical and dramatic pro-
| ductlon, and with Its superb stage setting
! and fine ballet 1t weA rare treat. Nordica
was the Ethiopian slave, Tamagno, Radames
| and Ancona, Amonasro. Here Nordiea and
Tamagno displayed to their fullest extent
| their skill as artists, and the duets between
| Aida and Amnerts were fine.
Friday evening Gounod's Romeo and
Juliet" was given In French. This is one
| of the most complete of operas well as
one that has had brilliant success and IL
was not only well sung, but the acting OF
| Jean de Reszke as Romeo and Eames as
| Juliet was superb. Eames is a star of great
prominence and woman of remarkable
beauty and refinement. The duets OF Rom go
and Juliet were great. This opera needs
! acquaintance to be appreciated. The music
Is well worthy the drama, and apropos Of
| the interest taken in our "FenceTs Club, :"
| 1t was most interesting 20 see the de
! ResZkes use their swords-such grace and
skill! They are such giants, and their
| swords seem correspondence long. In
"Romeo and Juliet" where Stephano mile.
de Vigne) starts the quarrel and Mercuti
draws his sword and interrupts the COM
bat Romeo steps between and the tilt be-
comes very exciting and interesting.
! Saturday afternoon Faust was given.
This work gave to Gounod universal fame
and commands a place among the highest
| creations of modern times in the art of
romantic opera. The setting OF the work
| was a dream and the ballet was marvellous
! in graceful effects Mcguire made an ex-
cellent Faust, Ed de Roszke's demoniaeal
MephiStophles is perfect and his fine rendf-
tion OF the calf of GoId." while not a
musical melody. Is so thoroughly dramatic
that II took the audience fairly on rs feet
while his great laugh-two oetaves Ia ex-
| tent-When he eonquers Faust Is thrilling
Melba without a doubt deserves the place