Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-01-11
Mr.. Damrosch's New Opera.

The many friends OF MI. waiter
Damrosch in this city will be pleased to
learn that a new opera, 1.-THE Scarlet
Letter. composed by him while he was
in this city last summer has been most
favorably received in New York. The
criticisms of the press of that city are
exceedingly favorable. The Tribune
says:
"The distinguishing feature of the third
concert of the Symphony Society, given
at Carnegie hall last night, was the pro-
duction of an extended fragment OF Mr.
Walter Damroschs opera, 'The Scarlet
Letter" As was to have been expected,
the occasion developed into a cordial and
gracious tribute to the composer, in which
the chorus of the Oratorio Society, which
took part in the performance joined with
the audience. A discussion of the must
cal aspect of the affair can well be post
poned, in the interest of a more careful
and discriminating study that would be
possible now under the circumstances, but
it deserves to be placed on the record that
the reception of the music was extremely
kindly and at times enthusiastic, and that
Mr.. Damrosch was made to feel how
large and warm a place he has in the
hearts of his friends. Between the first
act and the scene from the second there
was slight intcrmission, of which the
Oratorio Society took advantage in order
to present Mr.. Damrosch with large
wreath of laurel with silver bow and
scarlet streamers. Meanwhile the chorus
showcrcd flowers upon him, the orchestra
sounded fanfare and the audience APP
plauded."
The World says the following handsome
compliment to the new opera and its
composer:
"Mr Damrosch has certainly reason to
be proud of his first important appearance
as a composer, as well as of his maiden
operate effort, for as far as could be
Judged from the portions of the opera
heard yesterday on first hearing he has
produced dignifed, powerful and artis-
tic work, impressively and forcefully
dramatic, and one giving abundant and
conclusive evidence of sound scholarship,
solid musical attainments and aptitudes
and the possession of no slight degree of
talent and temperament on the part of
it's composer"
The Sun says: "Thc exciting event of
the occasion was the production lin ora
torio style, without scenery or action) of
Walter Damrosch's opera, 'Thc Scarlet
Letter, written upon the plot of Haw-
thorne's famous story. The libretto,
which is in itself really work of art, is
by George Parsons Lathrop, the well
known writer, who married Hawthorne
daughter. This book of the opera is
a complete and beautiful dramatic poem,
which, however, does not follow exactly
the outlines of the great prose romance
The movement Of the play is quick and
dramatic, its scenes being wildly and
picturesouely described. The lines are
eminently singable, both in rhythm and
in a succession of vowel sounds. Mr..
Lathrop acknowledges the assistance, in
many ways, of the author of the music,
Mr.. Damrosch.
1.-THE Scarlet Letter. judged from a
musical standpoint demonstrates what
those who know of the author, still more
those who know him personally, are quite
ready to give him credit for great talent.
Many parts of the musical writing show
4 power quite astonishing and at all
times is shown a sense of the dramatic
and the intense which is thrilling. In
holiness of invention and method Mr..
Damrosch out Wagners Wagner himself.
Having been brought up from the cradle
on this masters music, it is not strange
that he has adopted all his ideas and
theories. But let no one think from the
foregoing that Mr.. Damrosch has nefar-
iously taken, Incorporated, or otherwise
made use of any of Wagner's themes.
No-the Scarlet Letter is original,
and only the plan of making certain
musical phrases typify certain people,
th;rrs and emotions is followed"