Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-02-23
ADJUSTMENTS.

VerdPs "Otello."-An audience not quite
so large in numbers, but far more demon
strative in its enthusiasm, assembled in
the Grand Opera House last night, the sec
ond in the all too brief season of Italian
opera. 1t was Italian opera last night too.
for the attraction was Verdi's "Otello,"
heard for the first time in this city. When
Verdi began to feel the influence OF the
modern school of music he turned from
purely romantic themes and sought those
affording greater action, more intense feel
evidence of his change Of thought and
method, and then came "Otello," and more
recently "Falstaff.'" Aida has been sung
here many times, but last night was the
In Washington. and it is to be regretted
that Mr.. Abbey did not give 'Falstaf' at
one of this seasons performances. How
ever, 1T is to be hoped that the success of
this splendid company may induce longer
stay the next time it comes here. 1t takes
a company fully as great and complete as
that of Mr.. Abbey to properly present
"Otello," for not only must the three lead
ing characters have good singers, but ac-
tors we'll.
Interest centered last night In Tamagno,
who sang the title role. 1t is unusual to
expect q tenor to possess high dramatic
powers, but in Tamagno they are develop
ed in an eminent degree. His voice seems
to be limitleSs as to range and power, and
1t has a vibrant quality that in it's more
intense and passionate work thrills the
nearer. 1t pulses with his action and COM
pels admiration. From his first appear
ance, when he queled the quarrel and dis
missed Cassie, until the last mournful wall
of remorse at the murder of his wife and
the suicidal close of his own life. Tamagno
held the attention of his audience and
dominated the stage when he was present.
Hardly less glorious was the work of
Maurel, the great baritone, as 1ago. He
. ,ha,. ootz oil fhn pv-,ftH nx-r,fa
ism and villainy that 1t demanded and
proved himself a thorough and artistic
actor. He sang the music in excellent
method and spirit, and his rich, resonant
voice, although it is past its prime and is
rather weak in the extremes, filled the
ear in the most grateful manner. He and
Tamagno are the two best actors that have
ever been seen on the operate stage here,
and both seem peculiarly fitted for the
respective roles they assumed last night.
Nine Emma Eames' Desdemona was an
ideal representation. She is beautiful
woman, and she looked to perfection the
Yer titan maiden, who turned from all the
suitors of her own social circle. and lavish
ed the wealth of her affection upon the
Moorish general. She sang the part -ex-
quisitely, using her pure and sympathetic
soprano with Consummate skill and effect.
W hen she was here in concert last spring
there were those who felt that she lacked
feeling and sympathy in her work, but
III ose who heard her last night could bring
no such accusation. for throughout every
note was true, sympathetic and artistic.
Perhaps the best individual work Nine.
Eames did was the Ave Maria" in the
last act.
Nine. MantellI's Emilia and NJ. Maui
guiere's Cassie were both eXcellently sung
and acted and the well trained chorus sus-
taiped its part with good effect. The or
che stration in "Otello" is rich in melodic
and dramatic effects. and it's beauties were
fully brought out by the force under Sig.
Mancinelli's control.
Altogether the opera was even more en-
toyable than that of the previous night, for
the work had the charm of novelty, and it
was thoroughly Italian in flavor. People
went to hear Italian opera by an Italian
company and they got it. Washingtonians