The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-08
LA DAMNATION DE FAUST.
Beautiful Opening Of the May Festival by
the AriOr Club.

Marguerite. ........ .Clemens line De We're Sapio
faust. t.........................N William d. Kiager
Mepbi sto o,..................eig Big. q. Campanari
Brnnner. ..............'.' FRED IL. Marlin
Full chorus. .,....,...................A .Arion Club
The opening concert Of the ArioD Club May
festival last evening was q brilliant success.
Infantry Hall wss filled with audience that
relished the musical feast. entirely controlled
by the more than tws hours Of almost per.
feet melody. Besides the accomplished quar-
tet OF principals. the Arion Club under the
capable direction. of its accomplished leader.
Mr.. Jules Jordan, sang with remarkable
precision and effect. making n superb back.
ground for the artists entrusted with the
pivotal roles The work of the chorus was
especially gratifying TO its friends and sup
porters and IL Was plain TO be seen that the
big local organization was interesting TO the
distinguished professional principals. Mr.
Rieger's attention was given 20 ths fine tenor
force of the chorus. while Sig. Campapari's
critical ear was not offended by the quality
of tho combined bass. These two forces o:
the club had fine opportunity. and ii was
apparently appreciated. The soprsno and
contrato sides were also in good voice and
the combined effect was peculiarly satisfying.
The crescendo passages were rendered with
telling effect while all the work illustrated
the abandon born or confidence.
Berlioz's "La Damnation da Faust" has
been in the hands OF the Ariop Club. hut it
never had SO smooth and satisfactory rem
dsring by the chorus before. Indeed. 10 can
be said that the opera war never better sung
In this city.
Nine. blauvet. who was engaged TO sing
Marguerite, was taken suddenly sick. and
Director Jordan was at his wits end early in
the morning. but Ia short time he had
secured Madame C!emeniine De We're -Sapio,
one of the most accomplished vocalists IN
America, to sing the part. and the music OF
Marguerite was charmingly rendered. There
was no apparent trace Of fatigue after her
sudden and :opg journey. and her beau tiful
voice and consumato vocal art were in dc.
lghtful evidence.
Mr. Rieger's fine tenor had iun scope. and
in some Of tho PASSAGES his strength surprised
the expectations OF many admirers Of this
accomplished lyric artist
Sig. Campsnari's cinr dranati, vocal
power and artistic musical appreciation,
which have made him a prime favori;s on
che operatio stage. were frequently illus.
trated in the generous share OF the singing
allotted TO him. He Gould not refrain from
the impulse to act while on the platform. 1t
made nm added pleasure by its suga. stion.
Mr. Marlin. tfo welIkDown local bosso,
sang his small share With appreciativc skill.
peculiarly delightful part o; tho musical
treat was the playing ~ the orchestra, cum.
possd of members OF tho Boston symphony
1s was complete in every particular.
This evening Nine. Lillian Nordica. the
famous prima Gonna. Miss Gertrude May
Stein, Mr.. Ericsson =. Bushnell DR.. Cla 'rnco
b. Davis, and the Arion Club. urdor tho
asro az nr L. xyii
miscellaneous program TO conclude the May
SaSt{va1