The herald., 1896-01-31
AT THE THEATERS

LIS ANGELES THEATER-The personalit,
of the devil has always proved not only al
interesting subject of research, but also g
very convenient figure in literature and art
Goethe's immortal conception of Faus
lends itself naturally to the grand music OF
Gounod. Faust is incomparably the bes
opera the great Frenchman ever produced
Its music is in turn magnificent and ten
der, and in this work the inspiration OF two
great genii finds the best expression. The
English largrage is not the best adapted to
music, aud the translated libretto cannot
be regarded as satisfactory. The produc-
ton of Faust by the Marie Tavary COM
pany last night was considerably cut, the
second scene of the third act and the whole
of the fourth act heing eliminated; never
the less the presentation was eminently
artistic and earned generous plaudits from
the audience, which in point of numbers
was by no means proportionate to The fine
production.
Mile. Anna LIGHTER, whose first season in
grand opera this is, again gave delightful
performance in the part of Marguerite.
The young prima donna has male great
lIIDiSssiOll anu hSi iuetite N'''N NNAf -
is safe to prophesy, will be one of fame.
Mile LIGHTER commands many essentials
of the ideal Marguerite. The delicate
nuances of the pathetic passages in the
opera affords admirable opportunities for
her flexible voice. Rarely, indeed, is the
popular level Song SO faultlessly rendered
as by Mile LIGHTER.
Chevalier Guile achieved another tri-
Il. H.
Salve di Mora, one of the finest tenor songs
ever written. was of course done the fullest
Justice to by NJ Guile, and ii was vociter-
ously encored. The devotion and passion
of the duet o Tender Moon was also eX-
pressed in perfec manner, and here. too,
the voices of the Chevaiier and Mile. Llch-
ter blend in lovely harmony.
The hero, Valentine. found handsome
interpreter in Max Eugene, whose ! ,ng list
of successes with the famous Carl Rosa
Opera company in ENGLAND promises 10 be
repeated on this continent. The tine re-
sources of his voice were well illustrated
in bis dying curse of his sister. Marguerite,
and his work in the concerted pieces was
always admirably artistic. Signor Abram-
Off scarcely fultills the traditions of the
part of Mephstopheles. but this bass role
is one of the most eXacting in opera. he
was loudly applauded for his rendering of
the fine song, Calf of Gold. MIR. ). FL.
Dudley showed to good advantage as Wag-
ner, or. as the role is sometimes charac-
terized, Brander. Madame Tomlins, who
essayed the part of Siebel. is still. owing to
indisposition, unable to do herself full jus
tice. Siebel's beautiful flower song, In the
Language of Love, displayed the rich quail
ity of her voice, and with complete recov-
cry Madame Tomlins may yet give us a
fuller taste of her powers. Madame Ro-
mani's Interpretation of the giddy old
purse, Martha, was quite satisfactory, and
the comedy of the part was well sustained.
The chorus showed to still better advant-
age than in any previous production. The
deft measures of "Light as air at early
were excellently rendered, and
The grand Victory chorus won thoroughly
deserved encore.
Tonight Wagner's great masterpiece,
Lohengrin, will be presented with Madame
Tavary as Elsa, Mr.. VIM. Stephens in the
title role. Max Eugene as Frederick, and
Sgnor Abramoff as King Henry.