The herald., 1896-02-01
AT THE THEATERS

Los ANGELES TPEATER.-No filter theme
could have been devised for the weird soul
of Wagner, from which to draw inspifa-
tion, than the allegory and mysticism of
the old Saxon legends. To many, even
cultivated Musicians, Wagnerian chords
are like an evil dream. On the other hand,
most learned critics are positive that Wag-
ner's ideas of harmony introduce new
era of music, an evolution to which the
compositions of Handel, Beethoven and
Mendelssohn appear but primitive. The
genius of Wagner is unteniable; but, as is
so often the case. there is a touch of in
sanity in it. 1t may be. of course, that
the ordinary audience is as yet not sane
enough to fully appreciate the music; in
deed. many claim that Wagner came be-
fore the wosld of music was ripe for him.
The story OF LOhengrin deals with the base
tricks of sorcery in opposition to the
noble aims of chiva ry, the pro-
visions against the pure. In such
production as Lohengrin both audience
and actors need to be supper ed by the
best scenic effects, but it is easy to under
stand how impossible it would be for
company like the Marie Tavary, who have
a repertoire of score of operas, to carry
adequate scenery. A larger house than
any previously this week witnessed the
performance last night. 1t would seem,
indeed, that now at the eleventh hour peo.
pie are waking up to the opportunity, the
only one this season, of hearing grand
opera at the Los Angeles theater. 1t must
be acknowledged that the production
evoked but scant enthusiasm; the audi
ence seemed cold and critical. Perhaps
the most faultless feature was the over
ture, but the orchestra's fine effort was re-
ceived with gloomy silence. Herr Martens
had the most difficult task of the week last
night and led with fine skill. On the other
hand the chorus were frequently at fault.
and though they in some measure retrieved
themselves in the bridal song, IL would
seem II ey would profit considerably by
term OF hard study in this opera.
Nine. Tavary was heard to great advan-
tage in the part of Elsa, the difficult music
serving to well display the rich resources
of her voice. The purity, the devotion,
and alas! the curiosity of the character
were well portrayed. 1t was gratifying to
find Nine. Tomins so far recovered as to
render very good account of herself as
Ortrude. There is difficulty in the singers
production OF some of her notes, but she
possesses voice of fine power and rich.
ness. Her histrionic ability in the very
dramatic role was well illustrated. The
part of Lohengrin wes sung by Mr.. VIM.
Stephens, whose first appearance it was
here, he also having been ON the sick list.
Mr.. Stephens has a tenor voice of
much beauty. and one of the charms
OF his singing is his very clear enunciation.
Last night, it must be confessed, in several
instances he sang palpably out of tune,
bur in the swan song and his farewell solo
the fine abilities of his voice we're unques-
tionably proved. The popular baritone,
Max Eugene. again achieved a signal sue
cess as Frederick of Telramund, and King
Henry was we'll represented in the person
nf hrar M Sohn do
an entirely commendable Herald, and the
part. which is almost entirely confined to
recitatve. was admirably rendered. One
of the most delightful numb .rs was the
quintet at the close of the first act, and
the concerted singing of the pr ncipals was
generally excellent. Altogether the per-
formance. though by no means fauitless,
was both interes ing and pleasing.
At the matinee today Ambrose Thomas
tuneful romantic opera, Mignon, will be
given with Mesdames Tavary, Doree, Tom
Inns and Payne Clarke, Max Eugene and
Signor Abramotf in the cast, which, it will
be seen, is an exceptionally strong one.
performance in Verdi's ever popular II
Travatore.
ORPHEUM-Next weeks bill at the Orph-
cum is made up very largely of new peo-
pie. and therefore people who desire to see
such attractions as the Manhattan Comedy
Four, Newell and Sheretti, the De Bolien
brothers and Emmonds, Emmerson and
Emmonds, will find the matinee today and
Sunday favorable opportunities to do so.
Sunday evenings performance will be the
last one at which the Manhattan Comedy
-Four, who have done such pleasing work
here, will appear. Barnard Dyllyn will
render the horseshoe song at both matt.
ness as only Dyllyn can sing it. A special
musical program has been prepared for
the matinees.
r d y
THE BURBANK.--Love and Law will be
given at the matinee this afternoon, and
the reduced matinee prices will prevail.
Adults 25 cents to all parts of the house,
and children 10 cents. Tonight and to-
morrow evening will be the last presenta-
tions of this excellent play, and beginning
Monday evening. Mr.. Mobiles commences
the last week of his engagement in the
famous comsdy-drama, A Man of the Peo-
pie, Mr. Nobies' own dramatization from
that celebrated play, Bertha, the Sewing
Machine Girl. 80