Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-31
ADJUSTMENTS.


posed Of distinguished men and women. Of
musicians and those who love music, but
who are not technical performers. occupied
nearly every seat in Aliens Grand Opera
House last night, on the occasion of the
opening of the first season Of Wagnerian
opera in this city. The opera was Tam
hauser," one of the most melodious OF
Wagner's compositions, and one which was
written before the full development OF his
particular theories. and has become popu-
lar even with those who may not be class
ed as confirmed Wagnerites. The story Is
one that elicits the sympathy Of the audi
ence and its development is such as to in
crease the interest. The cast last night In
now before the public, and all the roles
were satisfactorily sustained. Two of the
principals stood out in bold relief-Wflhelm
Gruening and Nine. Klafsky. From the
very opening scene, where Tannhauser
seeks his liberation from the tolls of Venus,
to the last act, Mr.. Gruening was adequate
in every respect to the requirements
of the exacting role. He delivered
his lines with passion, tenderness ana ora
matte intensity, as the occasion demanded,
and there was a virile tone In his voice
that was extremely pleasing to listen to-.
He is by far the best exponent Of Tam
hauser that has ever been heard In this
city. Mrs. Klafsky, with her full. rich
powerful voice. completely captured the au-
dience and established herself as artist
of the highest rank in the Interpretation Of
Wagnerian roles. With all its b.gness her
voice has sweetness and a sympathetic
quality that makes it attractive beyond
that Of any German soprano that has sung
here. Both she and Mr.. Gruening are ex-
cellent actors, and the dramatic situations
were given with full force and effect.
Miss EibenschuetZ gained favor Ill the
part Of Venus, her opening solo being es-
pecially well delivered. VIM. Mertens
orf hot
well fitted him and which he interpreted
admirably. Mr.. Stehmann was satisfac-
tory as Landgraf; Miss hatfield was &C
ceptable as the shepherd, and, in fact, all
roles assigned them. The chorus was
large and effective and the orchestra OF
seventy-five performers did splendid work
under the baton Of Mr.. Walter Damrosch.
The opera was excellently staged, the eff
fects being a revelation to those who lad
Only seen the opera in the way it had for
merly been presented in this city. Too
much praise cannot be given Mr.. Damrosch
for the splendid organization he has eff
fected. 1t Is complete in every part, and
not the least is the orchestra. The beau
tiful TannhauseT overture was never bet
ter performed than last night, although
it's enjoyment was marred by the arrival
Of late-comers. The management wish it
to be understood that the overture COM
mences promptly at O'Clock, and hope
that all will endeavor to be in their seats
by that hour.
Tonight 'Lohengrin'' will be given.
Rivarde.-The violinis. Rlvarde, who has
made a decided success in every city where
he has appeared, will be heard in this
city at the coming concert by the Wash
iEgton String Orchestra, of which Mr.
Ernest Lent Is conductor. The playing Of
this performer is compared to that Of Sara
sarte, both as to technique and expression.
He will be accompanied by Anne La
ehaume, the pianist.
Rev. DR.. Rogers Lecture.-Rev. DIR.
Rogers last night at the Church of Our
Father repeated his lecture on Ben HUI"
The church was crowded to the doors and
many people were turned away, those who
succeeded in obtaining seats being treated
to one of the most enjoyable lectures that
has ever been given in that edifice. The
lecture Is an abridgment of the book of
Ben Hur. the most thrilling and interesting
points being illustrated by means of hand
some stereopticon views. Dr. Rogers
manner of delivering his lecture also added
to the effect, his language being forcefal
and eloquent and to the point So great
has been the success of TINS lecture that
1t Is to be again repeated Tuesday and
Wednesday evenings. February II and II,
SO as to give those who were turned away
last evening an opportunity to hear the
instructive. entertaining and interesting
account Of the great work Of which it is
an abstract.