The record-union., 1896-12-24

Messrs. Dunbar, Lift, Langlois, Clayton
and Brandt. Mr.. Dunbar, who has not
been heard to so good advantage in the
previous operas, was especially happy
in the Barcarole, in the chamber song
and in an interpolated song, "A Brigand
Bold for all of which he received such
appreciative encores as must have sat
isfied his vanity. Miss Johnson was at
her best in voice, action and expression
as Zerlina. Notably well sung by her
was the Here on Rock Reclining,
delicate in its shadings and rich in har-
monic results. Throughout the opera
she sang as if moved by an informing
spirit: she breathed the thought of the
composer, apparently losing her person
ality in the romantic part assumed, yet
manifestly using with studied skill the
technical arts of the confident artist
Felch and Lift as Fra Diavolo's fol-
lowers were inimitable, leaving nothing
wanting in comedy action, or any OF the
arts of perSonation, and singing with
spirit and trueness entirely satisfying.
Miss Carle as Lady AllcaSh was charm
ing in dramatic work, and while the
role calls but lightly upon her rich and
expressive contralto, so much as was
demanded was sung with the taste, feel
ing and grace of an accomplished and
painstaking artist Mr.. Langlois fitted
into the part of the Captain of the
Carbineers well and sang with depth
of feeling that he has not been able to
manifest heretofore so we'll. The chorus
work was superior throughout; it was
not lavish expenditure of lung power,
but artistic use of cultivated ability.
All in all it was a charmingly sung
opera. and the concentrations of the
auditors We're warm and unstlnted
There was perfect familiarity with the
music by the company fluent and har-
monious work by all the singers and
dramatic intensity and earneStnesS
throughout that was in happy keeping
with the harmonious combination of
tones. the precision of attack and unity
in time necessary to the attainment OF
satisfying results. 1t made very little
difference to the auditors and appeared
to make none to the singers, that the
orchestra is not full one. 1t is GER
tairly correct and letter perfect in its
work. and at least does not drown
out" as is frequently done some of the
best effects of the vocal work. The
business has not warranted the filling
of the orchestra, though the prices are
lower than opera has ever been given
here for. 1t has made very poor show
ing at the box office thus far, and
means loss to both arrangements. IL
cannot be that the limited but we'll di-
rected orchestra has had this effect
since the business Monday night, the
occasion of the first appearance or the
troupe. when it was not known that
there would not be a full orchestra was
about the same that it has been each
night since. Lovers of light opera by
so fine a company as is this might Well
be content to hear it with no more than
piano accompaniment. In fact, the eV1-
dent independence of these twenty-siX
singers of orchestral support, is one of
the best evidences of the merit and
canacitv. Tonight THE Black HuS-
sar." 1t ought TO draw a full house,
for it is one of the best works on the
extended repertoire of the company.
At the Clunie Opera house this even
ing the stock company in the rafting
comedy Confusion" in which MAJ
Goodwin won his laurels. It will be fol-
lowed by Baby Lola in specialties. and
by Troibert, the very skillful sleight of
hand performer and worker in modern
magic. Then comes Kaoly, the great
acrobat, who has never been equaled
here in the feats he accomphshes with
such ease and grace. This quadruple
entertainment is one that ought to sat
isfy those who wish variety and excel
lence at the Opera-house.
The Christmas dinner fund for the
poor was not much sWelled by the mat
inee benefit at the Opera house yester-
day afternoon. The receipts We're a
single dime less than $40, a result that
was mortifying TO the ladies and gem
tlemen who so generously and in such
a fine spirit gave their services, which
constitute their capital, and is all they
can afford to give in charity. 1t was
not less mortifying to the manage
ment, which donated the use Of the
house, and the same is to be said of all
others who gave their services and of
their goods. 1t is to be said, however,
that a Wednesday ma tinee just before
Christmas Day, with every business
man busy in unusual degree, the schools
open. and families actively engaged in
preparing for Christmas eve and day,
was not an opportune time for dra-
matte matinee, even when the purpose
was 50 praiseworthy and the offer SO
eraOerolIS and InSalfiSh.