St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-01-11
ART SCARCELY LESS THAN Do
HIS TRAGIC OPERAS.
HERE THE CLEAN OF GAYETY
SPARKLES IN IT'S MEASURES A
RIPPING MELODY THAT EX.
PRESSES ONLY JOY.
Displays His Skill Perhaps Bet
ter Than the First.

die Meistersinger," Richard Way
ner's only comic opera, was heard at
the Metropolitan opera house last
night. The audience was larger than
that Of the previous evening. as the
balcony and gallery were not only
filled, but every seat on the ground
floor. excepting, perhaps, a bare half
dozen, was occupied.
In producing Die Meistersinger"
with the fidelity that characterized
the performance last night, the Dam
rosch Opera company conferred upon
the opera-loving public a boon-the
price of admission notwithstanding.
The lovers of Wagner will admit this
almost before it is said. but 1 am con-
hdent that many music worshipers,
who perhaps have heretofore neglected
the shrine of Richard Wagner, discov-
cred a wealth of music in this COM
poser's work last night, which they
had not dream't of in their philoso-
ply"
The story of "Die Meistersinger' is
original and unique. It's motif is music
In every sense of the word. The young
lover who would gain the hand of his
sweet heart must win it by superior ex-
cellence in the composition of a song
beth words and music. That song
forms the theme of the opera It's eX-
quisite melody winds through the sur
rounding abundance of song and instru-
mentation, until the final outburst,
when the lover sings it at a public gath
ering in it's perfected form. 1t capti-
Yates the populace, and Walter is
awarded the prize, greatly to the dis
comforture of his rival, one Beckmess-
er, musical pedant, who marks with
strokes the faults of all aspirants for
the distinction of "meistersinger
Words are utterly inadequate to de-
scribe the ornate, exquisite, elaborate
orchestration Of this opera. Wagner's
| characteristic adaptation Of instrument
tation to the expression of human emo
ton has been the cause of much con-
troVersy between his ardent support
ers and those who insist that music
cannot per Sc be made expressive Of
any definite emotion desired. These OPP
ponents of the descriptive school admit
that the difference between quick
step and a funeral march may be indi-
Gated by the music. But they insist
that single strain of melody might
reveal to two hearers two entirely diff
ferent pictures.
However this may be, certain it Is
that the music of Die Meistersinger"
sparkles with the CLEAN Of gayety. The
strings are especially inspiring, such
animated and dashing phrases illumin-
ate many passages of the opera. AS
upon the previous evening, the orches-
ira, under the direction of Walter Dam
rosch, acquitted itself brilliantly This
young man is worthy Of his illustrious
father. He cannot merit higher trib-
ute.
die Meistersinger" is a satire upon
the musical pedagogueS and malcon-
tents Of Wagner'S time, who invariably
disparaged every exhibition Of genius
that made its appearance. InaSmuch as
the recitative is often quite amusing
and occasionally witty, those who I'M
derStand the German language appre-
Grated the opera more keenly than the
others, which is not necessarily the case
III tragic opera, where the action always
explains the words.
The magnificent quintette at the close
or the first scene of the third act
aroused the greatest enthusiasm of the
evening.
The understanding of the perform
ance was practically insured however
by well-arranged synopsis of the
story which appeared in the pro-
gramme.
The company again distinguished it.
the most exacting and exhausting
work, was that contributed by Herr
Emil Fischer, the well-known basso
whose popularity is wholly deserved
Mr.. Fischer is an admirable artist. He
is so thoroughly adequate, vigorous
and satisfying. 1t was an unalloyed
delight to hear his resonant voice pour
out the rich melodies and resounding
recitatives that belong to Hans Sachs,
the musical shoemaker or "Cobbler
Bard" as he is sometimes called. Mr.
Fischer's acting was excellent, his
singing very effective, and his entire
bearing in perfect keeping with the
character
Herr Berthald. who sang the role Of
Walter, in consequence of the indispo-
sition of Herr Gruening, acquitted him
self very creditably He sang with
fine expression and scored a most en-
phatic triumph in the prize song in
the last act
Herr Stehmann was satisfactory in
the role of Sixtus Beckmesser, the
pedant musician, acting it very we'll.
and Herr Behrens was entirely equal
to the demands of Veit Pogner.
Fraulein Louise Mulder invested the
role of Eva with a gentle refinement
and sweetness quite in keeping with it.
Fraulein Mulder has resonant So
prano voice of a liquid quality most eff
fectiVe in the upper register. Frauleins
Maurer and hatfield gave satisfaction
in minor characters. F. G. H.
This afternoon, ''Tannhauser"
This evening, die Walkure.'
D. w. Truss G. Co.'S Opera company will
play an engagement of four nights and
Wednesday matinee MpfrOnO1itan