The San Francisco call., 1896-07-07

ried off its feet, as it were, and showed its
appreciation by applause that was some
times more demonstrative than timely
for nearly every finale was drowned in the
noise of an applauding multitude. 1t
seemed as If the crowded house could not
wait until the curtain was down to express
its satisfaction.
OF course grand opera has been essayed
time and again at the Tlvoli. but grand
opera chortled by artists of operetta is a
thing to be Stunned and avoided by lovers
of lyric art. Last night the genuine article
was given, and people first marveled and
then rejoiced, for they had not expected
so much. The very limit to which their
hopes had scared was to hear the dear old
Lucia di Lammermoor' ground out by
faded, tired artists like the poor Tavary
people.
But there was nothing faded-no trace
of transforming about the principals last
night. On the contrary, their voices were
| fresh and method excellent, and their act
ing much better than one demands or ex-
poets from people in operas as old as
Lucia" And to cap it all, or rather as
! the fundamental basis of good deal of
the success, Gustave Hinricns conducted
| an augmented orchestra with sympathetic
| skill and care for his singers.
! Nine. Louise Natal, as the Lucia, had,
of course, more opportunity than the other
vocalists of distinguishing herself, for
| Lucia" is essentially a prima donna
| opera.
| She quite succeeded in her mission. Dur
| ing the three Lucia acts the admiration
| for her went on increasing in steadily
! growing crescendo till it broke into per-
feet storm of enthusiasm at the end of the
| mad scene.
Nine. Natali has fute-like voice of
| good vibrant quality. Her execution is
charmingly facile, and she has consider
able coloratura, all of which qualities go
/ to make up good Lucia. She entirely
avoided the mistake of trying to make the
part declamatory. Indeed, her singing
was remarkable for its delicacy and finish.
Nine. Natali's acting was intelligent and
! effective, aud Lucia" does not give scope
| for more.
Fernando Michaelena showed such fine
dramatic qualities, both of vocal and stage
methods, that one longed to hear him in a
more modern role. His voice is robust
tenor, of good compass and quality; he
sang all his part well, shining especially
in the recitations.
Signor Mauriel de Vries, the barytone,
has warm, round voice, which he uses
excellently. His acting, like that of the
new principals, was good, and his make
up was so dark and dreadful that even
knew Henry Ashton was villain as soon
as he appeared. Signor Abramoff is still
remem bered as one of the few effective
artists in the Tavary Company last winter.
| He sang Raymond very effectively last
night, completing cast of principals
such as has not been heard in this City for
many long day.
| Between the principals and the compri-
marios there was a great gulf fixed. G.
Napoleoni did fairly well .as Norman,
but poor Arthur Boyce was not up to the
requirement. of the little but important
part OF Buckland, the bridegroom.
In spite of this, however, the sextet was
received with demonstrations of delight
The chorus was not enough a grand
chorus to keep pace with the principals,
but although a little light it did good,
crisp work. Altogether the performance
was a most remarkable one to be given at
regular Tivoh rates. Tonight Lucia"
| will be repeated.