The herald., 1897-12-10
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| That Scalchi is still name to conjure
with was proved by the grand audience
that filled the Los Angeles theater last
night That the evenings enjoyment
was not unal1oyed was mainly due to the
penurious and wholly unsatisfactory ac-
compartment A very mediocre piano
was bad enough support for the artists
in the first part Of the program, but
when the carefully arranged orchestra
chairs still remained vacant for the pro-
ductions Of acts from Martha" and al
Trovatore," one had to resign oneself to
half furnished feast.
| Anyone who neglects to hear Scalchi
misses not only an essential opportunity
of musical education, but the enjoyment
of voice which will be written in his
tory as the greatest contralto of the
age. Her tones are tremendous, her
art Is consummate. An ovation awaited
the great artist, which her splendid
reputation, of course, prepared, but
which also she at once fully justified.
The delightful cavatna, "Nobil Sig
nor" from LES Huguenots," was
ideally rendered, and then she generous
ly gave both Tostis "Serenade" and Sui
livan's Lost Chord"
Mile. du Bedat, mezzo soprano of
light but pleasing quality, with highly
cultivated method, opened the program
with Rossini's Una Voce POGO Fa,"
and scored deserved success with diff
f1cult display Of bravura at the close Of
the first part.
| A most ill-starred opening was in store
for Mr.. Mcqueen. He strayed shock
ingly off the key in the first part of
Balfe's favorite' aria but quickly re-
covered himself. and gave a much more
satisfactory rendering of la Donna e
Mobile" from "Rigoletto" as an en-
core. One Is inclined to think, Judging
from the lavish encomiums that have
been showered on Mr.. Mcqueen else
where, that he did not do himself JUS
tice last night.
Signor Alberti is we'll known and ap-
preciated by the Los Angeles public and
he thoroughly emphasized his previous
success at the Orpheum here by his
consistently meritorious work. He is an
accomplished actor and the master of
splendidly rich baritone. His greatest
triumph last night was the rendering of
ID Provenza," from ''Traviata," which
was given as an encore to the Toreador
song.
The genuine and delightful surprise of
the evening was found in the singing of
the soprano, Mile. Toulinguet. The
stupendous exactions of "Ah Fors Lui'
were met with charming facility, every
note ringing out clear, firm and true.
Toulinguet, as soon as she can acquire
more dramatic force, has future Of
great possibilities before her.
The second act Of Martha" formed
the second part of the program. with
Scalchi, Toulinguet, Mcqueen and AL
berti. who also filed the cast for the
production of the fourth act Of I'll
Trovatore." AS has already been said.
the single and poor piano proved a
ridiculously inadequate accompaniment
and detracted considerably from the en-
joyment Of the vocal treat. McOueen's
Manrico was but poor performance in
comparison with that Of Collenz of the
1tallan opera company, which must
still be fresh In the memories of many.
Mile. Toulinguet, by the end of the ex-
hausting program, had essayed too much
and was hardly equal to the exactions of
the prison scene of I'll Trovatore," al
though goth Leonora and Manrico were
treated to an enthusiastic recall AL
bertfs virile acting was invaluable in
both selections, while Scalchi. of course.
fulfilled all the requirements Of operate
art.
A still finer program has been pre-
pared for the second concert this evening
ana promises musical treat that none
can AFFORD to miss 1t is as follows;
| PART
l. Aria' Son Virgine Vizzosa (PuritanD
| '''''...'.... ......................... ..Bellfni
Mile. Marie du Bedat.
z. Aria, M'Appari (Martha). .Flotow
Mr.. Thomas Mcqueen.
3. Aria, Roberto II (Diavolo) i. .Meyerbeer
| Mlle Toulinguet.
=. Romanza, Dio Passento (Faust) .Gounod
Signor Albert.
8. (a) Ornando te lieta (FausD. :. .Gounod
| (b) Gavotte (Mignon) Thomas
Nine. Sofia Scalchi.
6. Song, "Going to Kildare. Newton
| Mile. Marie du Bedat.
Z. Quartet Rigoletto) Verdi
| PART II
A complete performance of the third act of
| Gounod's Faust
Marguerite ...............Mlle. Toulinguet
| FauSt ....................... Mr.. MCQUEEN
|