The herald., 1897-10-29
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LOS ANGELES.-It is the correct
thing nowadays to decry Donizetti's mu-
sic. to admit it's tunefulness but to
point out it's comparative inanity.
Nevertheless Lucia di Lammermoor"
has still warm corner in the hearts of
the music-loving public; it's airs are
easily assimilated, the main construc-
ton is simple, and the powerfully de-
veloped climaxes are of an Ineligible
character. If the opera in its entirety is
somewhat uninteresting to cultivated
musicians, there are at least two num-
bers that stand out pre- eminently and
gloriously. The rest of Lucia" may
wane but the magnificent sextet in the
second act is an inspiration that will
gladden. many generations. So, too, the
Tomb song in the last act is not merely
criterion for tenors but splendid and
original expression. The keynote of
Lucia" is sorrowful but it's movements
are never monotonous.
1t was expected that this popular bill
would attract crowded house; but the
musical public of this city is either past
praying for or is past paying for it's
enjoyment. The upper parts of the
house We're, as usual, we'll filed. but the
fashionable parquet was only thinly oc-
cupied. The grand rendering of the
glorious sextet was alone worth going
many miles to hear. 1t was received
with a tremendous burst of enthusiasm
and was of course repeated.
Collenz was in every way better in
the Tomb song than at any previous
performance. possibly excepting 1
Do er1i Ilxr Ia IL,
discarded the unfortunate modulations
to which he is addicted and the result
was beautiful and most finished rem
derng of the grand aria. His concep-
tion of the heroic role of Edgar was a
great performance throughout.
Vicini entirely captivated her audi
ence. perhaps as much by personal
grace and charm as by her singing. Not
that the sprightly little soprano did not
do full justice to the florid exigencies of
the role of Lucia, but her voice is of
an unsatisfactory quality. Her singing
was exceptionally skillful, but her tones
are thin. The mad song is tremend-
Gus ordeal for any soprano. and it's
elaborate artificialities. gymnastics Of
vocalization. were met with consum-
mate art. Vicini is deservedly popu-
lar favorite and her piece de resistance
was literally redemanded.
Francesconi, who took the place of
Cioni as Sir Henry. was in very fine voice
and gave both "Cruda, Funesta Sma-
MIA" and La Pietade" with good effect.
The baritone and Vicini also achieved a
signal success in the dramatic duet lie
Tradirmi."
Girardi made another very creditable
appearance, but Masiero was neither in
voice nor action equal to his part.
The male part of the chorus had evil
IDENTIFY been carefully drilled and was
fairly successful. The orchestra, as
the whole performance was a great
credit to the earnest and faithful work
of the maestro, Vallini.
Tonight the bill is LA Favorita," "
which promises to be an exceptional
treat in that the cast includes Fanton
whose splendid voice has been heard
all too seldom, Cioni and Agostini.
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The San Francisco Chronicle of Tues
day last published pictures of -four OF
the principals of the Italian Opera COM
pany"-Cioni, Girardi, Collenz and Sig
norma Palacio. The first three are now
we'll known to Los Angeles, although un-
happily Girardi has fallen victim to
typhoid fever, but who is Signorina
Palacio? We have heard and enjoyed
Mazzi, Montonari and Fanton, but Pal
acio must be a treat reserved for Sar
Francisco.
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The sale of seats for "Under the Rec
Robe" which is to be presented at the
Los Angeles next Wednesday, com.
mences this morning.