The herald., 1897-10-14
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LOS ANGELES-Torrersts Of rain
could rot dampen the enthusiasm of
the music-lovers who appreciate the
rare treat that the engagement OF the
Italian Opera company affords, but II is
a significant fact that it was the upper
parts of the house that were well filled
last night, while the aristocratic and
| presumably cultured, element was main
ly conspicuous by its absence.
The distinctly favorable impression
created by the production of La Gio-
conda" was thoroughly confirmed by
| last nights performance. Del Conte's S
organization is undoubtedly very
strong one from musical point ofview,
and with closer intimacy with the
modern requirements of the American
stage the company is bound to achieve
pronounced success.
"Un Ballo in Maschera" (the Masked
Bald one of the masterpieces of the
grand old man of Italian opera, Verdi.
was the bill last night. Although ii is
somewhat uneven work, compara-
lively uaMn Interesting and tame passages
intervening. there is sufficient brilliance
in many of the measures, particularly in
libretto has had a hard fate. Political
exigences at the time of its production
1859, necessitated a change OF scene
from Europe to massachusetts,, ard the
successors of editors since has mutlat-
ed, it's contour. The natural tendency
to return to original surroundings is
demonstrated until it is entirely ridicu-
lous to declare on the program that the
scee,e is laid in Boston, that two Of the
corSpirators who have admira BILE pink
ard white compeXions. wear Van Dyke
boards, poiut lace and Goublet and hose
are negroes and to ask an audience to
swallow number of other astounding
incongrutes The argument needs
careful revision. The search for those
negroes last night was worse thar, the
HeralG's cryptogram.
The production revealed the great
vocal resources of the company. Some
hints had been given as to the remark
able talent and art of the tenor, Senior
Collenz. The most sanguis.e expecta-
ton could hardly have been disappoint-
ed. Collerz. who sang Ricardo. "the
governor of Boston," is gifted, with a
voice of magnificent proportions. He is
young and has a good deal to learn.
When he gives his voice full freedom
the effect is unexceptior,a but in
piano passages he has trick OF singing
through his teeth, which detracts con-
siderably from the natuIal beauty Of
his tones. He is evidently absorbed in
his art and shows much promise OF de-
veloping htstronic ability.
The soprano, Linda Montarari, who
also made her debut last night, under
took the role of Amelia, the secretary's
wife. who. of course, is in love with
Ricardo. Mile Montarari fairly shared
the honors with Collenz. Her voice is
of great power and resource, always
true and only occasionally shrill. Her
solo and duo with Collenz in the third
act, Miami" won rapturous applause.
Renato, the governor, was sung by
Luigi Francesconi, another discovery
in the wealth of the company. He has
a full, rich barytone and keeps it in ad-
mirable control He would score great
er success if as an actor he did not exer-
else quite so much restraint and occa-
sonally contrived to unbend.
Senorita Frances ability was paid
tribute to in the review of La Giocon-
da" Last night as Ulrica, the sorceress
(but not a negreSs), she added to her
laurels. Mile c. Vicini made very
sprightly page and sang the recitatives
and florid music of her part with capital
results. Signors Girardi and Veneziani
proved a satisfactory pair Of courtly con-
spirators and ably supported the ILL
starred secretary.
The orchestra and chorus again con-
tributed much to the artistic success Of
the production. Vallini, the director,
Is to be congratulated on the precision
Of attack, the excellent balance and the
full and pleasing effects. The chorus,
however, might, with advantage. pay
more attention to nuances, and the
orchestra occasionally needs more re-
straint In fact, there is a tendency
throughout the company to prematurely
explode all their forces. Climaxes are
doubly effective if the starts have been
made with discretion.
The first production in this city of
Puccini's grand opera La Boheme," "
which has proved a signal success in
Europe, will be the attraction this even
ing The opera had it's initial perform
ance at Turin, Italy, in February, 1896.
The cast tonight is strong one.
The management has remedied the de-
feet previously complained of by insert
ing on the program the argument of the
opera, and this desirable practice will
be continued throughout the engage
ment. Manager Wyatt explains that
it is only by regrettable accident that
the librettos of the operas performed are
not to be procured at the theater.