The herald., 1897-10-15
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LOS ANGELES.-It is safe to say that
history was made at this theater last
night by the production for the first time
in the United States of Puccini's La
Boheme," which, without doubt, is
destined to take its place as one of the
most popular operas in existence. The
spontaneous outburst of enthusiasm at
the end of the third act has never been
surpassed in this city. 1t was a mos.
striking tribute to the genius of the
composer ara to the skill of the COM
pany. Puccini's work in La Boheme"
is moulded on original and characteristic
lines, and the variety of emotions dealt
with affords ample proof of remarka-
Bile versatility. The opera abounds with
delicious melodies, and plaintive and
constantly recurring motif leaves an
indelible impression with the listener.
The chorus work Isl slight and is COM
paratively insignificant. with the ex-
ception of the opening of the second
act, which reveals an animated boule
ward scene, with vividly descriptive
music. The most impressive feature Of
the opera is the skillful and beautiful
orchestration, the harmonies of the
strings in many passages being simply
enhancing. Signor Val.:ni. the director
received only an indirect recognition for
his excellent work, and should have
been "a participant of the ovation after
the third act.
The scene is laid in the Latin quarter
of Paris, and the principals are a quar-
tette of students, a consumptive flower
girl and a cocotte. In the first act there
is lively and humorous dialogue be-
tween the tenor, Rudolfo and Marcello,
the leading baritone. A third student
Coleine, joins them and a brilliant but
somewhat bizarre trio follows, sue
ceeded after the entry of the fourth stu
dent by an equally unconventional
quartette. Both the trio and the, quar-
tette portray lively conversation and
are very cleverly elaborated Mimi the
flower girl, beloved of Rudolfo, then
comes on the scene and a delicious due
follows
The second act is remarkab Bile for the
bright and descriptive opening chorus
and a sparkling septet.
The love passages in the third act be-
tween Rudolfo and Mimi are extremely
beautiful, sustained throughout by ex-
quisite accompaniment. The lovers are
joined by Marcello and Musetta, and a
quartette, or more properly speaking a
double duet follows, which is the mas
terpiece of the opera The finale sim
ply transported the audience and the
artists were again and again recalled.
at last responding to an irrepressible
demand for repetition of the delightful
number.
The last act, in accordance with
operate traditions, is painfully tragic
A chapter seems to have been borrowed
from Dumas and Mimi dies a la
Camille. The music is in perfect accord
with the pathos of the scene and the
final duo d'amore between Mimi and
Rudolfo is as tender and moving a pas
sage as has ever been composed.
The versatility of the composer is ad-
mirably illustrated throughout the
opera, the sparkling comedy of the first
two acts, the life parting of the lovers
in the third act and their death parting
in the last being in bold and striking
contrast
Agostini, the tenor, was admirabl
cast as Rudolfo. His sweet, flexible and
expressive voice was heard to excellent
advantage throughout. 1t is not Of so
robust quality as that of the company's
first tenor. Collenz, but it is uniformly
delightful to listen to.
Linda Montanari the soprano, who
with Asostini bore off the chief honors
of veritable triumph, made still bet
ter impression than as Amelia in "Un
Ballo in Maschera." Her whole perform
ance was marked by simplicity and
depth of expression. Her method is
eminently cultivated and easy.
The baritones, Cioni and Francesconi,
both distinguished themselves The
former had the more important part of
Marcello and showed much more discre-
ton than previously in the use of his
grand voice. Cleopatra Vicini made a
dashingly vivacious coquette, and while
she sings in a somewhat jerky manner.
proved valuable factor in the concerted
music. Girazdi, the bass, was quite sat
isfactory as Coleine, and the minor parts
were we'll sus tanned.
The universal verdict of the audience
was that they had enjoyed a delightful
and superbly artistic work admirably
rendered. 1t is sa satisfactory to note that
La Boheme" will be repeated at tomor-
rows matinee Many who heard it las.
night will go again, and no music lover
can afford to miss an unmitigated trea.
For the first time in this engagement
the company last night was able to use
its own scenery and this, added much to
the pleasant effect of the production.
The people of Los Angeles, to Judge by
the increased attendance, are waking
up to the rare opportunity that the en-
gagement of Del Conte's organiza ton
offers. The prediction of the local man
agement that this is the greatest Italian
opera company that has ever visited
California has been thoroughly fulfilled
and it will probably be many long day
before we are similarly favored.
The bill tonight is "Ernani," with
which lovers of opera are much more
familiar than the previous presenta-
tions. 1t is deservedly popular and
should be greeted by large house. The
cast is as follows:
Elvira. .Senorta Nina Mazzi
Giovanna.. .Senorita Olympia Calcagni
Carlos. .Senor Cesare Ciont
Silva. .Senor Giovanni Scolari
Ricardo. do..............Senor Aristide Masiero
Yago.. ..Senor G. Veneziani
Ernani.. .Senor Francesca Collenz