New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-18
MUSIC.
OPENING OF THE OPERA SEASON.


:. &c TO be hoped that no disquisitions will be
..hnr written or spoken to-day on the significant
..c, that - opera season at the Metropolitan
n,ora House had its beginning last night with a
,,e,for,nance Of Verdis "Travata." The wish is
-, . ,niab bic one and grows out OF the conviction
TAT discussion Of all the questions which might
-, raised would neither inure TO the benefit Of the
.crnrse Of Messrs. Damrosch and Ellis nor pro-
,.oe amiability between the patrons OF the opera.
,no are all by right Of birth critics. and entitled
- pronounce opinions. II is large world. In
,b,ch there is still room for many people OF many
minds even though the doctrines OF Nautilus have
~o, been universally accepted; and it is much more
crstifving 10 even the most uncompromising lovers
Of me modern lyric drama as contradistinguished
rom Inc old-fashoned opera. 10 hear great
,-.'st as Nine. Melha sing music 10 which her
.o,ce and manner are adapted than 10 hear her
e,,enpt music for which she lacks both vocal and
Governmental capacity. This Is not to say that
.re music of "TraViata" is wanting in passion.
hitch might have tand has) enlisted most ad-
,irable dramatic talent; but simply that the pub
lie are more willing in operas OF It's class TO be
satisfied with pretty tunes. well phrased and well
uttered by a lovely voice, than they would be IN
work Of the latter-day order in which all the
actors Of a musical drama must cooperate IN
order 10 produce the effect contemplated by
che authors OF book and music. Let II stand
without discussion that many people, and
sr.h gracious came TO hear Nine. Melba
d.
occurrences may say In good conscience that there
was an auspicous opening OF season which is
much too welcome and much too limited in ex-
tent 20 be Quarrelled with The audience was nu-
rnerous much more numerous. indeed than that
q, attendance when Nine. Melba essayed the role
o. Violetta for the first time last season. and II
,ent the evening in obvious enjoyment though II
VAS ANYTHING hut dcmonsrative in its evidences or
gratitude and appreciation. A variety Of reasons
mich, ~ offered in explanation OF this crcum-
s,snce T. was not plain that all were convinced
~ What they had come out 10 see and hear Mem
oy,as Of all sorts of things haunted the minds or
ne listeners and so. while some who kne" what
"a expect accepted the evenings offerings with
latitude and gladness. others II was easy TO see
crseslled their brains 10 and out why famlIiar
voices sounded small and strange emotions found
"a EXPRESSION AS for Nine Melha, leaving out
al comment on the absence OF dramatic sincerity
s-s consequently OF moving power IN her Singing
and the apprehension which came 10 critical listen
~. several times IN the early part OF the even
., that desire 10 be dramatic Is tempting ner
nrwise,v 10 force her voice in the chest register
., ,,s. ~ said that her performance was
,..o,, &, the extreme Her voca!zaton was
:. near perfection ss one can expect 10 heai'
- ro,cs N the medium and higher registers
,avishlnglv beautiful. and her cantilena came
- a benson after the strenuous eHor's OF ~.
-.,,g,ac N disclose an emotion which began with
- ,-,s,s,tv that there was no CHARGE OF develop
,,e,, and consequently none Of change, from pc
Ginning 70 end Also feel disposed TO quarrel
with him and the Doctor and all others VINO sur
rounded the dying Nioletta that At the supreme
,onent they let her fall upon the rug far from her
bed Surely they had all had notice OF her con-
dit,on. and consumptives should not be compelled
70 de 50 But this fear. is a reflection which
might better he avoided belonging In the do
main Of the lyrt, drama, and not that OF the early
verd,an opera Yet Nine. Media sang 80 we'll in
the as, voice nd her voice entrancinsly
heautitul we should have been glad had she been
Permitted 10 die in bed. instead Of the hard floor
After Nine Melha The honors OF the evening be-
.orged % Signor Campanari. who warmed the au-
dience with his "D provenza' and sang everything
anely. Tomorrow night the opera will be Tam
hauser"