New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-24
MUSIC.
'LoHENcRIN" AT THE OPERA

TIE management CT the opera must think ITSELF
fortunate, In view ~ the prevalent and all-per-
vading grip and throat and lung DESTROYING
weather OF the last few DAYS to escape WIFI tba
necessity OF ONLY important substitution in a.,
operate performance That is the record that at
taches to last nights production OF "Iohengrin'
tie nrst OF the present season: though II seemed
after II had begun. as II further substitution or a
change OF bill had been narrowly averted II was
in Its broader outlines performance Of sumptuous
beauty. ana OF imrressiveness in externals and
In most Of its essential musical clements tina.
opera-goers In past years have become accustomed
10 Mach OF II was familiar too Nine Eamess
e1trancingly lovely mpersonation Of Elsa NJ Ed
Guard de Reszke's singing Of the King and Mr. Bis
pham's 81 Telramund have become integral and es-
sental parts OF recent memories Of Waener's onera
in New-fork Herr Van Dyck had been set down as
the Lohengrin. but disaster had overtaken his
vocal organs-it was said. because OF a too great
easerness on his part to rcappear after his ndispo-
sition In the first weeks Of the season NJ Edouard
de Reszke was also by no means In his usual voice.
and showed traces Of the New-York climates ma
ngnant work In the occasional nasal quality and
mirabile dictu'-thc occasional falling from the
pitch with which he sang the music allotted 70
King Heinrich. Herr DIPPED filled the role OF I.o-
hengrfn. and the audience able find album
dant consolation for the necessity that substituted
him Tor Herr Van Dyck He in fine voice. and
rang with a fervor and youthful energy that were
paired with his youthful and vigorous person
atty Herr DIPPED reproduced the romantic and
passionate elements Of the character with
viction and embodies II in n attractive image
80 far as outward appearance goes. 1t is in the
eubtler and lofter mystical attributes of the
en-sent hero that OF the essence OF the char
aoter' N the highest sense that he falls short.
His Is a Lohengrn that commands sympathy and
interes: chiefly on its material side Nine Games
sang In beautiful voice, and in appearance was Of the
inehable grace and beauty that she has long since
made familiar in this part. Mr. Bispham's Tel
r r1uDd is also known and admired lis
uresque and savage strength and the variety and
color Of his singing. Nine. Messlinger made he-
frst appearance Ortrude with Mr.. Grau's forces.
though she is by no means stranger TO this pub
lie by reason Of her appearance with the German
company OF the former regime az the Opera House
and in less important performances since She
the weak spot In the perfor nance; for though
she evidently has intelligent conception OF the
part. her resources OF voice not sufficient to
enable her bring II full realization. Her
voice sounded strident AMI frequently sharp.
Herr Mnhlmann the Herald. and gave much
better account Of himself than representatives Of
this part wont to do
Herr Schalk's conducting uncommony
fine piece OF work. He carried the movement OF
the drama through with unfailing intelligence with
breadth and with amplitude Of detail that
showed absolute familiarity with every measure
Of the score. The orchestra has not played before
this season with so splendid and passionate
stress Of utterance he secured In the climaxes,
nor with go much finish and subtlety Of nuance.
The audience. which though II did not completely
fiji the house, large one stirred at times
ed enthusiasm