New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-03
MUSIC.
couNop,s ROMEO AND JULIET"

Mr. Grau's prom ises more implied In his actions
than published in his words. and therefore more
virtuous, are realizing with most gratifying ra-
pidity at the Metropolitan Opera House SO FAR as
last nights representation OF Gounod's Romeo 1t
Juliette Is concerned. 1t would he compreheL i've
estimate OF the most significant OF Its new offerings
II It were written that Mr.. Grau introduced the
people of New-York to VI. Jean de Reszke's sue
cessor or course. the words would have 70 be
accepted In the spirit In which they are mere Ut
tered-a spirit animated with heartiest, sincerest.
most grateful and most afectionate appreciation
OF the peerless gifts and graces OF the man who
has done dignity the operate stage Of
New-York than any man since the German regime
gave way 10 tire Romantic. The change seemed
grievous to many sincere friends OF the lyric
drama, and that II lid not become degenerate, a.
those friends apprehended was due 10 the same
noble artist. who only revived appreciation for
the DID, but kept alive and fostered higher I'M
Outstanding for the new. But, grevous though tho
thought may be that the time must come when We
shall say farewell. and enthusiastically as every
lover of opera. be 1t French German or italian. u
looking forward to the return Of VI. de Reszks Il
is still pleasing comfort TO know that NJ Saleza
Is here to take his place The singer won
triumph on his first appearance which has not had
its equal since NJ de Reszke came to start tho
making OF amends for the revolution which seemed
SO much like fatal retr6oression six or seven yea1
ago The fact gave rise TO agreeable reflections
which were heightened by the recognition Of A de-
cided similarity between the tmbres o. the two
voices There IS much more than A suggestion o.
NJ de Reszkes voice in that OF VI SaleZa, and also
I'm his mastery emission OF tore. his command Of
all the grada lions OF tone. from ecsac pianis-
simo to a ringing fortissimo. and his unyarying
correctness OF information and taste. His Romeo
is delight an unalloyed De light. and his perform
ance last night made more than can be measured
now for the success OF Mr.. Grau's season.
MoIh he
hangs on a thread so tenuous and anomalou. this
year that II was extremely gratifying 10 have her
lovely voice and art paired they were last night.
There is hope for much when the amenities OF pro-
fessiona life have such amable Illustration az n
the reciprocal arrangement between Mr.. Grsu
and Mr. Ellis whereby the Metropolitan company
can enjoy at times the transporting mnlstratons
of Nine Melba though her special field OF activity
is so far removed from New-York as Philadelphia.
Her Juliet IL known Of old. and last night she pre-
sented It with all the Old youihfulness. freshness
purity and deciousness OF voice and all the finish
of vocalization that the patrons of the Me,ropoi-
tan Opera House have marveed at In the past
a newcomer in the cast on. Edouard de Reszkes
Friar Lawrence NJ Plancons Capuet. NJ. Barss
Tybalt and Mile Rauermester's nurse were old
frends) was NJ Albers in the part of Mercutio. and
in ii he strengthened the good impression he mads
on the opening night in the strongly contrasting
mart of Wagners Wolfram The best Mercutio
that memory recalls. Nine. Djella looked comely.
walked pretty and sang disappontingIy as
Stephano Signor Manclnelli conducted and gener-
ally with nice discretion and taste. though les
tone would have been improvement In the
garden scene and more in keeping with the ecstauc
mood In which Nine. Melba and NJ Salezs
pitched It,