New-York tribune., 1899-05-28
WEDNESDAY. MARCH s.

For the first time: Norma" by Beiiini
In this opera Belltni certainly swung himself up
ito the highest pinnacle OF his talent and disclosed
himself as a phenomenon not sufficiently 10 De ap-
preciated In these days of romantic extravaganza
and excessive irritation of the musical taste oy
means OF so-called piquances. The action, which
lacks all theatre coups and dazzling effects, In
voluntarily recalls the Greek tragedy ana II m might M
preface TO his "Braut Won Messina" that he had had
hoped everything for the M est Of of oper e mSS
derive sustenance from hearing or this opera OF
aS%raby developed D. in It's way than that of thi.
wild Gaelic seeress. penetrated win an phases 9a
bot ali of that Which excites our sympathy aud
great? Every emotional state presents itsef 70 US
feaiiy Inspired impersonator Of Norma must be
able TO provide the creative artist with inspiring
How self-possessed noble and grand are the sur
TCunSngs Of ns Play snd Us ey Ss single
superiority that Of the possession OF style gives !,
in s TSs e ps1odic hee Structure is sure and
measured; movement is followed by rest and al
position in giving every aria every duet It's regular
and formal periodic cut. we must give an the more
which Rossini had degraded 70 mere routine; .s
Those who are able TO hear In this nothing more
than the customary Italian Jingle are not deserving
obviously the performance Of an opera Of thi.
character must be fraught with difcuities Tor our
Ger1nan singers. for the primary need Is singing
and as rule we have only-voices; however
man man feelings SO closely by reason OF their innate
sentiment that we shall learn TO sing them much
more readily than those OF Rosstni which are too
remote from our national character Qf We nave
one) What amazing things were alreacy achieveo
by our Frauein Grosser as Norma! How many
successful details not she able 10 wrest irotn
fhIs extremely difficult role and bring 10 anectine
presentation! When excellent talent as TINS
Is met with one feels urged nvoluntarily 10 apply
the highest standard OF criticism, for plainly the
SHORTCOMINGS which may be pointed out VIII oe
overcome. Since Fraulein Grosser as we hear tc
pur great regret has the intention soon 10 leave
K0nigsberg-in which purpose we can only WISH
that good fortune may attend her. since II Is un'
dertaken with view 10 her further development
II may not be amss IL this highest standard OF
critical judgment be applied TO a performance OF
her Norma perhaps there may result a few sug
gestions whose acceptance might be OF service tc
the admired singer and promote her successes II
other places.
Norma's first scene. for which the audience Is
prepared IN the most grandiose way by the chorus
which announces her coming. and also by the pomr
fs omitted stage. must be marked by per
feet and exalted reposefulness. The grand recita
tive, wherein she admonishes the populace 10 quiet
and the ponement OF the battle for liberty. was
detained by Fraulein Grosser with the proper
dignity but here there noticeable ths
persistent fault of her treatment OF rcciatve. ar
excessive and monotonous dragging. signihcan
and insignificant words even syliables being drawn
TO equal lengths without regard 10 their values
by which not only Is the recitative robbed OF III
meaning. but there arises also confusion o
syilabies, vowels and consonants which makes tn
whole uninteligible. In recttatve the periods mus