New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-20
MUSIC.
sEcoNp NIGHT or TEE oPERA-

The Wagnerian operas and lyric dramas were ths
most generous contributors to Mr.. Grau's Western
prosperity this season. and that circumstance NAV
have had something to do with the early test OF
their powers Of attraction in the metropolis Tee
second night brought "Tannhauser" and the
third tomorrow is 10 evoke "LOhengrin" So bv
Monday, when we shall have listened to "Romeo
ct Juliette' for the second time. we shall already
have had an opportunity to guess. with or
less Justice touching the r'erits OF the Teutonic
element in Mr Grau's company and the attitude OF
the public toward the style OF operate art which
that element exempLhes and illustrates. Thers
was nothing new TO the operate patrons with
memories OF few years duration IN last nights
performance. All OF the principal singers had
been heard their respective parts before. though
Il might be said in fairness 20 all concerned that
they never seemed 70 contribute 10 50 excellent
a harmony. never made their individual factors
build up perfect scene before. The perform
ance OF the lyric tragedy was indeed most ad-
mirable worthy OF being placed alongside the bsst
that local annals can disclose. AS for the audi
ence though il was neither so numerous nor out
wardy glittering as on Tuesday evening, when
social rather than an artistic function was per-
formed. It seemed 70 enjoy the opera great deal
more.
In the distribution OF parts last night that OF
Elizabeth fell 70 Fraulein Ternina. that Of Tam
hauser TO NJ Van Dyck. OF Wolfram to Herr Ber-
tram. OF Venus to Miss Strong and OF the Land
grave to " Plancon, whose everlasting placidity
cannot dull to the beauty OF his voice and
vocal style Mr.. Walter Damrosch conducted and
in all the many things that called out encomiums
he must not be forgotten. for there was touch as
sympathetic as il was intelligent In his readings OF
the opera in those portions which a selfish person
mel leaves to the Judgment Of the musical director
and helpful to the same personnel IN all Others
Nine. Ternina comes back TO US with the plenitude
of her gracious powers increased. and ~ Van Dyck
with his fine gifts unimpaired. He still loves the
aspirates and lavishes his "haiches' the Ger
man text with generosity which would make
London Cockney green with envy, but last night
he sang in tune. which a mercy. and did so
without detractng from a noble dramatic interpre-
tation Of the character which peculiarly dear
TO Wagner because he was German from head
70 foot" From Fraulein Ternina we long ago
learned to expect perfect poise ideal plane
Of both the musical and dramatic elements; but had
her sweet dignity and tenderness in the love lusl
of the second act brought the audience TO feet
as well as Tannhauser the tribute would have been
only half confession OF her deserts Miss StrOngs
performance OF Venus is the finest thing that she
has ever put to her record and It was pleasure
70 those who have sense OF appreciation FOR the
first Of the opera to note her fine conception
and giving out Of the womanly side OF Tam
hauser's ensaver, who in spite OF priestcraft stfn
lives in the love Of the German people under the
name OF Frau HOLE and TO whom Wagner paid a
fragrant tribute when he rsmodeIled his first scene
for Paris.