The San Francisco call., 1901-12-01

Y T Is opera, nothing but opera and
Il again opera here this week and until
II Thursday night next the programme
will continue to remain the same. The
- particular triumph of the week at
present writing is the Don Pseauale oil
last Wednesday night. with individual
successes of eXultant kind for Sembrich
and hardly less for Scotti and, Tavecchla
The performance of Don Pasduale Is
one tn which Erandames will point back
in years to come to wondering children
as when they heard Senbrich and Scott
sing this duet or that aria. or Taveccnia
revel in tho fat fun and quaint pathos or
the bedevlled old bachelors part. 1t Is
already classic. and with lie NozZe oil
Figaro" ranks as the chief gift ef the
season. II one did not always feel the
last the best with Nine. Sembrich one
would be persuaded to imagine her Norma
her most luscious effort. But those other
coquettsh damsels. Rosina and Susanna.
also camor for precedence and who can
choose among them? The Marguerite
stands by itself. and though beautifully
sung is not in tune with the singers key
note somehow. Melba's Marguerite,
strangely enough. Is markedly its super
ior, both In vocal accord and emotional
essence.
But to return to the Don" All singers
love to sing it's sprightly measures. 1t
is among the most becoming OF vocal
music, and not least among the charms
of the Wednesday night performance was
the evident enjoyment of the artists in
their roles. I can conceive no better
Dottore Malatesta than that of Mr.. Scott.
whose distinguished vocal and histrionic
gifts were never more in evidence. He
has superb technique. using his big
voice with an amazing freedom and light
ness. Tavecchia has an even rarer gift.
he Is the best singer and actor of buffo
roles that has been heard here for many
years and his Don Pasduale could not be
bettered on any side. 1t was a perform
ance all round that would have amazed
and delighted Donizetti. though the man
who knows tells me that the opera loses
appreciably by being given in so large
house. 1t was not particularly noticeable
the other night though.
The Girl From Maxim's." a French
farce with a reputation, comes to the
Columbia tomorrow night. With it
comes Miss Lena Merville.
With the passing of Colonel James
Henry Mapleson. who died In London on
November II of Bright's disease, one of
the most genial and impressive figures
among operate managers has gone from
view. The Dramatic Mirror of the cd ult.
mas the IOilOWlnB shelCn OIL MS u1e that
will be of interest to all opera -goers.
more especially to the older generation:
Colonel Maplesou was born in London
on May 4, 1880. In his boyhood he became
student at the Royal Academy of
Music In London. where he learned sing
ing and violin playing. While still In his
teens he made several appearances as a
vocalist and In 184S he became a menu
ber OF the orchestra at Her Majesty's
Theater. Between seasons, In 1S49. he
ventured upon his first managerial enter
prise by taking a concert company on
tour of the provinces. In the following
year he made another concert tour. Upon
returning to London he became the musi-
cal critic Of publication called The At
rlas.
In 1851 he gave up his managerial and
critical work and went to Italy to con-
mained there, a pupil of Mazzucato, for
tnrce years. and IN 1854 returned to Lon
don and reappeared as a concert sin yer.
After a very few Appearances he began
to suffer from a malady OF the throat. a
surgical operation was deemed necessary
and was performed. The result OF IL was
tho. complete destruction OF Mr.. Maple.
sons singing voice. Being Obliged TO give
up his dream Of gaining artistic honors
Mr.. Mapleson turned again 10 manage
ment. In 1856 he established the ffrst mu-
steal agency In London. and In 1855 he