The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-09
MAscAGNI, LAST NIGHT.

signor Pietro Mascagni, nothing daunt-
ed by his recent unpleasantness" in New
York, Boston and elsewhere, came forth
unscathed and unsullied at the Armory
last night.
A thoroughly representative Scranton
audience of large proportions was pres
ent. 1t was an audience friendly in dis
position and probably influenced more by
inclination than discrimination. 1t was
u great night for Mascagni, Italy and
Scranton. All were deeply Interested in
the "Cavaleria," the composers immor-
tai opera-an opera that all knew ana
the music of which had moved them all
at one time or another For who Is not
familiar with the intermezzo, II nothing
more? Then there is Turiddu's "Drink-
ing Song and the wonderful chorus be-
fore the church-in Itself great work.
Not the least of Mascagnis troubles III
this country is the laudng to the skies
of his most unpretcntious efforts-the IN
termezzo for example-whi!e the really
meritorious scoring of this tragic little
masterpiece passes unnoticed. The inter-
mezzo was an accident. 1t was composed
to keep the curtain raised between the
first and second acts. for "Cavalleria
Rusticana' was originally two-act op-
era, but that he might enter the work
into a competition, Mascagni interwove
two themes from the first part, and the
result was the intermezzo. He not only
won the prize but international fame az
ter the first production of the work.
However cheaply the inter1nezzo and
some other parts are held by some, II
must be admitted without hesitancy that
in this opera Mascagni wrote with
firmness, a breadth of style. a vigor OF
creative imagination, and variety In
the use of material that is refreshing.
Without doubt the most impressive num-
ber in the onera IS the thrilling portentous
chorus. the Easter Prayer" before the
church. with its "pauses of marvellous
silence" Here, If ever, one hears tine
voice of the Undiscovered bringing great
truths to birth" This great chorus con-
tains the coloring and the fiexibility of a
master hand in ceverly working up the
massive climaXeS.
1t was very we'll done last night by
the handful Of singers who comprised
the chorus The opera in general received
very good treatment vocally and instru-
mentally, but the stage settings We're III
no way in keeping with the scene. VINO
could imagine Il church on the right, an
inn on the left. and II street square III
the centre of last nights stage?
Tho we'll known "1ntermezzo' was ner-
vously anticipated and re-demanded by
the vigorous plaudits OF the audience.
The Interpretation given the 1ntermezzo
by Mascagni was along broader lines
than usual. and the accentuation was
decidedly strong and marked.
The SantuZza of Signorina Farneti was
the most positive success of the evening.
She sang with good judgment and taste
and gave a sympathetic and tender por-
trayal of her part. Her cantitena was eX-
quisite, and her singing throughout the
evening was a genuine pleasure.
The Lola Of Signora de Fil!ppi was acted
naively and sung with much spirit. The
Turiddu of Signor Schiavazzi was very
,1, Itf,
the tone he produced was robust His
acting in the farewell scene with Lucia
was animated and the scene was sue
cess. The Drinking Song" was well
rendered.
Signora del Parto was the Lucia and
Signor Frascono was the Alto. Both dld
commendahle work. The climax i'll the
scene between Santa and Alto was lost in
the echo, which was annoying in the tutti
passages.
In the concert part of the programme
Signorina Farneti gave the "Jewel Song"
from Faust and Signor Frascona gave the
"Dio Posscnte' from the same opera
Tho chorus and orchestra gave the hymn
to the sun from Iris in spirited man.
ner. This number contains some effect
i've scoring for orchestra and the cre-
sendi by the strings to the tutti was
warm and full of eastern color. The
oriental sun effect in the strings in this
hymn Is we'll brought out, and vividly re-
calls to ones mind Wagners "Lohen-
grin" and some things from Grieg. The
Eternal City" music was calm and
placid and revealed nothing new or strik-
ing in thematic treatment. color or ma
terial. 1t was given spirited reading by
Signor Mascagni and brought forth an
encore, the intermezzo to his recently
composed opera. 'William Ratcliffe."
Signor Mascagni was presented with
some beautiful flowers after this number
by his compatriots in this city who were
present in large numbers.
Whatever else may be said of Mascagni,
1t must be admitted his "Cavalleria Rus
ticann" is wonderful opera, full of ac-
ton, physical suffering. love. hate. re-
venge-how the scenes fly, bewildering
succession OF tone pictures. 1t has come
to stay
His conducting last evening was full of
authority, command and dignity. He
brought out every nuance, every shade
of accent and expression. At all times
was he master. All things considered 1t
was an evening of elevating entertain
ment and one long TO be remembered by