The Washington times., 1903-11-10
FRITZ SCHEFF, IDEAL
COMIC OPERA STAR
Captivates Brilliant Audi
ence at National Theater.
PRESIDENT IN ATTENDANCE
Victor Herbert's Music Declared to Be
the Best Work He Has Done in
the Operate Line.

In the presence of the President of the
United States. members Of his
Cabinet. diplomatists, and represen-
tatives IN both houses of Con
gress. FIRTH Schef, heretofore identi-
fled only with grand opera, last night
made her stellar debut at the National
Theater in a new musical composition
called ''Babette." under the manage
merit Of c. p Dillingham;. The occasion
was one ca the most notable in recent
operate annals. and drew its signifl-
canoe from many sources.
From = social standpoint its success
was comilete. in that the highest repre-
sentatives of official sOciety in the
United States attended. and put the
stamp OF their approval u. On the work
of star and company
Musically considered "Babette" is a
treat. Last, but by no means least.
FRITZ ScheT, the charming little Ger
man prima donna, who appeared In the
stellar role, scored what might be
termed. even by the most conservative
spectator. a triumph
With this said 1t might seem that ali
were said, but more thorough resume
OF the performances and the production
Is justified
Victor Herbert's Good Work.
Some years ago. when the public had
apparently begun TO tire Of the old Gill
bert and Sullivan works and jaded ap-
petites turned 70 extravaganza and early
presentations OF what is now known as
musical comedy" Reginald De Koven
gave the stage Robin Hood" and so
rejuvenated the desire for legitimate
light opera This work was followed by
several more from the pen of Mr.. De
koven. and others from that OF Victor
Herbert. composer Of ''Babette." How
ever, comic opera stars" yielding to
the commercial influence Of latter-day
musical farce. deserted the field. and
last year bur one light opera star was
before the s,slDlic.
FRITZ Scheff's coming in ''Babette".
has amply repaid the long wait which
the American public has been forced to
endure. 1t might be aptly said. too.
that Mr.. Herbert and Harry B. Smith.
Ebrettist, had saved some OF their best
efforts by which to launch Miss Scheff
into stardom
The score is by far the best Wash
ington music lovers have heard n many
seasons. It has enough n9 tnat desirable
element. popularity" In its definition to
suit those whose taste runs TO lighter
things
Almost Classical at Times.
At times, however. it borders so close
ly upon the classic that one might close
ones eyes and be convinced that 1t Is
a much more pretentiOus operate offer
ing than even it's sponsors intended. In
many OF its ensembles 1t works up TO a
degree OF musical excellence rarely
reached n ike compositions. and one is
forced TO take of metaphoricaliy ones
hat to Mr.. Herbert that. IN view OF his
-. -.
world, he still has at his command so
many new and harmonious themes and
the capacity so happily TO work them
out
Mr.. Sruith, too, has furnished the
books for numerous musical produc-
tions, and. IN some instances, has fallen
short OF what the public expected. In
"Babette" h has undoubtedly studied
his object more elosely and aimed 70
ut the dialogue properly TO the music
provided. The comedy. the chief part
OF which falls TO Louis Harrison as the
clockmaker. has been most judiciously
distributed throughout the piece, aud IN
many instances touched cleverIy on cur
rent events OF the day.
Among the noteworthy numbers in
''Babette" IS quartet In the last act
sung by Miss Bartlett. Miss Hawley.
Mr.. Ling and Mr.. Cowles. It received a
triple recall for its delicacy. harmony
and excellent Interpretation.
In point OF scenic equipment "Babette"
Is adequately attended The spot" light
and pretty costuming was responsible
for a murmur OF "Oh's" and a burst OF
applause at the beginning Of the third
act.
Miss Scheff's Charming Voice.
In FRITZ Scher the world Of grand
opera has lost one OF it's brightest
stars. and that OF light opera has gained
one IN consequence. In the role Of
Babette Miss Sche1 last night fOuT,i an
opportunity % demonstrate what her
only previous appearance I'm Washing
ton failed to do-that she has a voice
OF marvellous purity, sweetness, range,
and heNbihty; that her control OF it IS
complete AID that IL is quite as easy
TO be artistic in lighter works as in
those OF Bizet. Mozart or Wagner.
In her opening song as the village let
ter writer the prima donna captiVated
her audience. and from that time
through the dainty little waltz number
at the conclusion OF the opera her work
was a continual line Of vocal and acting
successes Her bird-like trills and
cadenzas were conspicuous for their
clarity and beauty Of tone. while her
sustained vocal work throughout the
piece was exceptional. Miss Schen made
herself in one night the foremost artist
IN light opera. IN that she combines
Fa-rr