New-York tribune., 1903-03-05
MUSIC.
NI,. MancineH's S Opera.

1t IS just four years ago this week that Ar.
MancineIli's Fro LeanGro' had lis first produc-
tion at the Metropolitan Opera House. It cane
later in the season, 5ut 1t was beautifully dressed
and superbly sung by Nine. Eames. " saleza ard
NJ PIancon- Mr. MancineIl was a popular oecu-
pant of the conductors chair. but he vas an IN
known quantity as composer on this side of tbs
Atlantic and little surprise Vas expressed at
the beauty and effectiveness OF much Of the music
in the score The music was decidedly eclectic IN
manner. and its mixture Of styles its bIen5irg Of
modern manners and learned forms seemed .ttI5
prIzzlIng those who did not know that the WORK,
though planned as a stage piece by ArrIgo Bcito.
who the I5rett0 for himself. then abandoned
it and passed il over to BottesinI. and finally %
MI HancineIIi, had been composed with a primary
view to its performance at the Norwich festtva. -
1856. This explained the prominence given to
TIE choral parts. and possibly the introdrc
tion of a fugUe. But the learned po--
tions proved to be the most stirring feature
of the opera, and 10 one thought os its anomalous
character while enjoying the whirl OF the baccha-
male to which it lent such propulslve vigor- The
opera made a fine impression. and there was
pretty general feeling of disappointment that the
brief interval before the close OF the made
only a single repetition possible Unlike most q
Mr. Grau's novelties. the work had vitality. how
ever and its revival in future seasons was con-
fdently expected Consequently. it was gladly
greeted last night and again It's merits found aP-
probation although the fun beauty Of the earlier
representations not attained All the principal
performers were new in their parts. Nine. Gadski.
most industrious Of all the singers at opera, re-
placed Mime. Eames; Siguor De march, took tho
hero's part, which had been filed with passionate
beauty by NJ. Saleza, and Mr. Edouard de Reszks
was a wickeder and less poHtifcal priest than NJ
PIancon. The prologue was sung by Nine Schu-
mann-Heink to whom it assigned four years
ago, but who was compelled to yield il TO Aul"-
ManteIH at the last moment because Of Illness
The scenery was the same. with a few added
features, which improved its beauty. and the COM
poser was again on hand to inspire the perform
ance and receive the adrniring pauGIts ot thu
audience. Those plaudits came after each act,
and were genuine and hearty, the opera being
heard with sincere pleasure after the tedious fTst
half hour was
The sincerity of Nine Gadskis effort in r6lT
outside OF her natural field and the large measure
of success which she achieved in it would make
criticism Of her few shortcomings seem ChurlsH-
Even In the charming Shell song OF the first act
she sang effectively, and when she reached the
climax of the opera unfortunately postponed uutF-
the last act which cOmpasses all that there Is o
the ancient story. her singing thrillingly e.
fective. Signor De march, also imbUed the dra-
matte portions Of his music with real warmth art
eloquence. though the most feFvid o. Mr. Mar
ciueIlis strains could put beauty into his voIr
Both Mime. Schumann-Henk and IIT- @ EteSzh"
poured their voices plenteously. and TIE iarr-
gave more vividness the sinister side % ArofaIns
than his predecessor.