New-York tribune., 1903-04-28
WHAT LONDON TALKS OF.
COVENT GARDEN OPERA.
"Das Rhein gold" Produced-GniId-
hall 4rt Exhibition.
Especial to The New-York Tribune by French cabls1


Copyright: 1903: BY The Tribune Associaton)
London, April IS, 1 a nl.-The regular opera
season at Covent Garden is preceded by the
prologue and trilogy Of the Ring of the Nj
belungs" arranged on the lines Of the Bay
reuth performances and patronized by music
lovers instead of the usual assemblage OF smart
society. The series was opened last night Win
a remarkably brilliant and impressive produc-
tion of ''Das Rheingold.' The scenic ehects
Were heightened by new stage mechanism ana
methods of lighting and the band, conducted
by DR.. Hans Richter, has been strengthened.
No pains had been spared by the directors of
Covent Garden to render it the most notable
production of "Das Rheingold" ever witnessed
In England and an immense and most critical
audience was delighted with the music and
new scenery, and enthusiastic at the close In
making its appreciation known The first scene
with the Rhine maldens guarding, the treasure
under the Rhine in the twilight, was more
beautiful and realistic than ever before, and
the mountain meadow. with Nalhalla in the
background, was most impressive stage pict-
ure. The scene in the underworld. with Al
berich among the dwarfs, was weird, and the
final GLIMPSE of the rainbow bridge for the
passage of the gods to Valhalla was one of en-
trancing loveliness. The orchestra was IN the
best possible form after Dr. Richter's exhaustive
rehearsals, and the singers, notably Van Dyck'
Bertram and Nohwinkel and Mines. Frern-
stadt Zimmerman and Kirkby Lunn' sang
well and acted with sustained dramatic power
The ..Rheingold" was played without single
cut, and as a continuous lyric drama and with
Richter and the best German singers as inter
prefers wagner's intentions were clearly dis
closed.
Josef IsraeIs was among the spectators of the
official opening of the Guildhali Art EXhloltion
yesterday and made agreeable speech. The
Two galleries filled with modern Dutch art, in
clude brilliant exhibits of the work OF 1sraels'
the Maris brothers and Bosboom. The third
room contains d series of Rembrandtss splen-
did example of Frans Hals's art in portrait Of
Admiral De Ruyter, landscapes by Hobbena and
RuysdaeI and other works OF old Dutch mas
ters. The place Of honor is accorded TO mag
nifcent landscape, Beginning OF the Storm,
from Lady wantages collection. 1t is attributed
sn the catalogue 10 Rembrandt. but critics con-
sideF il masterpiece Of Philip De Koninck-
The Canadian experiment of working up trade
with the United Kingdom by means OF com
,uerciaI agents has been introduced in the Mid
lands. An agent, NJ Ball. has opened head
quarters in Birmingham. and tells me that he
IS greatly encouraged by the results, since he
has already succeeded in placing orders for
Canadian wood manufactures and food products
He will not have routine work, like the United
States consuIs but VIII devote his attention to
the business Of enlarging trade between Canada
and the Industrial centres of the Midlands-
The London press is filled with details of the
Kings reception in Rome. The complications or
Russian policy in Manchuria and the diplomatic
action OF the Washington Government are not
closely followed. There is q we'll founded be-
lief in diplomatic circles that the Manchurian
question has been raised for the sake OF divert
ing the attention OF the European powers from
the Balkan region, where increased Russian &C
fivitv is expected before the summer ends
The first pitched battle between the govern
rnent and the Opposition for the present ses-
sion was fought in the House of Commons last
night The occasion was Mr.. Asqufths vote or
censure on the government for not having done
something 70 put an end to the dispute between
Lord Penrhyn and his quarrymen, which has
now lasted nearly three years. Lord Penrhyn
has all along doggedly refused even TO listen to
sny joint representation from his workmen at
Bethesda, far away among the Welsh hills, and
the conflict which started about a question Of
the method Of payment, has gradually resolved
itself into fight over the right OF labor TO
combine. Mr.. AsQuith maintained that 1t was
the business OF the Board Of Trade TO inter
vene. Gerald Balfour replied that the govern
rnent was convinced that intervention would
have resulted in failure The debate lasted until
midnight, when Mr.. Asquith's motion was re-
5ected by q large majority, the division being
practically on party lines
Rear Admiral Gotten has left England for
Paris en- route TO the Mediterranean. where he
will take charge of the United States European