The San Francisco call., 1903-09-23
OVERS of grand opera were given
a delightful treat in last nights

cast llId uS Spdud, GluSepp6 ASOSlluO
and Adamo Gregoretti-all of whom are
possessed of superior vocal attainments.
They were all in fine voice and at several
stages in the performance excited a large
audience of admirers to a high pitch of
enthusiasm. Not only was the vocal part
of the production of superlative merit, but
the dramatic portion also received an
artistic rendering. De Spada, as Violetta,
sang the music allotted to her with splen-
did effect Seldom is 1t ones good fortune
to hear joy and pathos displayed in
vocal organ such as De Spada owns. She
rose to superior heights at all times and
her final effort, when she expires in the
arms of her lover, was positively mas
terpiece of vocal art. She was rewarded
with salvos of applause and bushels of
flowers.
Agostino, as Alfredo, threw his very
soul into the number in which Verdfs
genius appears to have been concentrated.
His top notes were given with a power
that fairly thrilled his hearers and many
were the bravos that resounded through
out the house at the conclusion of his
singing.
Gregorettfs magnificent barytone was
more than equal to the exacting vocal re-
quirements of the part of Germont and
his scene with Violetta, in which he begs
her to renounce her son, was given in
forceful manner, both from a vocal and
dramatic point of view. The concerted
singing Of the principals, assisted by
Signors Napoleoni, Guilio. Cortesi, Quinto
Zani and Grove Jacques, was delightful
and the chorus was in all instances re-
liable. Marie Walsh, as Flora, and Net
tie Deglow, as Anina did we'll in small
parts. Too much cannot be said of the
orchestra, which. under the master hano
of Paul Steindorff, is never found want
ing. Steiudorff wields his baton in a COM
manding way that compels obedience both
from vocalists and tnstrumentalists. The
violin and harp interludes by Mr.. and
Mrs. John Marquardt were hugely en-
joyed.
Tonight we are to have the much-her-
aided Marchesini as Carmen.
The twenty-seventh season of the Lor-
ing Club was opened auspiciously last
evening with a concert in Native Sons
Hall. In no respect has the club ever
given concert more replete with solid
enjoyment or artistic merit Assistance
was given by Mrs. Birmingham; by B.
Jaulus, F. Forde and William Won der
Mehden, violinists; by j. Lewis, vio-
la; F. Bracamonte, cello; S. Brown, bass
Z. c. Zeh, flute; G.. Schneider and William
Klein, clarinets, and A. L. Tillman and o.
Schlott. horns. Miss Ruth Lorin was at
the piano, ana rlSnL clever Sue was, anu
j. G. Fyfe was at the organ. With this
aggregation of talent, under the able di-
rection of David w. Loring, much was
naturally expected. The outcome fully
justified optimism.
The programme ranged from a virtle
composition by H. Hoffman, "Hareld's
Bridal Voyage in which Herbert b.
Medley was the we'll selected soloist, to
a final waltz song, with much interven-
ing.
To sum UP, the following compositions
were given in addition to the Bridal
Voyage''-March and waltz for the
strings, by Volkman; "The Long Day
Closes" by Arthur s. Sullivan; Break,
Break" by John Hyatt Brewer; ballads
by DeIibes, Reynalde Hahn and Clarence
Lucas-these three being sung by Mrs
Birmingham; folk song by j. b. Ter
lett; a roundelay by Rheinberger; two
songs. respectively by Nevin and Victor
Harris, which were sung by Mrs. Birm-
insham, and the final waltz song by
Vogel
With all this the large audience de-
manded more The string quintet had
TO repeat a waltz; Mrs Birmingham was
urged for additional songs and complied.
The most effective, If not the most am
bilious number for the chorus, was the
Break, Break" when the chorus had the
combined assistance of the strings, wood,
wind, brass, piano and organ.
OF the chorus it may be said that 1t is
as well balanced as ever in the history
of the club. 1t is sure in attack, under
excellent control, certain in tone, SYM
pathetic. Only once during the evening
did the singers stray from the fold of
tempo; never did they commit the cardin-
al sin of singing out of tune. The only
real trouble with the concert was that
there was not more of it. The opening
of the season was an unqualified success
A musical audience completely filed the
hall on invitation.
Daphne and Fred Pollard carried off
most of the honOrs at the Grand Opera
house last night. 1t was the first time
that the dimnutive theatrical stars have
presented the musical comedy Dorothy
in this city and the large audience which
came TO hear and witness went away
more than pleased. The applause came
frequently and generally with the en-
phasis that indicates genuine apprecia-
ton.
The opera is rich in pleasing music and
contains something Of humor. The part
of it all which pleases the audience most
of course is the cleverness with which the
little tots play the parts intended for
artists of maturer years. A couple of
topical songs are introduced to give the
performance a trife more life than ii
would have otherwise.
That popular Infant phenomenon
Daphne did a great deal of the heavy
work. In addition to rendering a long
speaking part she did a song and dance
turn which brought down the house. Fred
Pollard sang My Pauline" until he was
nearly exhausted and then his hearers
wanted some more of 1t. Alice Pollard
had rather less than usual to do, but the
audience was afforded an opportunity to
enjoy the music Of her voice a few times
nevertheless.
Irene Goulding and Ivy Pollard occupied
important roles, which they filled in the
most creditable manner. Both are splen-
did singers and both sing solos in this
opera. Four other little damsels of the
pinafore age who go nameless as
etceteras on the programme made a hit
with witch song. They were attired in
appropriate costumes and, as many young
ladies remarked audibly, Cooked too cute
for anything" The rest of the stellar ag-
| gregation contributed generously one and
| all to the luster of the finished produc-
! tion
Dorothy will be presented for the Sec