New-York tribune., 1903-01-05

The Nost Interesting HusicaI Nor
efty of Paris Season.

Paris December 21.
The most interesting musical novelty of the
season is the production at the Opera Comiqut
of La Carmelite,'' lyric comedy in four acts
nv Catulle Nendes. music by Revnaido Hahn
The "Csrmelite." may readily be surmised. is
Nile Louise de la Talliere whose tragic idyl
with Louis XIV furnished material for Alex
andre Dumas 70 weave a picturesque but his
tor1caIly inaccurate novel. and induced Arsene
Houssaye 10 write volume treating OF the love
and suffering sustained by the frail beauty who
as Louise de la Misericorde, ended her days in
an austere Carmelite convent
NJ Catulle Mendes has succeeded in dramatic
ing the popular legend of Mile. de la Talliere
and in delightfully."- rhythmical verse that begins
with graceful NEUROLOGICAL dances. becomes
transformed into a romantic novel illuminated
by the dazzling glory OF the court OF lie Roi
Soleii." and ends in beatified publication,
wherein the ritual and ceremonial Of taking the
veil are realistically presented as shock the
religious convictions OF the fashionable audience
of the Opera Comique and elicit from the snti-
clerical ministry Of NJ. Cornbes an order prohib-
tins the scene as given on the night OF the first
performance
II was difficult task put Louis XIV on
the operatie stage. for he is too familiar TO the
public for his cold selfishness TO be presented as
a lyric hero The King. momentarily touched
by the sirlish charm of La Valiere, sheds his
iafstuation the moment that he comes in con-
tact with the scientific coquetry and willy firta-
ton OF the Marquise de Montespan- The first
act opens with the rehearsal of a NEUROLOGICAL
ballet, in which the King and the ladies and
gentlemen of the court take part It is here
that Louis XIV first meets Louise de Ia VAL
liere The ladies' are dressing for the perform
ance behind q screen the presence OF which
seems TO annoy the monarch The orchestration
and chorus are light and gay. while sombre
contrast is afforded by the entrance of a woman
in dark drapery who. with gave dignity, passes
through the hall II is the Queen, who, aban-
dened by her august husband, but still loving
him declines 10 take part in the profane
recreation and is on her way 10 the chapel
The transient passage OF the queen IS, now
ever. merely passing cloud.
The ladies OF the court, attired goddesses
ry-rurhs ard shepherdesses. chat nerrily about
their love affairs. The King. concealed by rose
and laurel trees takes keen interest in the situa
ton. One of the youngest and prettiest Of the
7-oupg ladies preserves silence She is almost a
novice in the ways Of Versailles There is some
one whom you prefer TO all Others, but you refuse
70 say who il is.' exclaim her companions. Non
sense" is the reply; why should keep silent?
The most handsome courtier Of all is the King
himself, Moreover. love IS without remorse
when II is hopeless-~ Louis XIV is 50 fattered
by this naive declaration that ne is about 20
upset the screen and reveal his presence
Wait q bit SIRE inte-poses noblenan;
they are going 20 begin the performance by fl
Ing past the royal seats and we shall hear what
they saw
The King energies from behind the roses and
izurels and takes his place IN front of the stage
One after another IN long procession the beau
sffuI ladies pass by. each with winseme glance
r1rr~,Il- nF z
comes Louise, who has never before seen the
King. oh it is you who say such nice things.
! recognize you by your delicious voice" ex-
claims the King. The young girl, in her con-
fusion fails On her knees in shame The idyl
begins. The King and Louise meet again, and
rhesr ferTsut love scene Is overheard by the
MarQuise de Nontes7an who appeals 70 two OBJ
seouious ecclesiastical dignitaries, lie Voisin
and the Abbe Guibourg. TO destroy Leuise's
happiness by magic art
In the next act the King ahandons Louise for
the brilliant MarQuise de Montespan- Louise,
broken hearted, seeks consolation in prayer. The
5dyf euds IN z Csr1uelite convent Louise takes
the veil. The Bishcp performs the ceremony
The De Profundis' is slowly chanted- L IS
the expiatien and publication A veiled woman
!n dark drapery approaches The young convert.
The Queen" exclairns Louise Yes, the
Queen" is the reply but q queen without a
king You who loved him as intensely as
] did, kiss me- The two women embrace for
moment. when the Queen passes out Of TIE con-
vent. and Louise disappears forever.
Such IS the construction Of the idyl ef La
Csr-neiite." The accompanying nausic-for Il Is
really little more than a. mere accompaniment
lis light and harmonious, but somewhat color
}ess There is here and there pleasing duo,
and once believe, there is q fugue. It is the
vork Of a composer Of only tweuty-seVen years,
who is full Of promise. The system Of the lett
motif is applied tactfuliy. Each parsonage is
characterized by one more themes that recur
with graceful modification The motif that
characterizes the lovelorn Louise, who moves
like little bird with broken wing Is charm
ing Sc also is the melancholy theme Of the
deserted Queen. who answers the Kings re-
proa ches with the words: Alas ] was not al
WAYS norose. There was q time when my youth
was joyful in bud but now the rose is in mourn
ing and withers. removed from your touch!'
Nine Emma Calve. who in admirable
voice sang the part Of Louise with exquisite
skill bat il is by no means her happiest crea-
ton La Carmelite" is beautifully mounted.
and the critics predict for il fair run