New-York tribune., 1904-10-04
MUSIC-THE DRAMA.
Nine. Schumann-Heink in Operetta.

season of comic operetta, Of the poll k-nd,
clean in plot and language, neat and winning in
music Though Of rather hopeieSsly Royal Acad-
emy, mid-eighteenth century BalfeWaIIace- Men
delssOhn sOrt) which is expected endure for two
months thereabouts was begun at the Broad
way Theatre last night. The occasion was prt-
marily the first appearance in operetta n New
York OF Nine Schumann- -Heink; secondarty, Of
the production Of really ingratiating, if not ex-
citing. piece by STANCE and Edwards entitled
Loves Lottery" For the serious lovers OF music
the interest lay in the paradox presented by
the mixing up of Nine. Schumann- Hetnk
and operatta that is. singer who has
won her finest and best deserved successes in Wag-
merriam tragedy. and entertainment which a
frivolous and depraved popular taste has put on a
plane which promises great financial profit and
therefore has proved aIluring that an artist of
the largest gifts has chosen sacrifice present po-
sition and future hopes its rewards. There were
prooably idealists in last nights audience who
looked upon the spectacle with honest grief and
they deserve word. IL nothing more of passing
pity and commiseration. But for them there ought
TO De some comfort in the fact that for the artist
the descent was not difficult For it the ways had
been creased by years Of unthinking aduIation and
financial reward contributed by the very people
who had generous representation in the audience.
Nine Schumman- Hsnk's popularity began years
ago 10 work injury to her art. and she has not
hesitated to court popularity and its gains the
expense OF her artistic virtues There Is therefore
need OF an expression Of surprise at the step
she has now taken. Both she and her admirers
had promise and warning OF it's consequences
The ope-etta graciOusy received throughout
the evening; Nine. Schumann- Heink with delight
urhapplly for both. che entertainment which she
provided seemed most enjoyable TO the audience
when it was most deplorabIe from artistic
point of view-that Is, when she was burles-
qulng her shortcomings. Knowing that she
could not pronounce the English tongue. she
invited a laugh by the catch phrase is my
oils md NJ
with which she acknowledged the plaudits of her
friends after the first act knowing that she could
neither look Iithesome and blthesome. she
buresqued both moods. and took her reward from
the laughter which followed II was amia-
BILE intimacy between herself and the audi
ence which resulted. and. consequently. every
thing which happened while she was on the
stage appeared infinitely amusing 10 the on
Iookers-nothing more 50 than the msbehavior OF
the curtain. Even the plenitude and downward
amplitude Of her glorious voice were turned 10 a
ludicrous in a cadenza which Mr.. Edwards OBJ
viously for the purpose of exploiting her eX-
traordInary powers. Here. as on other occasions
it might be said that Nine Schumann- -Heink, by
her performance. not much lowering her
sphere OF ART as lebauchng that Of the libret-
list and composer
Loves Lottery is a gracious little work espe-
cially IN its music. which the authors seem 10
have kept a plane of artistic respectabiHty and
probity OF respect for the artist for whom Il
was constructed Inc music marks DICK 70 lfe
middle Of the last century. but il is gracefully
melodious and free from vulgarisms OF every
sort. It's effect would perhaps be more uncun-
strained had there been EFFORT 10 Ift the
dramatically subordinate part created for Nine.
Schumann-Heuk into prominence (as in the
polacca the end of the first act. always il
is sound. sweet and sincere English music which
deserves well OF unspoiled music lovers And is all
well sung. the play is all well acted. especial
praise being due TO Louise Cunning, Wallace Brown
low (who stirred the audience profoundly with pa
triotic songl and George l. TalIman. \ moment Of
sincere and spontaneous pleasure was provided by
John Savin with irish song with dance. OF
course IN" house crowded the applause fire.
qusat and deafening u Broadway first
night