The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-04-22
At St. Paul Theaters

audience witnessed the presentation of
Iannhauser" at the Metropolitan last
night by the Savage English grand
opera organization is almost equiva-
lent to proclaiming that it was limited
In numbers. For, judging from the
meager attendance accorded the pre-
Vlous efforts of this company during
the past three weeks, those who appre-
clate the noblest music faithfully in
lefpreted, are few indeed in st. Paul.
1t was not as small as some of the
gatherings that have greeted the per-
formances of this company, but it was
entirely disprOpOrtionate to the I'M
doubted merit of the Interpretation of
Wagner's most fascinating opera
Perhaps If every artist bore a foreign
name, and the prices were tilted to
maintain the eternal harmony, the elite
ana the profoundly musical would VEN
ture forth and accord the enterprise
their distinguished patronage. AS it is,
TINS worthy organization has given ex-
cellent presentations of the works of
the masters before altogether too MANY
empty chairs
There is variety and an inspiration
in the music of '"Tannhauser" not to be
found in "Lohengrin," the only other
Wagnerian creation presented here by
this organization. Moreover the theme
is far more human and dramatic.
Though NEUROLOGICAL in it's visible as
pect, 1T is none the less real, and I'M
dying.
From the unequaled overture, with
It's lofty and majestic pilgrims chorus,
TO the dying strain of the last act the
score is one grand succession of en-
trancing melodies and divine harmO-
MES.
The overture was eloquently inter-
preted by the orchestra, under the
baton of Elliott Schenck, but as it be-
gan promptly at s o'clock fully three
fOIIrthC of 10
they struggled in late, many failing
to arrive until after $50, much to the
annoyance of those who came to hear
the whole of the opera.
The hOnors of the performance were
fairly divided between Miss Rennyson
and Mr.. Gherardi in the roles of Eliz-
abeth and Tannhauser, though Mr..
Boyle'S singing of Herman the Land
grave was distinct vocal achieve
ment worthy Of admiration. His reso-
nant basSO was entirely adequate, his
phrasing and delivery intelligent,
broad and commanding as COmported
with the royal character
MISS Rennyson was in excellent
voice. She sang EliZabeths opening
aria, expressing her admiration of
her home. with joyous, enthusiastic
spirit that awakened a ready response.
Her upper tones were as clear as crys-
tai and their quality sympathetic.
Ellzabeth's final prayer-anOther of
the exquisite gems of this remarkable
composition-wa beautifully phrased
and sustained by Miss Rennyson
Mr.. Gherardfs judiciOus control of
his voice reflected credit upon his arts
tic sense. 1t did not seem to be at it's
best in the first scene, when he sang
the Venus-lied, but it grew clearer
and more flexible as the opera pro-
ceeded. All Tannhausers are Obliged
to husband their vocal powers for that
sfy~Ov l,rf ~ til
mendOuS demands. This Mr.. Gherardi
did, and as a result his singing of the
intensely dramatic narrative was salts
flying if not great.
The Wolfram of MarSanO was the
best effort he has thus far exhibited dur
ing the engagement here. He is the pos
SCISSOR of resonant baritone of good
range, but some Of his tones are rem
dered uncertain and unmusical by a
VlbratO which, however, was not so
frequently noticeable last evening He
sang that rarely melodious apOStrOphe
to the Evening Star eXpresSively and
was mildly applauded. He acted the
role of the noble, unself1sh knight with
cOmmendable taste and feeling. Mr.
MarSanO, it is understood, never sang
in English until few months ago.
The chorus acquitted itself splendid
ly singing the immortal pilgrims
chorus with eloquent expression.
slowed upon Elliott Schenck, the con-
ductOr, for the proficiency of the or
chestra, as we'll as the chorus The in
depreciation Of that magnificent finale |
which closes the second act was bril-
liant principals chorus and orchestra
imparting to it exceptionally dramatic !
fervOr. !
Tonight-"n Trovatore." F. G. H.
At the finish of the fourth act Of |
His Last Dollar" the attraction at the |
Grand this week, when Mongrel the |
Kentucky thoroughbred, wins the race |
and 100000 and spoils the Villains |
plans, the audience becomes enthusi- |
astic. There will be but three more |
performances, including a matinee to-
morrow at 2:30.
Al Fl. Wilson, the popular German |
comedian and singer, comes to the |
Grand next week in his romantic |
drama, "a Prince of Tatters."
When Maude Adams comes to the |
Metropolitan opera house Tuesday and |
Wednesday nights and Wednesday |
matinee she will revive 1.-THE Little |
Minister" the play which made her ia
NOUS. st. Paul will be the starting |
point for Miss Adams Pacific coast |
trip, which, by the way, will be the |
first she has ever made as star in |
any portion of the country west of the |
Missouri river.
The sale of seats for the engage
ment of Viola Allen in Twelfth Night"
at the Metropolitan the latter half Of |
next week, will open next Monday |
morning. An elaborate production of |
the Shakespearean comedy is prom
Used.
There will be a ladies' matinee given
at the Star today when the City Sports
company will give vaudeville and
burlesque Performance that has proved
extremely popular with the male thea
tergoerS during the week.
Among the Merrymakers