The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-04-20
LA TRAvIATA
IS FINELY
PERFORMED


Gastone .........................M MN. Masiero
The Providence Opera House was filled
from dome 10 pt last evening while the
hearty and spontaneous applause that
greeted the production of La Traviats by
tho Metropolitan Opera company. with
Nine. sembrich as the prima donna, gave
unmlstakable evidence OF great apprecia-
tion by the audience.
La Traviata CThe Lost One) is an opera
in three acts. the lbretto OF which is
founded upon Dame Aux Camelias" by
Dumas. which most readers and playgoers
have come TO know as Camille" How
ever a number OF changes are seen i'm
some OF the characters--as 10 name at
least. for the part OF Margaret Gautier. in
the opera OF last night was found In the
lines OF song OF Violetta sung by Nine
Sembrich. IL is said. that at first Ia
Traviata" was not success, the failure
being accounted for by the fact that Il
was In other than artistic hands-or
voices. but since then when sung by
Christine Nilsson (who made her debut
In it, Adelna Patti. Mime. Piccolominl
and Nine. Sembrich II has become one Of
the choicest pearls OF grand opera.
IL Is not an enllvening piece-the story
but the tale Is so well told that one al
most forgets the sorrow in It and thinks
OF nothing but the song
Last nights production was one worthy
Of all praise that could possibly be be-
slowed upon it--it dehed criticism and
even the audience at times. when applause
would be perfectly natural sat still
breathleSs almost--which can be tnken
from last evenings audience as the most
NJ or, tt,t,1 81,
applause was strong and hesrtfelt-both
conditions were spontaneous Perhaps
never before has a more satisfa ctory-
from all points-performance been given
in Providence. The audience went 10
hear a famous opera given by famous
artists and II ia safe IN say that the ex-
pectation OF everyone was fully realized
Nine Sembrich. beyond the shadow OF
doubt. is the greatest lyric soprano OF to-
day--last night she was even more than
that-she was superb and was in the
most excellent voice-now soft sweet and
low-then loud, clear and strong struck
homo TO every individual in the crowded
house. Her voice Is fresh and apparently
unworn, showing what great care and
attention has been given II and we under
stand that Professor Stengl, Nine Sem
brich's husband, who has guided her
steps for years, takes quite as much in
terest in the care as the prims donna her
self. The singers, tis said. have. in at
tempting TO satisfy the public's desire for
! Wagner music dramas. gone into those
with voices wholly untitled and with
disastrous results. but Nine. Sembrich
has retained the repertoire that suits her
voice and keeps II whole II Is rare-quite
rare-that a prima donna Is as clever an
actress as Mime. Sembrich--has a charm
In personality--easy and graceful car
riage and these, too. speak highly OF the
close study that she has given 20 her art.
Mr. Dipples Alfredo was a charming
demonstration OF that singers ability
his tenor was clear and was neither
bombastic nor affected. His acting was
clean cut and demonstative and not
! overdrawn and all in ell he made a mos,
charming opposite 20 Mime. Sembrich
Signor Campanari's Interpretation OF
Germont was artistic from every point
His singing called for much applause and
his dramatic ability Is unquestoned. Nine
Sembrich. Mr.. Dippel, and Signor Cam
panari shouldered the major part of the
opera but the minor parts were well placed
and handled by Mines. Bauermelster and
Jacoby.
The orchestra must not be forgotten
as IL did most excellent work under the
guidance OF Conductor Heiurichs. while
the chorus was strong and well modu'
lated.
The song OF Nine. Sembrich In the last
act at tho point where Violetta Is about
to die, was perhaps the most appealing
song OF the opera. II was given In q
manner 10 touch the heart of everyone
and the audience we're really overcome BY
the sweetness Of the plantive lyric
All in oil those who S~ard last nights
production were effusie In their praise
we trust the same treat may be accord
ed again.