Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-11-09

MIME. KIRKBY LUNN, WHO SINGS KUEDRY. he fails to convey any sense of the re- ligious dignity upon which "Parsifal" is based
 Putnam Griswold is an adequate Gurnemanz role of a tedious, recita- !, tive nature that would seem to impose high nervous strain on it's inter- preter. sss \ AS to Opera In English.
 E What is the significance of the com plete success of Henry ". Savage's production in English of Wagner's "Parsifal?" Only one answer is possi- ble-that it has been proved for all time that 1t is possible to give the greatest and most difficult work of the operatic stage in English which is intelligible as well as singable, with singers from the best opera houses in Europe, with production on a scale equal to that r of the leading theaters of Germany and at price which brings this branch of art within the reach of ev- erybody. In other words, with this production in English of ssParsifar' 1t may be said that grand opera has ceas- ed to be an exotic in America. A Well Known Critics Opinion.
 This is the point which has been em- phasized strongly by all the Boston writers who realize that behind the production itself is broad principle the truth of which is being demon strated successfully for the first time. As Philip Hale, the Boston critic. wrote:
 '..The public will yet be forced to ad- init that opera in English is not q foolish dream: that an excellent en- semble is preferable to few stars of the first magnitude who shine the more brilliantly by reason of the sur rounding darkness. MT. Savage may not see this day, but his work will live after him, and he will be known and remembered as one who had faith in the capabilities of the American sing CTS, who took pride in the production of grand opera in the language of the nation, who spared no pains in prepu- ration and knew not discouragement; who, without vainglorious boast, impossible and bore his triumph mod estly."
 "ParsifaID at tho Metropolitan.
 Rehearsals for the Thanksgiving per formance of "Parsifap' at the Metro. politan Opera House are now far ad- vanced. and the deep interest taken in the event both in and out of this city Is shown by the large number of mall applications for rsseats which are pour ing in from all directions
 The German chorus which MT. Con- ried has recruited for the interpreta. tion of Wagner's masterpiece is hard at work under the direction of MT. Al fred Hertz. It will be notably stron- ger and even more thoroughly drilled for it's task than the chorus which was heard here last season.
 MT. Conried's Invention.
 The ingenious electrical device re gently invented by Mir. lConried for si lently and automatically conveying or ders to the expert at the electric light switchboard will be used ia the Par sifal" production. In this connection. it may be mentioned that Mir. Alfred Hertz, who will again conduct in 'Par- sifal," has just invented very simple electrical time beater, consisting of a keyboard connected with an apparatus behind the scenes. By touching keyc or buttons the conductor transmits noiselessly the exact tempo required to the chorus master in the wings.
 Ponchieili's "Giaconda."
 For some time past arrangements have been in progress at the Metropol-