The daily sentinel., 1905-02-21
"PARSIFAL."

The Congregational church was
comfortably filled last evening to
hear the Interpretation of the great
Wagnerian drama. "Parsifal." by
Mrs. Bertha Kunz Baker. No drama
of the strictly religious type has ere
ated the comment that "Parsifal'
has since the passion Play" was
first heard at Oberammergrau.
The play has created enthusiasm
wherever heard and the interpreta-
ton by reading has never had more
marvellous exponent than Mrs. Ba-
ker. Those who have heard Mrs.
Scott-Siddons, Schoemake and other
great readers readily place Mrs Ba-
ker in the van of any array of read
ers that can be named
Mrs. Emma NJ. Wadsworth, the
president of the Woman's Club of
this city, introduced Mrs. Baker in
few well chosen remarks, and that
lady took her place on the reading
| platform at once. Mrs Bakers per-
sonality is extremely attractive. She
has n noble physique, her voice one
whose cadences are so soft and pleas
ant as to be almost music, while her
| spiritual endowment in mind and
1 soul make common things beautiful
and charming to hear. Those who
heard her last night have new con
ception not only of "Parsifal," but
of religious literature that they could
not possibly have possessed before
hearing her and her entire rendition
of the characters of the play was
soul inspiring and uplifting, beyond
the measure of mere words to re-
cite. The whole range of passion,
the consummate softening of its
stress by humor and Fathos, was con-
tanned in the reading.
Mrs. Baker is woman of near
middle age. Her noble figure was
set on to advantage by her exquisite
taste in selection of color and mater
ial in her gown. and altogether her
presence was picture which will
not be dispelled,. but win remain
with her audience as a part of the
charm of her delightful rendition of
so great a masterpiece as "Parsifal"
is now recognized to be. Her gown
was princess, made en- train, of new
rose panne velvet, with duchesse
lace trimming.
II is unnecessary for us to go into
detailed explanation of the great
music drama. "Parslfal," in order
TO justly present Mrs. Bakers mag
nificent reading. A splendid sketch
of "Parsifal" was given in Satur-
days edition.
Mrs. Baker gave short and beau
tifully worded synopsis of the music
drama and then began the interpre-
tations of the context. She read from
each of the three acts into which
the drama is divided. Between the
Interpretation of each act short and
concise explanations and impressive
comment were given. In present
ing each character. Mrs. Bakers
wonderful ability as an impersonator
was clearly demonstrated. The hear
er could almost feel that he was see
ing the massive production of the
drama and watching the various
characters as they made their ap-
pearance Her impersonation of the
boys singing from the mountain top
was perfect and sublimely beautiful.
Likewise the chanting of the monks
and knights in the scene where the
Holy Grail is uncovered was realistic
and charming. Parsifal, the guile
less. somewhat weak character, was
well portrayed. Kundry, the beau
tiful enchantress and wicked tempt
ress, was presented in strong light.
A correct Interpretation of King Am
fortas, the custodian of the Holy
Grail and other sacred relies, was
given Justice was done to every
character of Importance in the won
derful play, and the presentation of
many of the great scenes and dia-
logues was really marvellous.
Mrs. Baker has wonderful dramat-
ic force and the very keenest poetic
insight. Her interpretations are
based upon the highest ideals. and
heavenly quality seemed to perme
ate the reading.
The idea of redemption through
the power of love. which is the life
of Wagner's marvellous music dra-
ma. was given a clear presentation
by the brilliant reader.
There was only the most favorable
comment to be heard on every hand
at the conclusion of the reading. The
large audience was inspired and
thrilled. Such high class entertain
ments WELD an influence for the good
ON those who enjoy IL. that fingers
| long.
The Woman's Club is to be con
graduated upon giving the people of
the city an opportunity of hearing
Mrs. Baker and those who failed to
attend the delightful reading let pass