New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-31
MUSIC.
III. MEssAGER,s "vERONIQUE."

A company of English operetta people, hailing
from the Apollo Theatre, London, gave a first per
Torrance at the Broadway Theatre last night OF an
operetta entitled "veronique" The work is French
IN origin in spite Of its translation to other
shows and into language which is not a good M,
1t remains French in the rhythmica pquancy of Its
musical measures and in the pretty gracefulness OF
the scenic elements of its second act 1t has much
beauty as it stands transmogried, in spite Of its
tumble Of Gallo spirit and Anglican body, Its
spoiled poetry and its heavy humor but Its chlef
charm comes from the music, and so much OF It's
performance falls to the winsome actress VINO
inpersonates the character that gives the play Its
name. What the writers of the book, MN. A. Van
Loo and c. Duval did for It, aside from its pictures
and situations, only be guessed at, Tor Inc
translation of the lyrics has the smoothness and
symmetry Of corduroy road. Over them or I'M
der them. the music goes with many jolt afc with
much disturbance OF its native grace. That never
theess much OF it falls delightfully."- into the ear
is much to the credit of the composer, Andre
Messenger, who conducted last nights perform
ance and was greeted with cordial plaudits when
he showed himself recall to the open scene
after the second act. Mr.. Messenger Is the
artistic director OF the affairs at the Covent Gar
den Theatre, in London. whittier he has trans
formed the activities which for longer time
given to Paris. There he learned the elements OF
the art which makes the score of ''Veronique'
refreshing variation the vulgarities which have
long passed muster for comic opera in the Broad
way theatres. The pretty poetical concets Of
musical investitures in France, and their forms
are known TO NJ. Messenger. He knows their bright
rhythms. their dainty musette effects their grace
full instrumental idioms, and he has blended them
in his with fecund fancy and ingenious
skill The atmosphere of his music in the second
IN particular is redolent of poetry. 1t would be
more beautiful if it could flow with what we fancy
to be the melody Of the French lyrics, but
as it is it is still graceful and charming, refreshing
in melody, dainty in orchestratton, facile and
fined in harmony. gentle and refined
buked the rudenesses which seemed necessary to
fit the humor of the dialogue for English
This dialogue will probably have to undergo fur
Their change before it will appeal to American taste.
but change Is likely to make the contradiction
between English book and French
phatic than it is.
In "veronique'' the music and pictures so far
they fit the fundamental story, all; the rest
is nothing A spirited little aristocrat declines to
be married off by royal order to man she has
never met. She wants to win him for herself and
to cure him of the wicked ways into which she
discovers he has fallen. She assumes humble dis
guise. joins in the roysterings which he has
planned on the of his nuptials, gains his love.
and incidentally discounts the woman with whom
he has carried Illicit amour. That is all
there is that is essential to the story. What re-
mains is padding for songs dances and rude fun
making Its amiable dramatic and musical ele-
ments would fail Of all effect If the music were
not pretty rendered and the fmpersonation OF
the character of the heroine sustained in manner
to win sympathy and careful admiration. This
last Miss Ruth Vincent does Hers Is a neat and
refined art upon which the gerb of naturalness
rests easily. Its foil is the broad but ingenious
hunor Of John de Hay. an old acquaintance and
Aubrv FITZGERALD The others In the company
renresent the degree Of skill ordinarily found in
musical comedy people The piece is handsomely
mounted the women picturesquey and tastefully
goyned. The first act is filled with tresome
rernnlissage and after it the piece seemed doomed
for a while Rescue came with the second act It's
merits ought win success.