The Washington times., 1905-10-10
FRITZ SCHEFF
IN NEW OPERA
"Mlle. MOdiste" Presented
at the Columbia.
THE PRESIDENT ATTENDS
Largest Audience of Season Showers
Applause on Primadonna and
Composer.

No more auspicious Introduction of a
new Offering could possibly be imagined
than that which was given to mile.
Modesto the comic opera composed by
Victor Herbert for FRITZ Scheff, at the
Columbia, last night. House packed from
pit to gallery; audience given over to
constant and most demonstrative en-
thusiasm; the President of the United
States and other high dignitaeies of the
Government interested spectators; COM
poser and librettist both present and
honored with the star in most signal
manner-these We're the distinguishing
features of one of the most successful
first nights that Washington can record.
The orchestra was about to conclude
the overture when the President and
Mrs. Roosevelt. accompanied by Secre-
tary of state Root. and Associate Jus
tice and Mrs. Holmes entered the box.
Immediately there broke forth storm
of handclapping and hearty acclaim, to
which Mr.. Roosevelt repeatedly bowed
his acknowledgements. This scene was
repeated and more strongly accentuated
when, just before the beginning of the
second act Mr.. Herbert appeared in the
conductors seat. and led the orchestra
as il played The Star-Spangled Ban
per." in compliment to the Chief of the
Nation.
Real Comic Opera.
for the confident expectation that real
comic opera will yet become regular
American product. 1t is a most appre-
ciable addition to the comparatively few
genuine native works of this character.
There is in it tuneful muic of much
merit. especially in the first act. both
for principals and chorus. some of ii so
catchy as to be seized upon Immediately
by the audience
Mr. Herbert is to be credited with a
distinctly praiseworthy achievement, and
will no doubt be ENCOURAGED thereby to
cultivate this most fruitful field for CAP
able American composers. Mr.. Bios
SONS libretto and lyrics show marked
advancement, and he was fully entitled
to share, as he did. in the honors that
were showered so literally on both.
FIRTH Scheff's Triumph.
Fritai Scheff can lay claim to a pro-
nounced personal triumph. To few
stars has such a reception been accord
ed as to her upon her first appearance
on the scene. 1t was several minutes
before she could proceed with the busi-
ness of her part and at every proper
moment these marks of popular favor
were made evident Curtain call follow
ed curtain call, nor would the audience
be sauSned untit the pIimaoona as Wen
as composer and librettist had made the
inevitable speech.
The role fits Miss Scheff like a glove.
Mr. Herbert has fully gauged the al
most unlimited possibilities of her voice.
which is singularly brilliant in the mid
die and higher registers. Her singing Is a
positive delight. so free from all mere
tricicus efforts, and her coloratura
shows not only the exquisite purity OF
the voice but the perfect training of the
grand opera artist
Her acting is all that could be de-
sired. and her dainty figure ana viva
cious manner stamp her as the ideal
comic opera primadonna.
Good Supporting Company.
The supporting company is well bal
anced In it's chief elements. Although
there are no voices of exceptional quail