The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-30
"HAENSEL UND GRETEL" SUNG
MARIE Whitfield GIVES A FINE
DETERIORATION IN 1T.
Hr,,cr Presentation Of the wandering BOY
Than n Much Heralded Predecessor
The Performance Very Delightful
DcSDlte Trouble With the lights.

Dcsplte Trouble With the Lights.
rhanperdinck's "Hansel und Gretel- was
rcrrorruet at the Metropolitan Opera
House Yesterday afternoon before an
audience Of goodly size. Many children
we're present and they heartily enjoyed the
delightful fairy tale n its exquisite must
cal setting. The performance was note
worthy IN more than one respect. In the
first place the opera had been benefited by
some honest rehearsals of the stage effects
and had gained in smoothness. The lights
were better managed, though it was in
this department, as usual, that the most
oisinusioning deficiencies we're observed.
The most unfortunate failure was the
neglect 10 turn down the lights when the
WITCH mounted her broom IN began her
cerie dance. Her ride through the air was
not well lighted either. The glare of the
celestial radiance in the dream scene was
once more too strong, but The, picture
showed a general Improvement. The musi-
cal features Of the opera we're for the most
part excellent. The work ia conducted
this year by Mr.. Hertz, who is plainly in
love with the score.
The Improvement in the orchestra this
season is marked. In their Official con-
versations the conCucto q attribute this to
the small wooden hood which has taken
the place of the former orchestra rail.
Doubtless this accounts for some improve
ment in the solidity Of the tone. but it does
not explain the far greater ichness OF the
general color. the better information, the
improved mellowness of the wood wind
and the better balance. Neither does il
furnish a reason for the new precision and
unanimity Of the orchestra nor for its ex-
celent nuancing, so admirably displayed
on Wednesday night in "La Boheme" and
Yesterday in the Humperdinck opera.
The principals engaged in the presenta-
tion Of -HAnsel und Gretel" were with one
exception those heard last season. The
newcomer was Marie hatfield as Han sci.
Miss hatfield il no stranger 70 the Metro
poIitan Opera Hous stage, as she sang
sang there frequently in Walter Damrosch's
company. She never before showed to
such advantage az h did yesterday after
noon. Comparison is not criticism, but it
seems as if in this instance it was not
only invited but compelled. Last season
columns of heated announcement about
a wonderful soubrette were sent out. She
vas to reveal extraordinary powers OF
personal attraction and comic skill in the
role of Hdnse', and expectation was raised
TO a high pitch.
The soubrette (this word is here used in
its correct sense) proved to be a ~presentable
person without much sing ing voice and
only a moderate amount OF histrionio skill.
No advance proclamations whateve r were
sent out about Miss Mattfeld, who was
already known to be a useful member Of
-. 1884 4n.-.r .-I 80 -IA&z..--
star. New ertheless, her impersonation of
HGensei was better. both vocally and dra-
mstically, than that Of her much heralded
predecessor. There ought to be a lesson
In this for some one
Nine. Homer made her first appearance
this season as the Witch. She was ug lier,
more terrifying and more convincing than
ever. Miss Alien, Mr.. Goritz and Miss
Weed were the other principal sing ers.
As for the representatives OF the Sandman
and the Dep FGiry, out Of consideration
for the feelings of their friends they shall
here be nameless. Doubtless they are
seniors in Mr.. Conried's school OF opera.
If that is the case, it is a pity that they can
not count two in a bar.
Neither OF them yesterday showed the
slightest conception OF measure or rhythm.
As for the art OF singing, that is something
which has not found its way into the circle
Of their vision. One OF them was 30 busy
battling with her tremolo hat she could not
stop to form articulate notes, and the other
was far too interested in her high tones
u consider such ~unimportant matters az
phrases.
1t is a pity that these little matters can
not be corrected. but intelligence is not
any more plentiful in the operate domain
than 1t is elsew here. The general spirit OF
Yesterdays performance was good and the
total result was delightful. Why grumble
because Of clouds on the face of the moon?