Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-21
Henry w. savage's Company
Presents Wagnerian Opera
Before Packed House
MOST suHERR MUSICAL EVENT
Largest Audience That Ever Witnessed
an Attraction at the odeon Hears
the Famous Production in English
Many Here From Out Of Town
Chorus and DEMONSTRATION Perfect.

The most superb musical event in
the history of Marshalltown, and a
browning, one with which to close the
present season of high class attractions.
was the production of Wagner's fam
Gus opera, "Lohengrin," by Henry w.
Savages English Grand Opera Com
pany, at the Odeon Tuesday night
Probably the most representative and
brilliant audience, and by far the
largest, ever gathered in the city heard
the presentation by the company of
artists. and was delighted. The only
possible disappointment that might be
expressed is by those who went not
knowing what to expect. All the
available seating capacity of the house
was filled and in addition chairs were
placed wherever there was room with
out blocking aisles.
One is most impressed with the pro-
duction of 'Iohengrin," as presented
by Mr.. aSavage's company, from the
moment of the opening strains of the
overture. The magnificent orchestra,
under the direction of Mr. Elliott
Schenck, delighted even those who did
not feel competent to appreciate the
artistic music. One can not fully COM
prehend or conceive of the beauties
of "Lohengrin" with a single hearing,
and only those who have been SO for
tunate as to listen to the music two
or three times can begin to realize the
fullest meaning that the composer ex
pected to convey. Among the orches-
ira numbers the most beautiful to
many Of the musical critics We're the
overture and "The Heralding of
Dawn" which preceded the second act.
The scenic effects and costuming are
in perfect keeping with the other artistic
phases of the production, and the diff
ferent scenes are mounted with a rich
appropriateness to the surroundings,
and decidedly pleasing to the eye. The
chorus is perfect, and caused more
favorable comment among musicians
than any other one feature of the pro-
duction.
Among the principals Mr. Francis
Maclennan appears in the title role.
and was very pleasing. He has rich
and sweet tenor voice of wide range
and nicely poised, which was shown to
good advantage in the Swan Song"
I'm Distant Land ''Dost Thou
Breathe the Incense?", the Grail
Song" and others.
Nine. Martha Miner, as Elsa. while
possessing a voice of considerable
sweetness, is not as strong in the por-
travail of the princess as some other
artists appearing in the same role. Her
articulation, at times, was not good.
Among her numbers "Elsa's Dream"
INV Guardian, My Defender" and .4e
Wandering Breezes" were the best.
Miss Claude Albright, as Ortrud, was
delightful. Miss Albright's mezzo-
soprano was under perfect control, ana
her articulation perfect. Her on
Pride of Heart" was given with
charming effect. The balcony scene,
followed by the duet between Elsa
ard Ortrud. was admirably given.
Mr. Harrison w. Bennett, as the
king. has a fine, well-modulated bass
voice. and was most pleasing. MI.
Arthur Deane, baritone, as frederlck,
while having good voice, was haro
10 understand at times. His acting was
superb. Mr. Thomas D. Richards an
other baritone, appeared as the her-
aid, and was good.
: story of the Opera.
To those who did not have l1pretto'
and who will be better able TO com
,,rehend a. story of "Lohengrin" after
hearing it sung, a recital of the trend
Of events covered in the operate poem
will ne helpful. Wagner's idea In writ
ing .I.ohengrin" was based on the an
Gent Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche.
altho in it's composition it was adapted
to German legends.
Henry l., the Fowler, Emperor OF
Germany, about to make war against
the Hungarians, who threaten TO IN
wade his realm, comes to Antwerp TO
collect his troops and to remind all the
noblemen Of Brabant of their ale
glance to him.
Tho opera opens with the trumpet
call of the heralds and by Henry's
snaech to the assembled noblemen, who
enthusia stically promise him the sup
nort If their oft-tried arms. The king,
who is pleased with their readiness to
serve him, then informs them that ne
has heard r,lrnors of trouble among
them and that by right of his office
of high Justice of the realm he would
fain bring peace among them. He
therefore summons Frederick of Telra-
m,,nd. the guardian of the dukedom of
ARA hart, to state the cause of dissen-
sion. Frederick relates how the dying
duke of Brabant confided his children,
Elsa and Gottfried, to his care and how
tcnderly he had watched over them, of
his sorrow when the young heir, hay-
ing gone out in the forest to walk
with his sister one day, failed to re-
turn. Frederick explains that he could
not but suspect Elsa of her brothers
murder. He had therefore renowned
his suit for her hand. which he had
once hoped to win, and had married
Ortrud, daughter of Radbod, heather
king, and former possessor of all this
land which he now claims as his own
by right of inheritance.
The people at first refuse to believe
his dark accusation against Elsa, but
when Frederick, of Telramund, declares
that she murdered her brother to be-
come sole mistress of the duchy, and
to bestow it upon some unworthy lover.
the king sends for the maiden, and.
hanging his shield upon an oak, de-
clares he will not depart until he has
tried the cause.
Elsa responds to the summons. dress
ed all in white and attended by her
women. Her youth. beauty and ap-