The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-15
March IS, 1906.
Grand Opera Season Comes
to Fitting Close IN g Faust

ever given here, IL not the very best:
There was uniform continuation or
effort on the part Of both principals and
chorus, as well as of the orchestra and
all under the leadership of Elliott
Schenck, that combined to produce this
result.
The purpose novel 81 i e. deeried by al
but the playbook that appeals to all
mankind is the book that has behind it
a masterful, overpowering purpose. The
same thing is true in the play and no less
in the opera. "Tannhauser' teaches
such a slesson, lesson that cannot help
but sink deep into the hearts of those
who are thoughtful and discerning.
Added; to this, the fact that it is also
artistic in the highest sense, and there
is combination that under skillful in
depreciation is sure Of success.
The Savage production was notable
one. William Wegener was cast for the
title role, and while he did not do him
self or the part justice vocally, he was
SO superb dramatically, and played with
such evident sincerity that the vocal
shortcomings were almost lost sight of.
Mr.. WegeEer gave a good account of
himself on his last appearance here
with the Savage forces, which made his
singing yesterday disappointment, and
/ it seemed as tho the trouble ought to
have been remedied with more adequate
| rehearsal.
Elizabeth. was taken by Miss Rita
newman, and nobly sung. Miss New
man is an artist in the truest sense.
She has broadened both dramatically
and vocally since her appearance here
two years ago, and has rightfully
earned the recognition that was &C.
corded her. "Dich Theure Halle'' was
given with dignity and beauty that
was very satisfying, and earned a
hearty encore. The duet with Tam
hauser in the second act was also
beautifully done:
the Miss Ss a. Tsan. Mga oo who took
part to perfection, did not add to her
laurels. by her singing. Miss Crawford Is
voice has sufficient volume, but there
is an inclination to sing with a metal.
lie ring, especially in fortissimo, that
detracts from the effects she desires to
produce. Miss Mathielde Metz sang
the role Of the Shepherd lad, and II
would be hard to conceive Of a more
winsome impersonation or a sweete1
voice.
OF the men, the Landgrave of Har
ton sung with proper dignity ant
breadth, and made notable addition
to the cast, one Of the best that Mr.
Bennett has given during the entire
season. Arthur Dane IS portrayal of tn,
minstrel knight, Wolfram Won Esen
bach, was better dramatically tina,
unsteady. While Mr.. Deane has
voice Of unusually good timbre, he ha
a bad habit of occasionally singing of
the key that mars his work sadly. Hi
rendition Of the "Evening Star" wa
also sadly lacking in that lyric sweet
ness and strength so essential to it
wonderful beauty. The role Of Biterol
was also very well sung.
The setting of the opera left nothin,
to be desired. The hall in the Wart
burg was especially fine and the stag
groupings charmingly managed. TIL
spring and autumn scenes in the vale,
before the Wartburg were also beauti
fully managed. altho the perspective s
necessary to perfect illusion was lack
ing. because of the lack of stage space
The choral numbers, especially tn
"Hail, Bright Abode Of the secon
: act, and the "Pilgrims' Chorus'' wer
| magnifcently sung. The orchestral 81
, fects seemed often. inadequate, espe
, cially in the overture, attho an encor
followed 1t. AGS $50 80 G5R H, b,