Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-13

devoted to depicting the evil influence
exerted over Elsa by Ortrud, 'relra :
mund's wife, who interrupts the we'd
ding march ut the very door OF the
church.
Act Ill opens with a lively epltha
lamium to the newly welded pair and
closes with the tragic question of Elsa,
and tho know ledge THAT by 1T she has
lost her husband forever. In the last
act Lohengrin discloses himself and
departs. while Elisa. I'm a paroxysm Of
despair, throws herself upon the rocky
banks of tho stream
Musical critics have said thut In the
music of "Lohengrin" Wagner scaled
the very pinnacle OF melodlc express
sion. That tlnge OF sombre grandeur
which characicrlHes 'his work after the
period of "Iohengrin" and Tam
hauser" rarely finds occasion for ex-
precision in this opera where senti-
ment purely human strikes a deeper
and more responsive chord In a flow of
uninterrupted and spontaneous melody.
Wagner himself proclaimed: Music Is
love, and In my new opera music shall
stream from beginning 10 end This
wel-kept promise affords u striking
presentation az the masters wonderful
gift of pure melody in a music drama
that is now acclaimed the most pop
ular ON the grand opera stage.
In the mystic prelude. typifying the
descent of the Grail shimmering on a
high register of the violins, Il glittering
golden web of sound is woven on the
Il -, AT
A wonderfully graded swell from the
delicate planissmo of the opening thru
a tremendous climax backed by sonor-
GUS chords OH the ringing brass grad
ually fades to the almost lmperceptible
softness of four solo vlollns at the
close.
Then. from the rise of the curtain,
follow the shifting, rainbow-like har-
monies of Elsa's Dream Song" the
triumphant trumpet-stralns announc-
ing the arrival of Lohengrin, the little
Swan Song" and the brilliant orches-
trail and choral jubllation at the close
OF the stirring combat scene.
The wedding March," too! Where
is the young debutante whose heart has
not nuttered ut its simple and famll-
Music lovers need no introduction to
this the gem Of all the glorious TIA
pestry Chamber" harmonies.
The true musical climax to the opera
occurs. however. In the famous Grail
Song" where many Of the motives Of
the opera already heard are blended in
a musical tenor narrative replete with
the mystic suggestion of the holy
realms Of Montsalvat and the sacredly
Grail. But a note of sadness
the arrival of the Swan,
and the harmonies which announced
the knights triumphant arrival, now
In minor strains announce his sorrow
full departure to the holy land. Elsa's
brother, whom she was ac-
cused of Staying, is found to be none
other than the graceful swan, Is re-
stored. and pure white dove descends
to bear the swan boat away as the last
curtain falls.
Among the beautiful music numbers
In the drama. including the Wedding
March" "Elsa's Dream and the Swan
Song" none Is more interesting than
Lohengrins recital Of his history,
known as the Grail Song" as follows
In distant land, by ways remote and
hidden,
There stands berg that men call
Monsalvat;
1t holds a shrine, to the profane forbid
den,
More precious there is naught on
earth than that;
And, throned in light, 1t holds q cup
immortal,
That who SD sees, from earthly sin
is cleansed.
Twas borne by angels thru the hea-
venly portal;
Its coming hath holy reign COM
menced.
Once every year dove from Heaven
descendeth,
To strengthen 1t anew for works Of
grace;
Tis called the Grail the pow'r Of
Heav'n attendeth
The faithful knights who guard that
sacred place.
He whom the Grail to be Its servant
chooses,
Is armed henceforth with high, in
vincible might;
All evil craft it's pow'r before him
loses,
The spirits of darkness, where he
dwells, take flight;
Nor will he lose the awful charm it
lendeth,
Although he should be called to dis
tant lands.
When the high cause Of virtue he de-
fendeth,
While he's unknown, its spell he still
commands.
BY perils dread the Holy Grail is grid
No eve. rash or profane, It's light
may see;
It's champion knight from doubtings
shall be warded,
If known to man he must depart and
flee.
Now mark, craft Of disguise my soul
disdaineth,
The Grail sent me to right yon lady's
name.
Ny father, Parsifal gloriously resign
eth:
His knight am I, and Lohengrin my
name.
The Cast.
The cast has already been assigned
,or the Marshalltown production, and
Mr.. Francis Maclennan, whom
Mr.. Savage considers the best of the
three tenors who sing the title role,
will portray the knight of the Holy