Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-21

M through q long golden day or
wv will 1t be touched by theatre
cal frost and perish? Leave
prophecy to the weather bureau
*
For those who have the catalogue in
stinct Madam Butterfly" presents difficult
ties 1t cannot be labeled and pgeon-holed
along with any one variety of entertain
ment. 1t stands distinct and unclassified.
There are times when the performance
seems like a bit of the old Gilbert and
Sullivan opera taken seriously. theme
that is identical with one used in the
"Mikado" occurs prominently in Madam
Butterfly" but this may mean no more
than that both Sullivan and Puccini took
pains to study the music of the country
and both found the same material avail
able If Sullivan was consummate in
catching the grOtesque side of japanese life
as viewed by occidental eyes and rejecting
it In his score, Puccini has been no less
thorough in the much higher task of in
terpreting the pathos and misunderstanding
which must beset the little people who
have turned their faces unto another civill-
cation; one which we know is best but
which for them must have its hardships
Quite devoid of comedy Madam Butter
ture, cannot for the moment be classified
as light opera neither is its spirit that of
grand opera. Its theme is neither tragic
nor profound. Pathos is the one word
which describes its purport. 1t is the story
of a woman who loved much and forever,
told with a simplicity which in these days
of plot and revenge seems almost defiant.
And the rare art of the composer has not
allowed the story to become obscure. He
has devoted himself to the expression of
an idea. He has succeeded in impressing
the auditor with the same emotions which
the narrative awakened in his own being.
The work demands sustained attention.
There is no dropping In casually at some
selected point in the performance to hear
particularly striking aria or to admire
the facility with which some performer
executes a particularly difficult passage.
1t is a closely woven fabric with design
so intricately beautiful that portion
of 1t taken apart can satisfy. The COM
poser has no resort to any suggestion of
song-forms in his music. There is no need
of systematic reiteration to impress the
beauty of his melodies they flow swiftly,
consecutively, and .recur only when thought
or feeling suggests them, independently of
the methods laid down by accepted stand
ards.
Before all things else the music adheres
to its great and original purpose, the eluci-
dalton of an idea. The beauty of wOman's
love is impressed even as potently as its
dangers are portrayed in the far more dra-
matte opera, Carmen" Madam Butterfly
leaves the cynic without an argument. 1t
cuts the ground from beneath his feet and
holds him in ethereal suspense. To get back
TO earth again he must needs take on bal
last by reading few pages of 'Manon
Lescaut" or even Gautier's vampire hor-
ror, "Clarimonde.'
But each stage presentation, however deli |
cate and graceful, has its lath and canvas |
side. The bare realities obtrude themselves, |
despite the shrinking of the modern man.
ager from any kind of publicity that is not
in the nature of adu,ation and direct adver-
tisement. Scarce had the first night won
SzamOsy most cordiai acceptance as COM
petent singer and charming actress than the
news comes that Norwood Brandt has en-
tered suit against Manager Savage because
she was not permitted to create the role in
this country. Perhaps SZamosy herself might
have been content with this victory, but she
has a husband. 1t is told that when Miss
Vivienne, conscientious and efficient, though
not aggressive, sang the part Mr.. Szamosy
posted himself in the upper part of the
theater and gave way to his hgh-strung
foreign feelings to the extent of kissing!
Imagine it, y hiss in an American au-
dience, whose custom it is to pass the worst
performer even with no worse rebuke than
a charitable silence! That there should be
some room for jealousy is but natural, for
there are points in the two performances
which suggest comparison to the advantage |
Of Miss Vtvienne. However admirable such |
cOnjugaf devotion may be- the lack of dis !
erection cannot be too strongly condemned. |
But these husbands of famous actresses, |
No wonder managers Shy when they see |
them looming up!
Beautiful and impressive as Madam But
tertiy is, its future cannot be regarded as
secure. Audiences have responded with I'M
bounded enthusiasm, but not with the at
tendance which was to have been expected
for enterprise of so great Importance. It
will be interesting TO see what views Mr..
Savage will take OF its right to exist The
mind reverts to the first question. Will he
ruthlessly Stay 1t in it's infancy as other
productions have been Slain, or will he give
1t chance to grow? Possibly the conten-
ton it has engendered both litigious and
personal. will put him his mette, as the
war horse who disdains the frummeries Of
perfunctory display sticks forth his ears
and neighs for conflict when he smells real
powder. PHILANDER JOHNSON.
SONGS AND SANDWICHES.-Whe
Frank Daniels and the Sergeant Brue'
company arrived at Pawtucket last
Wednesday. route from Fall river to
Worcester. a local song writer boarded the
train. and button-holing the comedian asked