The Washington herald., 1908-04-28
The National-aCarmen.o

The first summer company in the neld
is the Aborn Opera Company, whose sea
son at the New National Theater last
year was one Of the most memorable
in summer stock theatricals The open
ing last night was a brilliant one. and a
very fiattering one for the company, for
it showed that the local public has not
forgotten the pleasure It derived from
the performances OF this same organiza-
ton last summer.
Carmen" was the opera selected for
the initial performance. and it was a very
happy one. although the works to fol-
low will probably be Of lighter character.
owing to the heavy tax on the singers
in rehearsing and singing the difficult
music OF grand opera Considering the
fact that none of the Aborn company
had ever appeared in Garner" before.
no greater tribute 20 the versatility and
ability OF the members could be needed
than this test
While Carmen" Is classed among the
grand operas, It is probably the most
popular Of all the heavier musical works,
and the music belongs to that class
which is descriptive and expressive. rather
than profound or abounding in long reci-
tatives or concerted numbers. There are
a number OF solos. notably The Tor
eador's Song" which have been almost
popular music. so widely known and often
played and sung are they, but though the
music is full Of color, there is no sug-
gestion Of lightness or uiviality. II is
all excellent music, the work Of scholar
ly and well-equipped composer
Miss Edith Bradford. as Carmen, sang
her role 20 the great satisfaction Of the
audience. II she was at all nervous
over her debut in the important part
there was practically no evidence Of It.,
and she gave every appearance Of having
carefully studied the character she es-
sayed. Her Caymen is not. however. the
picturesque she-devil OF Bizet and Pro-
per Merimee. She IS more coquettIsh and
teasing. especially In the earlier scenes,
than A vicious and abandoned gypsy, and
even at the tragic end, she is less devil
may-care than the traditions Of the part
have usually required. Her singing was
excellent, and her acting, particularly in
the second and third acts, very dramatic
and impressive.
Miss Sabrey D'Orsell. another Aborn
favorite. appeared as Michaela, and her
pure. sweet soprano voice was heard to
splendid advantage, especially in the
grand aria OF the third act
Several beautiful bouquets OF flowers
were received by both Miss Bradford and
Miss D'Orsell.
Escamilo was sung by Harry Luck
stone and he won the usual encore with
the T0reador's song, Henri Barron sang
Don Jose in the place Of Domenico
Russo. who VIII appear all the rest Of the
week, as previously announced. Mr.. Bar
ron was laboring under distinct disad-
vantage last night and. while his voice
is a tenor Of excellent range and quail
ity. his acting Of the difficult role showed
lack OF familiarity, and he appeared so
nervous that he could not DO justice to
the work.
The chorus is the usual good Aborn ag-
gregation. we'll drilled. and singing with
great strength and volume. The scenery.
particularly the rugged beauty OF the
third act. the smuggler's mountain pass.
also showed the attention and regard ior
the requirements that distinguish all pro-
ductions OF this company.