The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1909-01-20
Puccini's Madam Butterfly By
English Company Great
Iy Enjoyed at Grand.

Music lovers and discriminating per-
sons or culture OF clarksbnrg and
vicinity enjoyed a rare treat at the
Grand opera house Tuesday night
when they heard and saw most ex-
eeilent production by the noted Eng
iish Opera Company OF the popular
grand opera Madam Butterfly" by
Giacomo PuccinL based on the novel
by John Luther Long and the play by
David Belasco.
A large audience was present. and
while the house was not crowded. nor
standing room sold, yet there were
only few vacant; seats. The rapt at
tention paid by the audience through
out the piece gave testimony Of the
high appreciation of such a superior
and artistic musical entertainment on
the part Of .clarlssbtrg lovers of fine
music.
The opera Is, one of the most hui
man aud tenderly pathetic stories
ever set to music. Puccinl was equal
to the big task of composing the
score and 1t IS no wonder that Mad
am Butterfly" has delighted so many
thousands Of people with the success
II has. Melody in beautiful, unblem-
ished simplicity is the predominant
characteristic OF the opera. The audi
forum is bathed in a wealth of sem
timent-moving melodious strains
sweeping in impressive waves from a
melodIc representation of faithful.
loving devotion to the depths OF a
pathetic bitter despair which char
acterlzes the emotions OF the poor
Japanese girl who loves the Ameri-
can naval lieutenant who deserts her.
while she remains faithful and true
to him until her death. self-infiIcted
when he returns to the port. bring.
Ing with him an American bride.
Miss Myrtle Thornburg. the noted
American prIma donna soprano, who
studied abroad and who made sue
cess in this and other similar parts
with the Henry W. Savage opera
company, took the leading role Mt
last nights performance and charm
ed all with her sweet. clear voice
She rose to heights of musical excel
lence and swayed the audience with
her splendid and artistic Interpreta-
ton of the part. With incompatible
realism was portrayed by her the
character Of the innocent japanese
maiden with fiutterlng moods OF the
butterfly but without the feelings Of
mature womanhood. She had good
control Of her voice throughout the
performance and sustained her tones
with remarkable ease.
Possessing powerful and meIo-
dious tenor voice. Henry Taylor. as
Lieutenant Plnkerton, U. s. n
used It admirably and enacted his ar
hcult part with grace and ease. OF
icy cranston as sharpIess, the united
states Consul sang exceedingly wei
with his fine bass vaice. Artbnr
Deane as Goro, the Marriage Broker
proved possession of a splendid bari
tone voice and a faculty of good
Ellen James. as Suzu-
XII Madam Butterfy's maid, did nice.
~ with her part.
The chorus of the Geisha girls was
harmonious and nicely balanced
throughout the entire opera.
The music of the opera as rendered
by the orchestra under the expert
control of Mr.. Kari Grossman Was
without fault In tempo. tone and en-
semble
Fine support was given all Of the
principals by the company surround
ing and what disappointment there
was in the absence of Miss Adelaide
Norwood, who was indisposed ana
could not take her part. was lost in
the general appreciation Of the opera
as rendered. Musical comedy COM
panies and the best theatrical pro-
auctions have visited the city but it
may truthfully be stated that rot for
long time, II ever, has operate mu-
sic sung by an organization Of
the highest order been given here as
was the beautiful composition that
went to make up the tragedy and