New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-24
MUSIC
OPERAS OF A WEEKS END.
Nine. Sembrich in "Traviata. )


Nine. Sernbrich's last performance in New York Of
the role Of Vioetta in Verds "Traviata took place
In the Metropolitan Opera House last night. There
had been no announcement OF tz;is melancholy fact,
either official or unofficial Had there been there
woG!d DOUBTLESS have been beginning Of the fare
we'll demonstrations which are likely to follow this
marvellous artist from now TIL the end of the per
Torrance set apart for her formal leave-taking
from the operate stage in America on February 5.
In the programme arranged for that occasion the
first act of thc opera will included. The exoui
site art of Nine. Sembrich would have lovelier
exposition If the last act. instead of the first
given; but the pathos OF Violettas death scene,
combined with thoughts of the loss of such art
list would be more than the nerves of her Affection
ate admirers could endure. Under such circurn-
stance "Addo del passato. bel sogni ridenti" would
carry too poignant a burden of sorrow. There
ali intimation OF this yesterday when the audience
that had clamored and over again for the sing
ers presence before the after the first act,
sat as in the awful silence Of a death chamber
after she had sung Verdi's than wonderful
melody. Perhaps there was personal note in the
song which the singer felt. did many in the
audience. At any rate, since Nine. Sembrich sang
ii here for the first time twenty-five years ago II
has never had more perfect expression than it re-
cetved yesterday. Beautiful the melody is It
was thrice TRANSPORTED by the lovely voice per-
feet art OF the singer. We can scarcely believe
that II ever before copious tribute Of
Nine Sembrichs principal companions in the repre-
sentaton Signor Caruso. Signor Amato
Georgia GermonD. Signor Paterna (Barone Du-
phol). and Sgnor Ananian CDottore Grenvie) all
Of whom had taken part in previous performances.
Ssnor Spetrtno conducted worse than indiferently.
singers and orchestra being frequently at skies and
seYens.
Another fine audience assembled last evening in
the Metropolitan Opera House see and hear a
Wagner music drama "Ci0tterdanlmerung" had
been heard earlier in the season. and the profound
impression then made was reinforced last evening
when MIR. Toscanini directed a performance that
aroused the utmost enthusiasm and brought the
conductor, well singers, time after time be-
fore the curtain. There distribution
of the principal parts the drama. the siegfried
being Mr.. Burgstaler. the Brinnhilde Nine Fren,-
stad, and the Hagen Mr.. Hinckley, while the other
singers included Nine. Homer Miss Fcrnia, Nine
haschowska and MIR Muhlmann. Nine Fremstads
superb singing and the noble performance by the
orchestra were the OCCASIONS most commanding
features but the whole performance 10
enjoy and remember
Carmen sung at the Manhattan matinee yes
terday, brought forward Miss Gervile- Reache in
the utular role and Mr.. Constantine as Don Jose.
with Mr.. Crabbe the Toreador There was a
good audience present, and the performance had
considerable 10 commend 1t. though under Mr..
Charters leadership, 1t lacked she touch of final
authority. The personation OF the gypsy by Mr..
Hammerstens contralto emphasized the rough and
unrestrained qualities of the character. rather than
hard briiancy about much of Miss Gerville-
Reaches work, especially in the third and fourth
acts, that was Individually effective. The singers
voice carried well. and her treatment Of the music
showed more lightness of touch than her acting,
and on the whole gave good deal Of pleasure. Mr..
Constantinos presentation stronger in its sug-
Gestion of the healthy minded soldier that Don
Jose had been before Carmen betwitched him than
in pcturing of elemental passion. Yet he
gave more of vigor 10 the final episode of the
drama than might have been expected. and his sing
ing was at ali times that OF skiiful and judicous
artist Mr.. Crabbe made much Of Escamo's
music as most harytones do. which is not q great
deal There a coloress Michaela in the person
of Miss Zeppili, while in the smaller roles Miss
Trentini and Mr. Gilbert admirable.
"Pelleas ct Melisande' was the opera at the Man
haitian Opera House last night. II was Miss Gar
dens second appearance many successive
nights Miss Gerville- Reache gave even stronger
testimony TO the gradually increasing standard OF
strength and endurance among opera singers by
singing the part of Genevieve although in the
afternoon she had undertaken the title part in
Bizet's opera Carmen Rumors of war. ASA ults
appreciably the interest in the opera Of Saturday
night audience of good size 1t is hardly super
huous to remark once more that Mr.. Hammerstein
has made beautiful setting OF this work founded
on Maeterlinck's crama, whatever opinion those
who know music or the general public may hold of
its worth attraction.