New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-23
MUSIC
OPERA AT THE METROPOLITAN.
wagner's Comedy Well Played and Sung.

The German contingent is enjoying spirit OF
unusual and successful activity at the Metropolt-
tan Opera House Just now. After four phenon1-
enally successful performances Of lie Nozze di
Figaro (Which was brought out under the Ger
man egis. though it is an italian opera) within
twice as many days, Wagner's "Meistersinger"
had representation last night which stood out
In bright relief against those of recent years.
MT Hertz was the conductor. the stage manage
hheht was IN the same hands as before and there
were several familiar people In the cast at least
one OF whom has always been quite inimitable,
though even he seemed to have acquired a
sense or the dramatic and humorous possibili-
ties of his role. This was Mr. Goritz who as
beCkfnesSer has placed picture in the operate
gallery of New York that is not likely to be for
eotlen Tor decades to come. Another, also of
hlgh excellence was Nine. Homer, whose unctuous
acting as Magdalena is perfectly paired by
her capital treatment Of its uniquely character
istic musical defamation Mr. M1hlnnann
was also seen and heard in the part of Kothner.
winch he has otter filed in the past There were
-FOUR new representations, however which were not
only interesting individually, but which fitted into
the ensemble well and helped to emphasize the
1act that more than the oldtirne care had been
bestowed upon the preparation of the work. The
newcomers were Miss Destinn, the Eva OF the
evening; Mr.. J6rn, the Welther Mr.. Finehals the
Hans Sachs, and Mr.. Hinckley. the Pogner The
more meritorious of these new were
those OF Mr. Ffnehals and Mr. Jorn. who effected
his entrance on the Metropolitan stage after
week SoJourn IN the city Circumstances have
maze MS hrSt appearance before a New York audi
ence more trying ordeal than prinla donna is
ordinarily called on to endure but Mr. Jorn must
nave been put at his by the reception. quick,
spontaneous AID cordial. accorded him after the
first act He had. indeed most sympathetic audi
ence-one that not only crowded the house. but
contained q large element keenly appreciative Of
Inc comedy and the music and quick to appreciate
every notable point of excellence in action as well
as song This quality acted a stimulus to all,
Nfu1l1
his listeners convulsed with laughter and over
again, not only because OF his acting, but also in
involuntary tribute to his speeches. Evidently the
German opera Iovers out in fine force.
Mr.. Jorns success which was unequivocal was
preluded by delightful shock of surprise caused
by hearing fresh, youthful. ringing tenor voice,
which is something that has not been heard
Ing from German singer for long time. There
was no great abundance Of sensuous beauty in his
singing. did he disclose the suavity and easy
grace Of bearing and action which, added
perb singing. made Mr.. Fenhalss impersonatiou
of Hans Sachs admirable that there is no temp
taon to recall any of his predecessors in the part
for comparison The barytone has conceived the
character Of the cobbler-poet in spirit Of fine
dignity. with somewhat less of the good-natured
rudeness which it endure, but with convincing
appreciation of its innate genteness and its phlo-
sophical depth. He presented a striking figure.
having very successfully copied one of the por-
traits which date back TO the period in which the
comedy plays. All the kindly interest winch was
felt in Miss Destlnns essay of a part widely dif-
ferent from the roles in which she has achieved
success here was not rewarded until the third act
Than. however. her passionate Intensity made an
irresistible appeal Mr. Hinckley's singing was
rnarred by the unsteadiness of voice Which mas
frequently been deplored. The choruses were sung
with splendid precision and volume or tone. ana
the mob scene at the close OF the second act was
sung and acted with splendid spirit.
What has been set down above are matters OF
detail The outstanding feature OF the occasion
rras The splendid ensemble, which made the success
Of the presentation OF the opera For the brilliant
ooo,nnc,ion Of the vocal ana instrumental forces
q conjunction that might properly be termed IN
spred In the beautiful harmony attained-too Inuch
credit cannot be given to Mr.. Hertz The climax OF
an evening of delight to music lovers came most
appropriately at the close Of the third act II was
after midnight then. but the audience stayed on
and cheered Mr. Hertz repeatedly. Had ne kept
acknowledging the applause he might have been al
Il indefinitely. II only after many minutes
had passed and Mr.. Hertz resolutely refused 10
answer the calls that the audience desisted
H E K.