Evening journal., 1909-12-30
sy GEORGE 4. PICARD.

New York Dramatic Cores londentl
wF for no other reason the year 1909
has been remarkable for the ro-
Vivai and repopularizing OF opera
n bouffe which had long been neg
ieoted and almost forgotten in its nor-
nal form II IS indeed true that the
opera bouffe idea stil survived and
nourished. but in a form so modified
from the original inception and so de-
generate ia its manifold variations that
II would have been unrecognized by
tho devotee Of Lecoco. Ofenbsch. Au-
dram and all tho merry others of the
last generation.
Forty years ago opera boune-the
genuine article-was at its apogee in
America. In all the cities Of the land
the uneful and care dispelling arias
and choruses Of "La Grande Duchesse,"
Barbe Bleue." ia File de Madame
Angot" La Mascotter .Ia Belle Hell
enc" and a dozen similar works were
common property The ragtime craze
had not yet assumed its subsequent
virulent type. and even the great un-
musical public seemed content II II
could not digest readily the correct
harmonies OF the men who combined
speech and song so adroltly II could at
least appreciate the never tagging jol-
lity OF everything. and Il did.
Then came the decline How Il hap
pened no one seems 10 know precisely.
with the passing Of such consummato
artists as judic, Theo and our own in
comparable Alice Oates opera bouffe
langulshed. For one thing. Il was made
apparent that the makers OF this spo-
cies Of opera had set the standard so
high that Il was attainable only by
composers and artists OF grand opera
caliber To become a successful opera
bouffe prima donna demanded a voice
and a method quite as exceptional as
was required OF the Interpreter OF Lu-
cia and all the other old time fearful
heroines Most important Of all was
the fact that II was essential that an
opera bouf singer should know how
10 act. Failure 70 meet this require
rient may be condoned in one who os-
says a tragic role. The splendor of her
vocal equipment may make all else Of
little moment
Not so with her sister Of the merry
roulade and sparkling dialogue. II Is
not enough for her 10 be the mistress
OF a ravishing voice. a perfect art or
even Of a wealth OF person nal charm.
She cannot become the undisputed
queen OF opera boufre without the ca
pacity 20 act--and well little Won
der that the exactions of such a career
have limited the number Of those who
have embraced Il successfully. Less
wonder that tho difficulties IN the way
OF exploitation have dulled the inspi- |
ration Of the composers and have popu- I
iarized the cheap substitutes furnished /
by the 20 called musical plays.
And now Il is being demonstrated /
that the appreciation for high class
opera bouffe has not been effaced: that /
u has OF " been slumbering and await
ing the touch Of a rejuvenating and up
building hand As careful an observe
Of the public pulse as oscar Hammer
stein came TO this conclusion many
months ago. To make conviction doubly
sure he began last season to expert
ment. at his Manhattan Opera House,
with Onenbach's delicious "Tales Of
Hoffman," II proved to be the most
popular novelty Of the season When
ever II was sung the house was crowd
ed with enthusiastic admirers Of the
exquisite "Barcarolle" and abundant .
catchy melodies
In the success OF his primary venture .
the imprcsario foresaw the revival OF
opera boune. and his business Instinct
prompted him to be foremost In its
restoration To that end he brought 10 I
this country a company of the most I
competent opera bouffe artists 10 be
obtained and with the opening Of the
regular reason began Offering grand
opera and opera bouffe alternately AL /
ready ia File de Madame Angot." La /
Mascotte." Les Dragons de Villars" I
and "The Chimes of Normandy" have |
been given with vocal plenitude and /
a mechanical perfection quite unknown I
10 the survivors Of the early days OF /
these works in this country There is .
every reason to believe that opera .
boune has come 10 stay
This assumption Is strengthened by
the fact that the dual management Of
the Metropolitan is also furnishing it's
clientele with a regular season Of op- /