Los Angeles herald., 1909-08-03

aida" an opera in four acts, by g. !;
Verdi, presented August al the Mason J
theater by the International opera company I
THE CAST
Aida ................., Nine. BertOssl
Amneris, daughter of the King. Miss Strauss
Radames. captain of guards MN. samoilon
Amonasro, king Of Ethiopia, father OF o,
Aida. a....................' MIN. AIcangelI
Ramphs. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. MN. GraVina
Tbe King ,......................N Mn. Oteri
Messenger. f......'.'...'''' MN uiui'anio
BY FLORENCE BOsARD LAWRENCE
The rendition of aida" at the Mason
last night was one to delight all music
lovers and opera lovers. At each re-
currence of a grand opera season the
Los Angeles opera gOers make 1t an IN
fallble practice to remain at nome
until the verdict of neighbors and
friends assure them that the produc-
tions are well worth while. The result
is that by the close of the season the
companies receive the patronage ana
attention which should have been theirs
from the opening of the engagement.
The cast last night was so uniformly
good that it is reasonable to predict
that this will be an exceptionally en-
joyable engagement. While the stag
ing of the production was satisfactory,
it was not upon so elaborate scale as
the scenic possibilities would warrant.
The elaborate display Of soldiers, mu-
sicians and prisoners which is some-
times made was well replaced, how
ever. by singers who gave a consistent
ly artistic rendition of the work, and
whose acting without exception was
far above the usual operate idea OF
dramatic expression.
aida" is a difficult opera for the
singers; it introduces big numbers at
unexpected intervals and makes Sc
rious demands with each of its four
leading roles. The beautiful tenor
song, Celeste Aida" introduced al
most at the opening of the opera, rare
ly achieves the success which 1t would
have could it come later in the bill.
Samioloff, however, rose to great
heights in his singing of this last night.
The catchy changes of range, difficult
enough under any circumstances, were
apparently of no moment to him, and
his big, full tenor swept away every
barrier in flood of melody whose de-
lightful cadence thrilled ever hearer.
Throughout the bill the singer main
tanned the same exceptional ability,
and in that beautiful scene by the Nile
his impassioned delivery was delightful.
Archangen has been much praised in
all the advance notices, and his voice
| certainly showed to splendid advantage
in quality and power last night One
waits with interest to hear him as Es-
camille in Carmen" and as Tonic in
Il Pagliacci," where he will have so
much better opportunity to show his
ability.
In the concerted work last night the
singers were exceptionally delightful,
| and not for some time has more brill
| liant singing been heard on a local
| stage than the trio between Rhadames,
Aida and Amonasro in the third act.
g1Hl -
although hardly as regal in her bearing
as she should be. Her voice, smooth
mezzo soprano, is astonishingly large,
and her youthful grace and charm, as
we'll as good dramatic power, give her
many claims to the admirtng attention
of her auditors.
Nine. Bertossi combines a brilliant
highly trained voice with dramatic
ability of no small import, and sings
the long arduous role with spirit and
strength. She has a chic bearing which
is more French than Italian, and her
expressive eyes, bright and alluring
smile and vivacity of department aided
in establishing her firm favorite with
her hearers Her voice is perhaps not
so musical as one might wish, but 1t is
under excellent control, and 1t is at all
times used with the discretion which
bespeaks the guiding mind of the art
list.
1n6 CHORUS Is ltl anu away tAAS AAAOSS
presentable grand opera chorus the
Mason stage has seen in many moons,
and the singing is entirely adequate.
The orchestra under the direction of q.
Merola supported the singers with skill
and discretion, and the voice of the
prompter was not unduly conspicuous.
The audience, while undeniably
small, was most appreciative and had
donned its gala garb to do honor to the
occasion.
In the audience were noted Nine.
Jennie Kempton, Mr. and Mrs. c. Mo-
dini-Wood, Lieut. Gen. Adna r. Chat
fee, Mr.. and Mrs. W. S. Bartlett, Mr..
and Mrs. D. c. McCann and guest
Gregory Perkins, Mr.. and Mrs. God
frev Holterhoff, jr., Mr.. and Mrs. w.
W. Mines, Mr. and Mrs. Charles F.
Toll, Mr.. and Mrs, Clarke Mahan, Mr.
and Mrs E. A. Featherstone, MI ana
Hewlett w. ], Van Pelt, Charles Sey-
ler, ir,