The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-03-29
THE BELASC0.
4swiIliam Ten.

The French Opera Company from New
Orleans attracted a large audience 10
the Belasco Theater last evening. The
attraction was twofold, for Washington
was anxious TO renew its acquaintance
with the famous organization which has
been part OF the life OF the CAV Gulf
city for many seasons, and Rossini's
great opera had not been heard here
since the same company sang IL here
about eight years ago.
William TelP' is not an especially
happy choice of an opera 10 start a
weeks engagement While it abounds
IN grand orchestration, chorus work. and
opportunities for male voices, solo and
ensembles, the female parts are subordi-
nate, and consequently there is less va
rlety IN the vocal features. There is no
doubt, however. that musically William
Tell is one of Rossinis most superb
efforts. That the overture. however.
made it famous is equally indisputable.
Beyond that well-known and often-re-
peated classic. the score IS full of grace
full phrases and brave passages. in which
the strings generally predominant,
A discussion Of an opera that has prao-
ticaIly outlived criticism is futile. how
ever. Last nights audience was chiefly
concerned with the efforts OF the French
Opera Company. They would have been
quite as distinctly the focus OF attention
had the opera been q more notable one.
The company is homogeneous; there Is
an esprit noticeable, a sort OF ''one for
all, all for each" atmosphere which is es-
pecially notable when It exists IN q grand
opera troupe, where usually every one
seems individually bent on capturing the
spotlight and the center of the stage. No
such spirit exists with this organization.
and the result is an even performance,
marked by the most artistic singing and
capable Interpretation of roles.
The most profound impression was
made by NJ. Escalais, who sang Arnold.
He proved to have a voice Of wide range.
so low at times as to be in the barytone
register. and ascending to a height that
might be envied by most lyric tenors.
The voice would probably be classed as a
robust terror. and but for the fact that
IL is slightly metallic when forced into
the upper register, might be accounted
one Of the elearest and sweetest of the
times. M. Escalals is a master in using
his voice. however, and In the long and
difficult passages of the second act when
he is on the stage and singing nearly all
the time, he was rewarded by genuine
burst OF enthusiasm.
NJ. Hansetto, who sang Tell has a
beautiful barytone. and he, too. made
the most of his opportunities. His act
ing was a feature of the performance.
particularly in the scene OF the shooting
of the apple from Jemmy's head. the one
dramatic incident of the opera. NJ. HUI
berty, in the mountain scene, with the
male trio voiced some splendid basso
tones.
Mile. Sterekmans was the Jenny and
acted her scenes well. and her voice.
while trife shrill at times, was gen
orally pleasing. Nine Cahuzac as Ma
thilde was excellent, and got a great deal
Of applause for her aria in the second act.
As before stated. the chorus work was
excellent; the ballet. too was interesting
as a novelty.
So far, the artists of the French COM
pany who have appeared are ali that has
been claimed for them. and it is evident
from last nights performance that WASH
ington is TO have a most agreeable sea-
son of grand opera, at prices which are
fair. considering the quality Of the en-
tertainment.