Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-26
MuSicNOfeS|
BY Florence Bosard Lawrence


Esther Adaberto and Antonia Sabei-
lico were the stars of the Faust pro-
duction at the Mason last night. The
presence of these two singers, assisted
by Giuseppe Maggi, redeemed the even
ing from what might otherwise have
been an extremely dull and uninterest-
ing affair. Adaberto especially re-
vealed dramatic powers which have
been hitherto undreamed of, and her
powerful work in the garden scene
served to bring the curtain down with
storm of plaudits which belonged to
her alone, for Maurini as Faust was
but Indifferent support to her in this
aeu or throughout the opera. She not
only sang the balcony song with
superb artistry but she enacted the
role of the passion-stricken girl with
ferVor and conviction.
Her first appearance is scarcely the
picture of an ideal Marguerite for
even the blonde braids and blue dress
do not disguise the rich dusky beauty
of this artist.
In physique, too, she lacks that
sylphlike willowness which is the at
tribute of the youthful Marguerite, but
when her dramatic power has eV1nced
itself these details are completely lost
to view.
The coy innocerce of the first appear
ance was well simulated and in the
later scenes the singer used her beau
tiful voice as a wand with which 10
sway the audience to her every MOOD.
In the stimulation of madness Madame
Adaberto was particularly effective,
managing the scene with fine repres-
sion and giving it simple tenseness
which was an admirable relief from the
wild abandon with which some widely
noted prima donnas have torn the
scene to tatterse. The role of Mephls-
topheles may be made that OF a cynl-
cal derisive person bored with the as
sumed goodness of the world and de-
lighting in any opportunity to make
men and women cast off their masks
and reveal themselves in their true
colors, or it may be made crafty and
cruel. In the latter case his Sinister
Highness is apt to enjoy making
trouble for those about him with the
absolute knowledge that his work is to
he followed by suffering and agony un-
told upon the part of his victims.
Sr. Sabellico gave his choice to the
latter phase of the situation last night
and never for one moment lost sight OF
the fact that later, after these hours of
pleasure were over, Faust was to be-
long to him utterly. Much as one must
admire the magnificent acting and
vocal powers of this artist, 1t is re-
erettable that he made this side OF the
character so obvious. 1t is pardonable
occasionally to make mischief II one is
entertained and amused thereby, but
to do it with simple malice makes the
onIooker unsympathetic in the ex-
treme and inclined to cavil at each new
indication of this fact.
VocalIy, the part was excellently
treated and encores were demanded
and frequently granted throughout the
evening.
Maggi as Valentine repeated to
large degree his earlier vocal triumphs
here, although the part does not offer
so wide a field for his endeavors and
musically is slightly less admirable for
him.
other characters were sung by Nine.
A, Bugamelli, Nine. A. Giani and Pom
peo Elena, all of whom were adequate
in the characters assumed.
The concerted numbers were beauti-
fully given, and it is doubtful whether
the trio in the last act has ever been
better sung on a local stage.
The orchestra under Guerrieri's baton
was again distinguished for its admir-
able work, and in the ballet music es-
pecially delighted all those hearers
who have found it so enjoyable part
of this operate season.
A large audience greeted the singers,
and what the house lacked in the way
of brilliance was made up in the sim
certify of the listeners and the discrimi-
nation with which applause was be-
slowed.
This afternoon Madame Butterfly"