Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-14
A NJ U S e N E N 7 S.
"Tales of Hoffman,

No doubt contemporary composers OF
more solid and therefore less popular
qualities were wont TO console themselves
with the reflection that Offenbach's work
would not live. His ince ssant flow OF
sparkling nonsense was too light and
facile to be well grounded. although il
was admitted that the construction of
so many melodies. diverse and all fas-
cinating to the ear of the crowd. must
require more than superficial knowledge
OF the art whose confessedly msrcenarr
devOtee he was. II was not SO nlucn
OF his lack of talents that his critics
complained as his method of employing
them. He was a purvevor TO tie moods
Of the hour. the high priest OF gavstN Il
the French capital. whose dancing
rhythms set the feet of the world in mo-
ton. He had his serious ambitious. Tic
desire to be remembered by pnstefitN for
something better than the production
bv which he was known TO his own time
This desire he sought 10 crafty ny util'z-
ing the Tales of Hoffmann.' whose fan
tastic delicacy would adapt itself 10 liz
habits of musical though. and Vet pr
NIT their expression in + ,ner forms an
those he employed for tho rele 1tless mcl-
ody market which looked To Elm tor il
supply. He did not see his fayorite work
presented. but his ambition Is realized -
the extent OF an association of his name
with the master composers in a repertory
which employs the most cultivated sing
erS.
The tiny Trentini was seen To adran-
tase and to disadvantage. Her exquisite
performance of the doll left impress
sion which could not he effa red h. tho
natural disappointment which arises when
a singer other than the one identified
with role is compelled 10 undertake il
on short notice. She suffered ONLY by
comparison with herself Her Giulietta
even though scarcely complete. had 1t
not been for her Olympia ard her An
tonia. Should some manager be moved tn
have her provided with an operetta or
piquant moods with Victor Herbert. the
Ofenbach of America. a. the composer.
a career not less brilliant and prosperous
than that of FRITZ Scheff might he eN-
pected.
The opera has fine opportunities for the
male singers, and Dalmores won unstinted
appreciation. Alice Gentle as Mic ausse
was gracefully sufficient. Renaud fairly
reveled. not only in the musical. but in
the acting possibilities of his triple role
buffo, refined comedy and grotesque. The
barcarolle which has leaped into such
general favor was hailed as the gem OF
the opera. its performance by the orches-
ira under direction of Nicosia henS espe-
cially appreciated. Cavalier, whose IN
disposition rendered II impossible fnr he
to appear. has bean unfortunate IN her
engagements with Washington. " ha'-
ever brilliant qualities her presence might
have added TO the performance. il is but
justice to note that as given last night the
opera was a delightful and satisfying
presentation.
As on previous occa sions. the social life
OF Washington was splendidly represent
ed. Tonight's performances Of The
Daughter OF the Regiment and "Pagliac-
ci'' close an engagement that has left no
doubt of Washfngtons readiness to sup
port grand opera when efficiently pre-
scented in the proper season. II is undo
stood that negotiations are ALREADY ~
progress for limited series of perform
ances by the Metropolitan Opera Conn
pany.