Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-31
ADJUSTMENTS.
National.

There Is a sanctity of tradition which
halos III Trovatore' and operas of its
age and rank that more or less makes
timorous the thoughtful newcomer who
essays any of its roles. The beauty OF
singers that have sung them are ever
present in the mind of the intelligent
lover of the masterpiece in music. and
for that reason, as rule, he shrinks
from new experiences.
Yet to greet the production Of Verdi s
beautiful opera both yesterday afternoon
and last evening the National Theater
was filled each time with an audience
that was more than cordial. However
much memory may recall a better. 1t can
not be denied that the production, all
things considered, Is deserving of high
praise.
At the evening performance Mildred
Rogers, in the dramatic role Of the
gypsy mother. Azucena, was easily the
star of the cast. Her voice is rich con-
tralto, splendidly controlled. Yet in the
favor of the audience Eugenio Battain.
as Manrico. divided the honors with
her. Mr. Battain has a clear, robust
tenor of wide range, but apparently little
accustomed to restraint. He is good
actor. In the second scene OF the fourth
act his solo aroused such enthusiasm
that after three curtain calls he was
also was followed with another curtain
call So, too, in his Miserere duet with
Paula Braendle, the demand of the au-
,iience was So insstent that it had to be
repeated.
paula Braendle essayed the role of
Leonora, made famous by stars who now
are almost forgotten. Many of her num-
bers she sang well, very well. and earned
her share of the applause. which was
generous at all times. little better &C
Va oh
and she will more nearly do herself full
Justice AS it was her rendition Of the
role was pleasing and quite satisfactory.
Alice Eversman, the Washington girl.
appearance. but her opportunity for dis
playing the beauties OF her voice was
very limited.
]. K. Murray, as the Count di Luna
was forceful and effective. His solo, 1.-The
Tempest of the Heart" was warmly re-
ceiyed and an encore demanded. Alex
ander Bevan, as Fernando, and Thomas
North. as Ruiz, met the requirements Of
their roles adequately.
The opera is we'll mounted. the chorus,
especially the male portion, good, and the
augmented orchestra satisfactory. The
experienced discretion and taste of Carlo
Nicosia, the conductor. was apparent
throughout the conduct of the opera.
At the afternoon performance the roles
Of Ieonora Azucena and Manrico were
taken by Jane Abercrombie, FRITZ Won
Rnsina and Paul Bleyden, all of whom
gave a good account of themselves. Miss
ihercromhie has an excellent voice and
her singing showed intelligent discrimi-
nation and careful study. Miss Won Blu
sing Is no stranger to Washington au-
dience and her performance OF yesterday
afternoon showed a marked development
in her work. Paul Bleyden. as Manrico.
seemed to meet the requirements. These
three artists will essay the same roles
this evening according to the announce
ments while those of last evening will
sing at tomorrows matinee, when the
opera will, as also in the evening, when
the three leaders again alternate, be re-
peated.
aida" will be sung by the same prin-