The Washington herald., 1910-01-16


The Observation-Disclosures.
The principal topic in Washington last
week was the opera. The opinion appears
Mr. Hammerstein's Manhattan Opera
Company was the most brilliant that
Washington has ever enjoyed, and this
statement was clinched by the patronage
4 theater crowded to the very doors was
the rule at each performance, a eondi-
ton unprecedented, and all the more
wonderful when 1t is considered that the
season embraced a greater number OF
performances than is usual.
-Four performances are generally the
limit for the engagement OF these first
class New York companies.
The occasion is one for felicitation all
around. Washington has proved its will
ingness, nay, eagerness, to support opera
en- such a scale as offered by Mr. Ham
merstein, and has completely INDICATED
itself of the charge Of apathy toward the
efforts of impresarios TO bring the best
Of their wares to this market.
And in payment for its responsiveness
TO Mr.. Hammerstein's magic wand. the
local public got opera the Ike Of which
was never heard before.
The bright particular star In the Ham
merstein armament is, Of course, Nine
Tetrazzini Reports that were Unbeliev-
able came to be verified to the very letter.
Nusic-lovers who were familiar with all
the great artists of the time could
hardly believe that any individual could
sing as Nine. TeuazZini sang. One can
now readily understand her uiumphs in
San Francisco, whence came re-
ports of her being mobbed by frenzied
admirers, Of her being besieged at hotels
and at the opera houses, and having to
be rescued finally from those who would
do her homage
Her whole career in the United States
has been a succession OF triumphs. She
stands absolutely without a peer in the
realm Of song.
Mary Garden fulfilled every expectation
aroused by her reputation as an actress
singer. Her That's and her Jean"
made one wish that she might sing all
her great roles in Washington. Her art
is extraordinary, and while her voice Is
not remarkable. still she combines It so
cleverly with dramatic feeling and emo
tional power that she can easily rank
with Eames, Nordica. or Calye. and sing
ers OF that rank, who need not be COM
pared with Tetrazzini. but who are sing
ers OF eminenoe. Miss Garden. indeed,
surpasses all Of these in acting powers,
her talents making her a perfect associ-
ate for Tetrazzini. for there can be no
rivalry between the two. Each is adj
mired for totally different phases OF
genius-yet each Is great
N. Renaud. NJ Dalmores. NJ Dufranne,
and NJ. sammarco are all singers capable
Of interpreting grand opera in its highest
form, and are now established in the
hearts Of Washington music lovers as
prime favorites.
One Of the most notable features Of the
engagement was the scale on which Mr..
Hammerstein produces. This was a reve-
lation indeed to 'Washingtonians, accus-
toned Tor the most part to grand opera
given. no matter how prominent the
singers, with cheap costumes. noncom-
initial scenery. and a wooden-faced
chorus. Mr., Hammerstein's productions
are elaborate IN every detail His set
tings for ''The Juggler OF Notre Dame"
and That's" as well as Hoffman" were
worthy Of the big masters Of stage-oraft.
and proved most gratifying as an ad-
junct to the evenings enjoyment
Altogether. we should be well satisfied
with Mr. Hammerstein's invasion Of
Washington, and ne has no occasion 10
complain Of his reception II It Should
mean merely that he Will give US week
each season, that would be something
10 be very thankful for.
As for the local opera house. that Is
not Mr.. Hammersteln's business. When
it is built he will be willing to I'LL #
And that Is quite enough responsibility
for nonresident.
Tho management OF the BeIasco Theater
announce that It was the most profitable
season OF grand opera ever experienced
IN Washington.
In view Of the immense attendance
which passed through the doors within a
very short space Of time. the perfect
system with which the buying and in
going crowds were handled reflects great
credit upon Manager Taylor and his star
During the whole engagement there was
not serious complaint Of any kind.
Mr.. Lee Shubert announces that IN Nav
the New Theater Company. from New
York. VIII play a three days engagement
at the Belasco Theater. presenting four
OF the most successful plays IN their
splendid repertoire. Subscription lists will
De opened shortly.
The Column Mero.
An interesting musical event Of the
current week VIII be the piano recital Of
Yolanda Nero, the noted young Hun
garian. who is announced for a recital at
the Columbia Theater Friday afternoon