The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-06-21

The goodly number OF music lovers
who braved the heat yesterday afternoon
to hear the Aborn Opera Company In YER
dis 'Traviata" were well repaid, both
In comfort and In the enjoyment Of a
really excellent performance of this pop
ular opera. The characters were all
well taken, the chorus sang most effec-
lively. and the orchestra was very good
and did good work in the overture. the
interludes. and, in fact, throughout the
performance.
Miss Helena not only sang the difficult
and trying music of Violetta exceedingly
well, but she acted the part well, rising
quite to the histrionic heights in places.
Her most brilliant work. the familiar
aria 'Ah fors lui." she sang with splen-
did style and finish. and her voice, which
is strong, clear, high, and has a distinctly
sympathetic quality, was entirely equal
to the dramatic and coloratura effects in
this famous solo, making her rendition
distinct success, She was equally effec-
tive in the exacting and dramatic scenes
in the second. third. and fourth acts,
1
although she also did some clever
/ bits OF acting. Her scene with Alfreds
father In the second act was especially
| thrilling. She did not at any time over
act, and her very natural sobs between
| phrases were done with pronounced
! skill and effect. Miss Helena not only
shows great natural gifts, but shows
good training. She is an artist and an
actress.
/ Mr.. Russo scored well fin the vocal ef-
! fort as Alfred and acted the part as we'll
as 1t need be done, for there is little
given 10 Alfred IN the way OF good
scenes" Mr.. RussO's charming voice and
artistic finish were well appreciated. He
| has abundant temperament, and never
resorts to tricks. He sings with the pure
| italian method.
j. K. Murray made a splendid Ger
mont. putting into the character dig
| nifty, pathos, and warmth He sang the
music delightfully."-. his rich barytone
voice being melodious and effective IN
every scene He makes an excellent
elderly man. Miss Eversman was quite
successful as the good-looking Flora
Bevois. and sang the parts assigned 10
her with spirit and skill Miss Billsbury.
as the maid, was eminently satisfactory,
and the doctor Civilian Schugter) diG
some good work in the quintet Alto
gether this was one Of the best perform
ances Of grand opera by an English
company seen in Washington in many
years. There is everything 10 commend
and little TO criticise. The chorus was
| splendid in the third act and made some
thrilling cliIraxes. Their tone, attacks.
and spontaneity were all good. In many
more pretentious grand opera companies
the performance Of ''Traviata' has not
been nearly as good in the matter of
principals, chorus, and orchestra, with
the exception. perhaps, OF a single star,
Stage settings might well be little more
elaborate and in keeping with the stage
costumes. but even this is easily passed
| by with the good singing and other fea-
lures OF the performance.
'"Traviata' will be heard tonight. to-
morrow afternoon. and tomorrow night.
Miss Lois Eweli will sing the part Of
Violetta tonight, and MIR. Battain viii
sing Alfred. The other parts VIII be the
same. Mr.. Russo and Miss Helena viii
be heard again at the matinee to-mor-
row, and at night the two parts will be
sung by Miss Ewell and Mr. Battain
VeTdis 'RigolettO'' will be the bill for
the latter part of the week.