The Washington times., 1911-04-11
OPENING BILL OF
OPERA AT BELASCO
ST|RS ENTHUSIASM
Performance of "Manon"
Proves Pleasing to Large
Audience.

The French opera in New Orleans has
been for. many, many years one of the
distinctive institutions of the ancient
city. Drawing directly upon the Grand
Opera House of Paris and the conser-
vatoire for its material, there is no rea-
Son why the Louisiana city should not
secure the best interpreters of the mas
terpieces of the composers. and that she
does so has been practically demon
strated aforetime here in Washington
where the French Opera Company has
alIeady made many friends.
The moderate price at which seats are
sold is a factor to be considered in
bringing high-class music TO the people.
The Belasco was we'll filed last night,
with the President leading the list Of
distinguished patrons. But such attend
ance could hardly be hoped for during
two weeks run unless the prices were
IN the range of the average income.
Rouses Enthusiasm.
And yet, judged strictly on its merits,
the company gave a performance of
"Manon'' which awakened the heartiest
enthusiasm. II was French to the last
cry OF exquisite refinement. The light
ness Of the Massenet music, free from
the blare Of the brasses with which early
nineteenth century Romanticism sought
to blow away classic Journalism, was not
only admirably suited to the special blot
OF this lyric drama, but the charm Of
Paris shed its glamor over all
With LIS people in the company, in
Guiding large and well-selected chorus,
u was easy to produce delightful pic
ure effects. In passing, one may say it
was pity that one such opportunity
was sacrificed by an elision from the
A1
merry villagers the jolly traders at the
fete Of the Cours de la Refine, and the
scene in the fashionable gambling room
OF Paris gave the impression of Watteau
charm of music and laughter.
Mile. Rollands rendition Of the title
role was highly acceptable piece Of
work Her voice is one of particular
tenderness which stirred a fountain OF
tears by the fountain Of mirth. Moth
ing could have been more touching than
the simple pathos Of her "Adieu, notre
takes real art to make a farewell to
the tea table anything more than anus
ing.
Acting Excellent.
Her acting was for the most part
thoroughly in keeping with her musical
skill, whether as the simple country
maiden who just could not make her
eyes behave, or as the woman of the
world whose love for pleasure, jewels,
furbelows. and excitement work her un-
doing. Des GTieux looked the part"
equally well. The timbre, the clearness
of enunciation, the flexible range Of his
voice, won the audience from the outset.
As the guardsman. Lescaut NJ. Mon
tano sustained his part Well, as did NJ.
Combes as De Bretgny, though the
former failed to throw into his acting
some of the finer ShadaQ fha hlfIgfRr-
ing weakling. and the latter the delicate
touches of raillery called for by the sec
ond act.
The grand ballet minuet In the third
act was dainty and fine, set off to ex-
cellent advantage by the exquisite cos
TUNES which are a feature Of the entire
performance
On the whole it is safe to say that
the effort to give the people two weeks
of high-class opera. ranging over
repertoire which is not too heavy for
the average music lover, will be highly
successful. and it we'll deserves to be.