Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-11
Belasco.

The selection Of "Manon" as the
opening opera Of the two-week season
at the Belasco revealed the vocal and
orchestral resources Of the company to
advantage, and made an interesting
appeal on the score Of novelty. Ma
nom is not one of the operas that have
become a habit. 1t exemplifies the
style Of it's composer. which is in stud
led disregard of the conventional aria
in which the soloist is permitted to
overwhelm all other elements OF the
production. Melodies are more gen.
erously in evidence in the orchestra
ton than in the vocal score and the
singers. and, while held to the most
eXacting standards of proficiency in
execution, are not rewarded with the
emotional and unrestrained outbursts
OF applause which greet the swinging
rhythms Of the Italian school The COM
poser OF ManOn Lescaut. is not con-
tent TO crafty the ear with melody,
frankly addressed to popular apprecia-
ton.
His work is interpretive and the music
becomes a part of a carefully proportion
ed structure in which the dramatic idea
is recognized as the original inspiration
and the essential theme. He seeks to
use music in imparting form and color
to an emotion, as the painter uses brush
and canvas TO catch the imagery of
physical life.
In an opera of this type the treatment
Of the story by the librettist becomes
matter of especial consequence, and the
interest of the immortal story of Able
Provost is but scantily utilized in the
development of plot. The craftsman
ship is modelled closely on the old and
accepted operate scheme, with incidents
carefully arranged to permit the usual
episodes Of solo. duet and concerted dis
play, not forgetting scene of revelry
for the introduction of ballet. There
are the usual impassioned love declara-
ton, the familiar pangs of separation and
the inevitable demise of the heroine at
the close.
The French Opera Company, an instltu-
ton long cherished in its home at New
Orleans, has established reputation
here which makes its visits events OF I'M
pOrtance. 1t has greatly improved in its
ensemble efficiency and last nights per-
Torrance was given with an ease and
certainty in every detail that held the
interest of a large audience even to an
hour that touched DANGEROUSLY near to
midnight Mile. ROLAND, who is favor
lite here. sang the title role with the same
felicity Of vocal expression that distin-
guished her work before. Despite the lack
of opportunity for brilliant personal dis
play she won her audience completely.
NJ. Fontaine is tenor Of robust quail
ity, yet successful in adapting himself to
the more delicate moods and sentiments.
His personality is pleasing. and he shared
the interest and approval of the audience
in liberal measure. NJ: Montana as Les
caut and Caillol as the father Of the
young chevalier contributed a wealth OF
virile and substantial merit to the cast.
The company. judged by last nights pres
entation, Is a thoroughly equipped or
ganization. capable Of presenting In ex-
cellent style even the marvellous array OF
works which make up its repertory.
The orchestra responded with conscien-
tious skill to the baton Of Del Fuenta,
without taking advantage of all the OPP
portunities for domination which the
composer had afforded it.
The audience included President Taft
and numerous other distinguished rep
resentatives Of Washington's official life.
Tonight Carmen" will be the opera,
with Mile. CoYtez in the title role and NJ.
Morati as Don Jose.