The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-04-11
AT THE THEATERS
THE BELASCO.
French Opera Company In 1sManon.

French Opera Company In "Manon."
Fulfilling every promise Of its pro-
motors, the French Opera Company, OF
New Orleans, began a two weeks en-
gagement at the Belasco Theater last
night with a uniformly pleasing and. at
times, splendid performance of Masse-
nets colorful '.Manon." Those who are
mourning the loss this season Of the
annual visitation Of the New York opera
should dry their eyes, look over their
wardrobe, and prepare to enjoy their
favorite opera from the threats of an
organization of singers whose peers may
be found only ON the stage of the Metro
politan.
Between such performance as that of
'Manon" last evening and the same
OPERAS presentation by the singers of
the Metropolitan there is this vast diff
ference-the one costs 81 a seat and
the other $40. The other differences are
costuming. The real lover of music is
found usually among those to whom the
question of price is a vital consideration
To such a one it is not worth five times
as much to hear Caruso as it is to hear
Fontaine, the principal tenor of this New
Orleans company. nor twice as much.
Fontaine sang the role of the Cheva-
lier des Gricux. His voice is a tenor
of purest tone. His method is French
and totally different from that of Caruso
to whom he has been likened in other
cities. His voice lacks the tremendous
power and subtle, sensuous appeal OF
Carusos. But with the exception of the
golden-throated Italian, whose like is
known but once in a generation, Fon-
tame should have no rival when he sings
in New York next season, as it is under
stood he is to do
In the title role, Mile. ROLAND was heard
She is the only prominent member OF
the New Orleans company who appeared
with that organization when it visited
Washington last season. The manage
ment is to be congratulated upon retain
ing this charming and highly gifted
soprano. As Manon, Mile ROLAND was
not given full opportunity to do justice
to her voice or technical skill. In all OF
his operas Massenet seems to have writ
ten more for the orchestra than the
voices. There are many long passages OF
reCitative and brilliant orchestration. with
but few real moments for the singers.
Fontaine's biggest moment comes In
the second scene of the third act when
he has determined to forget Manon in
his duties as priest in the seminary al
St. Sulpice. This song, beginning with
"Ah, depart fair image" gives Fon-
tame every opportunity. and his rendi-
ton brought him repeated calls. Mile
ROLAND was at her best in the first
scene of this act, in her song, List tc
the Voice of Youth" Their duets were
most effectively handled, also. Two
other voices of remarkable sweetness
and power were heard in the roles OF
Lescaut and the Comte des Grieux, sung
by Montana and CaillOL
Another marked Improvement over
the performances last season was no.
ticeable in the orchestra department
The present orchestra numbers forty
five, and gave complete satisfaction un.
der the skillful leadership of NJ. de la
Fuente. The choral numbers were IN
usually well handled. and the effect OF
the several ensembles was stirring. Ar
attractive and graceful ballet is an ad
ditional feature.
All in all. the French Opera Company
is one of the most welcome visitations
We have been honored with this season
These singers will be here for two
weeks. giving fourteen different operas
FOntane may be heard twice more this
week. Wednesday night in Les Hugue,
nots'' and Friday night in 'Sigurd," in
which role he has been engaged to ap-
pear at the Paris Grand Opera House
this summer.
1t is a pleasure to give a cordial greet
ing to this distinguished cluster OF
singers and musicians. Messieurs Ell
mesdames, vous est bien venus.