The sun., 1913-10-01
>cnrIy Al American Singers.

After the eXpatriation OF MIR Hammer
s,oin the opera passed into the repertory
of the Philadelphia Chicago company.
which introduced 1t to the stage of the
Metropolitan Opera House on February
IL 1911. Dalmores and Renaud still car
lied the greater part OF the burden. Now
the work has become Il feature OF the
Ier"rtory OF a theatre devoted principally
to the performance Of opera in English.
and II was presented last evening chiefly
b! american singers.
Little has been said In this place about
m" significance of the employment, of
English texts at the Century Opera House.
y 20 the present time the language has
apparently had not great influence upon
the attitude of the public. But it is possi-
bi" that in work of this type clear un-
Outstanding of the text might be Of
Sreater Importance.
Last evening 1t was evident that in some
OF the comedy scenes the text went for
something with the audience. while in the
more serious episodes the music claimed
larger attention. Bu, this is a matter
which must be set aside for the present
The real meaning of the Century Opera
House cannot yet be defined. The enter
prise has met with abundant public favor
and has 1narly deserved It But whether
the public has formulated a definite de-
mand for opera in English or not cannot
Yet be decided.
The presentation Of the opera last eve
ming had features OF merit not unlike
those already noted in the more serious
offerings. The musical excellences were
greater than the dramatic and the gem
.ral results more agreeable than separate
contributions. II Is an ancient mathemati-
cal axiom that the whole Is the sum Of
all its parts. \ fairly good whole there
fore may be created with parts not all
OF "a Ial value.
The mounting OF the opera was by no
means the least credita BILE element OF last
Jennings presentation. The scenery was
suitable, the costumes sufficiently bright
and varied and the groupings pleasing to
In" eye. The chorus has sung better in
,o,her works but II was by no means
~had. The orchestra played with spirit
and with some color. and Mr.. Nicosia
conducted generally with skill.
BardsIey In Fine Voice.
The most satisfactory single impersona-
ton was that OF John Bardsley as Ho0-
nann HIS voice is one OF pretty quality
and - quite equal to the demands OF
Ofenbach's music. II Is perhaps not neces-
ssry TO sing so much OF the role at half
voice, but 1t is better to do that than TO
ne rohuStlous. There Was great deal OF
grace In Mr.. Bardseys style and his
Hotmnnn will he remembered as one OF
tle seasons agreeable disclosures.
, newcomer was Lena Mason as Oiym-
p,o. This singer has high voice and ID
fond of high tones which are not always
y delightful to the sensitive ear. But on the
whole she looked the part, sang the music
10 the manifest satisfaction OF her auditors
and acted marvellously like an automaton.
Morton Adkins undertook the roles OF
Epo,nH:ari. Dappertuto and Dr. Miracle
n which Mr.. Renaud used TO exhibit his
extraordinary virtuosity In the art Of act
Arg. Mr.. Adkins reached no high level OF
Ndis'!nc,on but made commendable efforts
Jayne Herbert, another newcomer. was
plump and gracious Ntklausse, but her
singing was less striking than her appear
ance Lois Ewell was q good GiulSett0
and Ivy Scott was the Amt0ntd. Fran.
c"sco Daddi. sole survivor OF the original
Manhattan cast. appeared as Cochenile
il' was as amusing as ever.
The opera will be given In English dur
''g the remainder OF this week and on
Monday evening will he performed In
French,