The Washington times., 1914-05-19
NATIONAL

All the little encomiums that ran over
the edge Of the AboTns' cup on the oc-
Casion OF the opening of their opera
season at the National hast night
would probably be handed TO Louise LIE
Baron. If vote were taken OF the au-
dience who heard and saw her realize
all the possibilities of the part of Azu-
Cena, in the ever-satisfy!ng I'll Trova-
tore" selected for the first bill. CT
coc-rse. Messrs. Aborn would not be eN-
pected to do this without keeping
large share of the extra praise for
themselves. because of the magnificent
choral numbers and the generally even
balance of the entire cast.
Giuseppe Verdi produced II Troya-
lore tfty-one years ago in Rome For
more than half century the opera
has been one of the staples of each mu-
siCal season. 1t is probable there is no
other composition that has so resisted
the rise and faIl of new schools of mu-
sic or the wIthering effect Of over
popularity evidenced in the whistling or
Llgirg of the score in every corner
oI the earth.
All Sing Score.
Despite the hand organs. the amateur
vocalists. the little German bands of
two generations it has remained a
standard work that even the greatest
singers do not hesitate to present.
Aside from the interest in the peren-
NAL revival of the Verdi masterpiece
the attention of all of Washington that
could sbe packed into the National
Theater last night was riVeted on the
Organization the Aborns have provided
for the annual season of opera here
Predisposed in favor of the company
by reason of pleasant associations of
seasons gone, ready to welcome enthu-
SiasticallY old ,favorites and give SYM
pathetic Judgment to the work of new
msmbers, theS audience that attended
the premiere gave that unrnistakable
proof of us appreciation which promises
future support As. there are always
things that are, not just what they
, should be on a first night performance,
last night one or two faults were no.
rfced that might be corrected with more
assurance of better enjoyment OF the
music In the future. The orchestra
seemed to be entirely too fast at sew
eral of the, more important moments OF
the opera, the tendency to rush max
ing itS impossible for the singers to
give that Interpretation of their music
thst is most appreciated here:
+Miserere" Too Fast.
In the famous "Miserere," the orches-
tration was so rapid that the singers
seemed to be going through their parts
In fast waltz time.
Louise LIE Baron's singing of the part
of AZucena was remarkable perform
ance both musically and dramatically.
Her voice was clear and in perfect ac-
cord with the variations of the COM
poser's theme. Her work was but
shade better than that OF her associates
in the cast, however. Nine. Hemmis s
singing of the part of Leonora was un-
usually fine, especially in the first act-
In Henry Taylor, who sang Manrico,
the Aborns have a tenor of great
range and power, and a clear insight
into dramatic possibilities. Thomas
Chalmers displayed a baritone voice of
great purity, as the Count, and Will
lam Schuster, known and admired OF
old made a robust and satisfactory
Fernando. Charlotte Gaynor as IneZ,
and Fred Chapman as Ruiz. filled out
the very competent cast Tonight
Phoebe Crosby, Louise Baussmann,
Giuseppe Agostini, and Wilmot Good
win will sing the four leading roles.
GARDNER MACK.