The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-14
"NATOMA" PRODUCED
AT CENTURY OPERA
Victor Hcrbcrt's Opera Sung by
Americans Gets Much
Applause.
PERFORMANCE Is PRAISED
Helen Stanley Appears as In.
dian Girl. With Consider
able Success.

Victor Hcrbert's opera "Natoma" was
introduced into the repertory Of the Cen
fury Opera House last evening. The work
has had vicissitudes. II was offered to
Mr.. Gatti-Casaxza and one act was given
a private trial with orchestra in the Met
ropolitan Opera House. But the i'm
presario could not then SEQ his way to
H. Andreas DIPPED, however. had more
freedom OF action. and he accepted Il
and produced II in Philadelphia on Feb
ruary %. 1911. II was first heard in
this city at the Metropolitan on February
IS of the same season.
II Is needless to say that this is not
translated opera. The text was written
in English by Joseph Redding and the
theme was chosen from the various SUBJ
jects suggested by the range Of nationaii-
ties found in these United States. An
American opera. sung by Americans.
should be at home In an American opera
house devoted to the production Of opera
for the larger audience which cannot or
will not pay tho high prices needed to sup
port an institution such as the Metropoli.
tan Mr.. Herberts work was heard last
evening by large audience and was
most cordially received.
1t would profit in no way to enter again
upon an extended examination OF this
American opera The Impressions re-
ceived at its previous hearings have not
been altered. j, 10 q work which has
many merits real and important. and yet
which as q whole falls short Of triumphant
success. The love episodes are the weak
In, h.. MIA TkAs, kavl No..
being childish dramatically. and thus
furnish no incentive to tho fancy of the
composer.
The juxtaposition Of Indian and Span
sh color In the score produces no strik-
ing results Of contrast. The Indian music
is by far the best subject matter. Mr..
Herbert approached this part Of his task
seriously and in some place. he has made
that elusive effect called atmosphere"
The dagger dance may or may not be a
real thing. but II Is one Of the most dra-
matte and at the same time operate In
cidents In the work.
But after all is said, the most satisfy
ing music Is that Of the last act Here
the composer had an opportunity to spread
his wings for extended flight. to make an
act which should rest upon the Develop
ment Of one grand idea in "A consistent
piece of musical elaboration. He made
good use Of this opportunity. The act 10
symmetrical and coherent 1t possesses
dramatic and musical form.
Admirable also Is the orchestral inter-
mezzO between the second and third acts.
This Ia built OF the three themes directly
associated with Notoma herself the nrst
referring to her nobility and hor misfor-
rune in love. the second the Natomo theme
proper. and the third that illustrative Of
har AT "a cnpnactad with her disanpear-
ing race. The brilliant part Of the or.
chestration of the opera might have i'm
pressed itself anew upon the listener IL
II had been better treated. But the dis
Jointed parts were emphasized by the rude
attacks OF the Centurions. Indeed 1t may
as well be said at this point that most OF
the time the orchestra was too loud and
al! the time il was rough.
Nevertheless this production was more
to the credit of the institution than several
others OF which altogether too much has
been said in the course OF the season. The
cast was more even and the performance
more In the nature OF ensemble work.
Lena Mason. who was the representative
OF Barbara, the white heroine Of the opera.
was greatly overburdened with her task.
but the others in the principal roles were
not inadequate. Helen Stanley made her
hrst appearance at the Century, singing
Natomu. 1t was evident that she had
carefully prepared herself. and her imper-
sonaton was one of distinction. She sang
well and enunciated excellently. Her act
ing was commendabe, II not important
Thomas Calmers sang pleasantly In the
role OF Alrarddo. and Orville Harold. who
IS the Caruso OF the Century, distributed
nigh notes generously through the music
Of Lieut.. Paul Merrill Mr., HarrOld's sing
ING. however. ~ now not of a kind &c
excite the emotions OF connoisseurs
Frank Preisch of the Chicago opera com
pany sang his original part. Jose Castro
the hafbreed, and danced the dagger
dance with Miss Stanley. The chorui
succeeded fairly we'll with It's arduoui
duties and Mr. Zendrei conducted with
understanding
An enumeration of the individual merit,
81 this production. however does not Civ.
correct view OF Its character Its chic
claim TO commentator should be sough
In its general cohesivoness and the spiri
II earnestness which pervaded It. As sale
before It was one OF the best Of the seasor
at the popular opera house and It for
tunately will end the series leaving I
pleasant memory.