The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-25
MASSENET'S "MANON"
AT METROPOLITAN
Mr.. Caruso. Miss Farrar and Mr..
Srotti Heard in Princi-
pal Roles.
OPERA TOLERABLY sung

Nassrncts "Manon" was sung at the
METROPOLITAN Opera House last evening.
The aud cncc was an unusually large one
for christmas eve. II was an exceed
,nrly apathctic audience at the beginning
Of the performance and the evening
seemed to give promise OF dlspiriting
moods Mr.. Caruso's entrance was the
signal for slight demonstration OF pleas
urc. II seemed as If the eminent tenor
was impressed with the need OF stirring
IN tho auditors. for he impaired an un-
usual degree of warmth to his first scene,
and the result was happy. Thence
forward the listeners were in a very re-
Ceptiyc state.
"Manon" is certainly not onC-part
opera. but when Mr.. Caruso Is at his bes>
and others are not II is almost certain
10 become such. Curlously enough
memories OF the work are chiefly ASSOC
ciat,d with representations OF the Choral-
,sy dcS Grieur. The Mdnons, except
perhaps that of unfortunate Sybl
Sanderson. too seldom heard, fade away
before recollections of the three differently
cst ChcrdiierS of Jean de Reszke. Ernest
Van Dyke and Edmond Clement. And
Mr.. Caruso's differs from all OF these
or the four MIR. Van Dyke was without
question the best actor and there were
certain fNclN wrought hPldllS OF MS DfN
GricHr which none Of the others equalled.
But Mr. Van Dyck was u very poor singer
and tho dainty elegancies OF Mlsscnet's
music Jared III I'm his delivery. For
ylrility. breadth and poetic fervor MIR.
lie Reszke's Interpretation was the most
noteworthy and he sang the music admir-
ably No one has ever given the thrilling
utterance to "Fuyez, douce image" which
no gave 10 II.
will recall Vol
delight the exquisite refinement of Mr..
Clements Dcs Grieur In the investture
Of the more fragile pages OF the role with
subtle and captivating charm he was brill
lantly successful. and his Interpretation
will be remembered az that OF the four
In which tenderness was the most con-
spicuous.
II Mr.. Caruso's presentation is less
aristocraiic than any one Of the other
three Il can claim special distinction for
the drectness OF its utteranCe. the posi-
Tive assertion Of It's full blooded passion
voiced In tone instinct with sensuous
quality. I'm this il was at its best last
evening and the enthusiasm Of the au-
dlence was called forth when the famous
tenor reached the climaxes of his v!sor
Miss Fdrrdr's NdnoH has nexpressible
charm. She sings other roles better than
this one. and last night she was not In
the best OF vocal condition. But her per-
sonality fits the character SO aptly and
her manner. II not always perfectly ap
positc. is so engaging that her Mdnon
becomes one OF the most attractive OF the
living gallery of operate portraits.
Mr.. Gilly continues to dwell in the re-
,irement of military prison. and hence
Mr. Scott last evening returned to the
role Of LcScdWt. which he acted capitally
but which, owing TO poor voice he did not
sing effectively. The secondary roles were
in the same hands as last season and
were generally well done. NJ. Toscanlni
conducted the performance and showed
his customary skill in the treatment Of
tempt and dynamics.