The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-03-04
ssFAUST' PLEASED LARGE
AUDIENCE LAST NIGHT
The Best Opera Ever Heard in
Eastern North Carolina.
New Rarn Daily Journal.

New Bern Daily Journal.
A few weeks ago Melba and Kubelik Wis.
tied Raleigh and special trains carried Wis,
itors to hear these two great artists, from
all parts of the state. Last night Gounod's
immortal masterpiece, "Faust" was pre-
sented at theMasonic theatre in this city
and while the event, was not heralded all
over the State and while no special trains
were operated for the occasion, the large
audience which attended received q musi-
cal treat which could not have been sur
passed by the former concert.
The leading male role, that of Faust, was
in the hands Of Salvatore Giordana, an
Italian tenor and a protege Of the famous
Caruso. This singer has a voice Of remark
able technique, tone and volume and his
rendition of several intricate parts during
the progress Of the opera brought forth
long and prolonged applause.
The role Of Margarita was in the hands
Of Miss Marguerite -Hobert. Miss Hobert
Is a prima donna Of marked ability and
her singing was a revelation. In addition
to being a good singer and q consummate
actress She is possessed with personal at
fractions and the charm and winsOmeness
of her manner c%aptivated the audience.
In!the part of Mephistopheles, Richard
E. Parks, who has a bass voice of striking
tone, was superb. At times it seemed to
the audience that it was beyond the power
Of human voice to reach the notes to which
he essayed. But to him it seemed to be
the most insignificant matter. On the low
scales he was equally as effective and in
fact his entire Interpretation was perfect.
AS Valentine, Romero Malpica handled
the role in an exceptionally clever and ef-
~fective manner. Endowed with a rich bar
itone voice, a voice which seemed to com
mand, enthrall and still into his hearers
that it was Of mighty calibre, he at times
held the centre of the stage and it can
~truthfully be said that his work was be-
yond the slightest criticism.
Nine. Josephine Rondero as Siebel and
Miss Ethyl n. Peters as Martha, also have
voices Of pleasing sweetness and in assist
ing the other singers and at times when
they held the stage alone they had the
rapt attention of their hearers.
Taken as a whole, FAUST" as present
ed here last night, was worth many times
the price Of admission and those who die
not attend the opera missed an opportun
ity Of he caring and seeing six of the great
est operate singers in this country.
FAUST is a story which will neve
grow old and when sung in grand oper;
its beautiful lines and scenes are enhanced
and blended into one harmonious Who'll,
which is indeed delightful. In the presen
tation here last night some Of the mos
eminent singers in this country partici
pated and the general opinion of the audi
ence was thatthe opera was without the
slightest doubt the best ever heard ant
seen on a local stage.
Assisting the cast fundamentally wa!
the Metro politan Symphony players, al
orchestra which is one of the best ever
heard in New Bern and they deserve
praise for their part in making the opera
Incomplete success.
Will appear here March 11th..