Omaha daily bee., 1916-01-30
EIgin butter Market.
Music
san Carlo Company in "RigoIetto.'

San Carlo Company in "RtgOletto."
In presenting Verdfs opera 'Rigoletto"
at the Auditorium last evening the San
Carlo Opera company not only equslled
Its triumphant success OF the evening be-
fore in Aida" but, II anything, exceeded
II. The audience was practically of the
same proportion of the opening evening,
attentive. courteous and enthusiastic. and
In the instance OF the we'll known la
Donna Q Mobile" and the famous quartet
was cordial in applause and enthusiastic
in the reception of the we'll known gems.
Nine. pdvige vacart as Gilda looked
pretty. acted with a sweet innocence and
simplicity and sang divineiy. Her voice Is
of an opulent velvety quality, not over
heavy. but of good carrying power, and
OF clearness and beauty in its great
range that allowed her to soar 20 the
exquisite high notes of the ''Caro Nome
in the second act with ease and bril-
liancy. Her voice is also flexible and of
sympathetic appeal. which adds much
to the dramatic power of her acting.
caro- Nome" was heartily applauded and
encoFed. In her other solo work she was
entirely adequate, and the duets in the
second act both with Rigoletto and the
Duke were artistic and convincing TO a
degree.
Signor Antola in the title role created a
vivid impression of this difficult part.
His acting throughout was intensely real
istic, for at no moment did he depart
from the character represented. In his
singing as well as his acting there is a
freedom and ease which aided him to give
free rein to the many moods and stress
of feelings depicted. He was especially
effective in the third and last acts when
he was torn by many emotions. The final
duet between Gilda and Rigoletto was one
of the finest bits Of Interpretation of the
evening and left a vivid impression with
the audience.
Signor Agostini as the Duke was like
wise admirable In his part, singing this
role of the profligate nobleman with a
whimsical insincerity of manner, but
which was most sincere. and with a wealth
OF vocal power and fluency. His acting
was full OF life and energy and his voice
OF excellent quality and even brightness
He instantly won favor with his first
solo. which increased to the climax of tho
part in la Donna Mobile" and tbs
quartet.
Stella De Mette as Maddalena charmed
both with her acting and her warm con.
tralto. which added so much TO the beauty
OF the quartet. Natalie Cervi as Mon
terone made the most OF a small part. a.
did Pietro di Blast and the other member
OF the cast. Mr.. Angelinrs influence wal
felt throughout the opera. the orchestrs
playing with excellent ensemble and
beauty of tone. The dramatic situations
were clearly indicated and expressed un
der his baton. The scenery and costumes
preserved the balance of excellence which
was displayed in the rest Of the presenta
ton.
This opera is one Of the most tunefu
Of the immortal Verdrs. containing 4
continuity OF musical interest and melody
1t is handicapped by libretto with Low
moral tone and not in any way in keep
ing with the great beauty OF the music
which clothes it. With the exception o
Gllda, and a certain amount OF pity fel
for the wretched Rlgoletto, there u no
much of sympathy TO be felt for any o
the characters presented. and but for tn
music there is slight interest in the text
The fourth act, with its many dramati
situations. IL perhaps the strongest.
II M n