Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-03-24
VERY
WELL PRESENTED
San Carlo Opera Company
Earns Vigorous and Pro-
longed Applause
tBy JOHN w. PHILLIPs)

weekly entitled what the Jury
Thinks" The jury, of course, is made
up of the music critics of the New
York dai1ies, and strange to say, the
jury disagrees on every musical per-
formance that invites its decision. The
column is amusing because of the wide
differences of opinion expressed. The
criticisms are often fiat contradictions
of each other, and therefore laughable
to anyone trying 10 get just and
authoritative review of any particular
musical event Yet, there is "a very
serious side to this. The ambitious
music student goes to a good concert
for its educational value to get hints
on poise, stage department, facial eX-
preston, tone quality, phrasing, artic-
ulation and all that goes with the
singers art, and then eagerly reads
what the learned critics have to say in
the morning papers, and finds there
are no two that agree; one says the1
singer is minus, and the other says
plus.
Judge For YOURSELF
Again, many clubs and societies To-
Gated in smaller cities, where the vari-
Gus artists are not heard or much
known, are compelled to engage artists
chiefly on the say-so of the Metropoli-
tan critics, whom, as we have pointed
out beforehand referring to the col
umn named above-are motor any
other critic-final authority on musical
matters.
Let the motto for every concert
given be Judge For Yourself" and
don't be afraid to express your opinion.
Hearing, and then talking it over is
helpful, but be fair-conSider all the
conditions. Let the musical public be
the jury. Last evening there was a
remarkably fine performance of Ner-
dis Rigoletto by the San Carlo Opera
Company in the Orpheum Theater. For
Harrisburg, the audience was en-
thusiastic, but the company created
the enthusiasm, and earned the vigor-
Gus and prolonged applause which
greeted them throughout the evening
Principals Well Cast
The principals were especially well
cast, the settings superb, the orchestra
and chorus particularly effective. The
entire performance went smoothly, yet
with an intensity, and emotional ap-
peal that compelled the interest and
admiration of the audience. There is
not much in the opera for mixed
chorus. but the mems choruses were
very effective. The company is we'll
balanced. we'll costumed and we'll di-
rected. The fine scenery, lending the
proper atmosphere, is also a splendid
asset.
The role of the Duke was sung by
Manuel SalaZar, a tenor with q fine,
ringing voice and splendid ability. He
was not the viie-looking Duke the
story would lead us to suppose, but
rather a reckless. handsome, smiling
daredevil. who could win q woman's
heart easily.
Edvige Vaccari took the part of the
unfortunate Gilda She possesses voice
of wide compass, under perfect con-
troll, especially in the softer passages,
tN-
She is an actress of some ability
Pietro Dibasi took the part of the
rogue Sparafucile. He has a fine
resonant bass voice of good compass,
and had particularly fine conception
of the role.
Stella Demette as Maddalena did not
have great deal to do. Her chance
came in the last act. She was attrac-
tive to look at and sang with a voice
of mellow. engaging quality.
Rigoletto of course is the central
and moving figure of the opera. The
role was taken by the very clever and
capable Angelo Antola, who, besides
| being an actor of more than usual
ability, possesses a resonant, powerful,
well placed voice of most commanding
quality. He dominated the whole per-
formance and we'll deserved the tri-
butes of the audience
The other parts were capably sung
by Natalie Cervi as Count Monknerone.
who was especially good. A. Canova
as the Conte Di Ceprano; Alice Homer
, in the roles of Contessa Di Ceprano
and a page, and Luciano Rossini as
Borsa.
Mention must be made of "Caro
Nome" dearest Nance sung by Nine.
Naccari in the second act This was
delicately beautiful bit of vocaliza-
ton, and was so recognized by the
audience. The famous quartet brought
forth storm of applause which lasted
until the singers signified their will
ingness to sing it over. The duets by
Gilda and the Duke. also by Gilda and
Rigolleto were wonderfully effective.
ClimaXeS Thrilling
The performance was diverted by
Carlo Peroni, who gave the singers fine
support and worked up thrilling
climaXes Harrisburg does not quite
grasp the fact that it is fortunate in
deed to have opera of such high excel
lence as Mr. Gallo offers. The Tales
of Hoffman is the Offering for this aft
ernoon with Salvatore Sciarette as
Hoffman.
This evening "Trovatore" will be
sung and the public may be assured of
artistic interesting performances which
will be reviewed at length in Mondays
TELEGRAPH.
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