Omaha daily bee., 1917-03-29
VILLAIN THRILLS
AS FLORIA TOSCA
Boston Opera Opens Short
Stay With Puccini's Set
ting Of Tragic Tale.
MUSIC SUITS THE STORY
By HENRIETTA M. REEs.


The much-anticipated return of the
Boston Opera company came to reali-
cation at the Boyd theater Tuesday
evening, when production OF La
Tosca.' by Puccini, which thrilled the
most hardened music lovers by its
intense realism, was presented by this
excellent company, opening two-day
engagement. 1t was the first time La
Tosca" with music by this greatest OF
living Italian composers has ever
been given in Omaha, and more fame
was added to his laurels as result.
1t will be long time before those
present last evening will forget the
powerful impression made by this
production. Some OF the most dra-
matte moments we have ever felt in
any operate performance were
brought about by Conductor Moran
zoni and the principals of the cast.
The libretto with its terrible plot
OF murder and tragedy, is welded to
music, which depicts in vivid con.
trasts the emotional experiences OF
the various characters. Written after
the manner of other modern operas.
without set arias or recitative, both
are to be found in more or less mod
fled form Throughout the score.
VILLAIN Impressive as Tosca.
Tulsa Villain, as Tosca, played the
role with splendid effect. Her voice
is powerful and dramatic soprano,
with ringing high tones, and she
proved herself not only singer, but
an actress OF more than ordinary
ability. Her ''Vissi D'arte" was most
effectively interpreted and in the sec
ond and third acts she rose to dra-
matte heights that were full Of con-
viction.
Zenatello, remembered from last
year for his remarkable voice and
dramatic ability, made Cavaradossi
that stood out in clear relief in his in
tense moments and who was consist
emily strong in all of his work. His
solo in the first act won hearty APP
plause. George Bahlanoff as the pol
ished and unprincipled Scarpia. por-
trayed the character most convinc-
ingly and with Luisa VILLAIN, made
the second act one of the strongest
pieces Of dramatic operate action we
have yet seen.
Cast and Chorus Good.
Other members OF the cast were
suitably cast for the different char
acters, and made up an ensemble
worthy this first class opera COM
pany. Some opera companies excel in
stars, some in ensemble, but the Bos-
ton Opera excel in both stars an en-
semble, their people can not only sing,
but they can act also and the orches-
ira was constant JOY and delight.
Orchestra Has Star Part.
The orchestra played star part
throughout the opera, accompanying
the principals with taste and refine
ment, bringing ont the high lights
and contrasts with which the score
abounds, and in the tremendous trag-
edy OF the second act, building climax
upon climax, with overpowering ef-
feet. At the opening of the third act
the brief passage for muted strings
preceding the dawn was beautiful and
effective, with the shepherd song in
the distance, and the quiet character
SO different in mood from the act be-
fore. The most interesting effects are
gained in this opera by the choral
music and chimes used in connection
with the dialogue.
The audience last night was highly
enthusiastic and recalled the princi-
pals again and again after each act.
and gave 70 Conductor Moranzoni
the heartiest greeting at his every APP
pearance.
Bills for Today.
At matinee this afternoon "lris,'
new to Omaha, by Mascagni. will be
sung, with Tamaki Miura in the
name part and Tayio Kittay in the
tenor role. In the evening "Ls
Boelime,' with Maggie Teyte in the
role of Mimi, will be sung.