New-York tribune., 1918-03-10

"The thematc ideas arc few In fact the
composer seems to have limited himself pur-
posely to a small assortment Of melodic sym
bos, which he divides, subdivides, augments
and diminishes. but harps upon constantly.
without destroying the original profile Of the
themes.
"Thus the song OF the Queen is limited to
a cleveriy varied yet note-for-rotc unaltered
reiteraton of the chromatic figure, suavely
mocklng IN it's suggestion, which is first in
troduced in Dodon's dream as leit-motf.
"In carrying the Wagner.an system to an
extreme that cannot be recommended as a
model for less accomplished composers Rim
shy-l\orsakotf has managed. however, through
his virtuoso skill in the use Of rhythm, or
harmony and instrumental color TO avoid the
effect of monotonv Not d single passage to
be sure, has gripping force and vitality. Yet
neither is single passage lacking in charm"
The opera pantomiIne was played by
one set of artists, sung By another Mr.
Smith describes the odd arrangement:
"0n the right and LETT Of the stage. close
% tho front. yet withiN the frame oc ;ne pict-
nre, two terlaced stands, each rising cone
like 10 a point. had bcon erected. JDon these
cstrades sat thc principal singers and chor-
istcrs. all garbed in darl. red vestments, all
immobile save for an occasional involuntary
turning or nodding Of the head.
"Solemniy, if taking part in some re-
liglous ceremony, these men and women of
the footlights voiced the music of Rimsky-
KorsakoH to the accompaniment of the or,
chestra, while their jumping and capering
doubles, IN the intervening spaces and back
stage, lndulgcd in varied antics that ranged
from pretty dance steps to laughable extrava-
gances of action and mien.'
The work of all who participated was
awarded high praise by the critics. Rcsina
CALI who danced, and Nine Barrentos
who sang the Queen, sharing leading hon
ors with Mr. Adolf Bolm as King Dodon,
and Mr.. Didur, who sang the KINGS
music. The dancing OF Miss Queenie
Smith in the role Of Amelia was pro-
nounced delightful, as was also the vocal
counterpart supplied by Miss Sophie Bres-
lau. Messrs Bonfgho and Diaz shared
honors in the part Of the Astrologer while
the Golden Cock, acted by himself was
sung by Nine Sundelius 'melodiously.D
My. Bolm was responsible for the panto-
mime, having, in the phrase of one critic,
"drilled the dancers letter perfect
In "The Tines one read of the set
tings:
"Old Russian tales, the children's classics
OF that former empire, it is said, furnished
the suggestion for fantastic scenery as
skctched primarily by Willy Poganv, who
also designed the costumes after Russian
models more familiar here. The royal city
OF King Dodon is q ~toyand indeed, built OF
blocks, a Christmas color supplement- but
the sombrc battlefield, with its twisted trees
on which perch ravens the size of the tabled
aux or prehistoric pterodactyl, carried more
OF the sardonic spirit OF savage satire on Gear
and Russian people. The actual canvases
hung at the Metropolitan were painted in
New York by p. Dodd Alderman, the dresses.
and above all the headdrcsses were done bv
Nine. Musaeus and the endless accessories
supplied by Edward Siedlc.'
Finally, "Thc Herald" pronounced tho
production
"onc of the most important the Metropolitan
Opera Company has made in recent years II
represents Il move which is in sympathy with
modern art, for this ballet opera is some
thing IN keeping with the most advanced
movements of European art before the war
Pantomime and dancing have accompanied
vocal muslc before, but the opera ballet is
not an old form. LIE Cog dor is an artistic
success for the Metropolitan and should bc
a popular one. 1t has life, humor and n fans
tastic charm that should attract the public,"