The New York herald., 1920-01-04
Granados' Opera,
"Les GoyeScas,"
Disappoints Paris
Beautiful Production and Brilliant
Audience, Including Queen of Spain,
at French Premiere.
Herald Bureau.
No. ~ Avenue de POpera.
Payts. December Is, 1910.


The most distinguished audience OF the
season last night greeted the first per-
torrance at the Paris Opera of Les
Goyescas.'' by the Spanish composer
Granados. who lost his life in the sinking
of the Sussex.
Certainly everything possible was done
by the management to add to the interest
Of the presentation. Zuloagua and Detho-
mas were chosen TO design the mounts
and costumes. The talented writer, Louis
Laloy, arranged the French libretto. Le-
nora Amalia Molina, the gifted Spanish
dancer, came from Madrid to give the In
cidental dances, and the son Of Granados
conducted an interude by his father be-
tween the first and second acts.
By a happy coincidence, the Queen or
Spain is in Paris, and she occupied the
box of President Poincare. Naturally sho
absorbed as much Of the attention OF the
audience as did the opera itself. In ac-
acknowledgement of the warm applause di-
rected toward her she stood for mo-
ment bowling her thanks. and one had
time TO observe that she was dressed in
turquoise velvet, with diamonds IN her
blond hair.
MARSHAL fOCn OGCuplfu Nllc posN AoShAS
the Queen and near him sat Marshal Pc
tain. The Ministers Klotz. Berard and
Leygues were present, as well as many OF
the most distinguished of writer's and
musicians of Paris. In fact, the critics
had moro to say regarding the noted
spectators than the excellence of Les
Goyescas."
In regard to the opera itself the general
opinion was one OF disappointment. The
~ fula NJ
Granados has been overrated and says:-
you have perhaps heard some of his
piano compositions which are picturesque
and elegant The composer has taken
come of these charming little things and
used them in an important spectacle on
large stage. where their volatile Spanish
perfume and nervous rhythm completely
lost. one cannot make dish for
fifteen people out OF one partridge without
adding n large amount of cabbage. thus
diluting the agreeable flavor of the bird"
Figaro also asserts that tho music
was disappointment. Transported from
the piano to tho orchestra. the delightful
works OF Granados have lost half their
charm" IL says. 'One perceives that their
character is less real than one had thought.
Are we on the banks Of the Mancanarcs or
tho peaceful border Of the Sene7 Perhaps
the dull and ungracious orchestration was
partly responsible for this impression. but
lat any rate. the results did not como UP
to the sympathetic expectations OF the
laudiencc."
There was no disagreement. however.
about the perfection of the mounting and
pictorial effect, and the general impress
sion was expressed in the graceful words
OF the critic of the Figaro when he said:-
Never has the Opera Rationale pro-
iduced anything in finer taste. Never has
the inspiration OF its directors been hap
pier. The work OF zuloagua and Dethomss g
defies all criucism--the effect Is that of
genuine paintings Of the great Goya."
OF Nine. Marthe Cnenal, who sang the
leading role, L'Avcnir says
"Shc was an effective picture in the
manner OF Goya. Of an exquisite distinc-
tion and passionate ardor. Her voice
was moving; she is a thoroughbred"
/ A revival OF the ballet Sylvia" proceeded
Les Goyescas." The score of Delibes
has lost none of its freshness and youth
full beauty. II Is dainty, sprightly and OF
refined distinction. II was beautifully
given. and Vile Hamhclli. premiere dan
'>cusc, was impcccahle.
An amusing aftermath Of the presenes 81