The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1920-03-13
IMPRESSIONS OF THE OPERA.

~ FIRST season Of grand opera has passed. Several distinct
large nnnber Of people who are hungry for good music. In that
number were many folks who ar not technically musicians, but have
conc 10 have a somewhat better appreciation Of what good music is
through The great number Of monographs and most excellent records
Il il a well known fact among music dealers that the average man or
woman in The first stages Of ownership Of these machines buys the.
cheap type Of records, and gradually come up to the very good record
Many hare heard operate selections, and it is no diseredit 10 them
to way that they wanted 10 experience the sensation of hearing a COM
plete opera. What did Mr.. Average Man think Of hf From actual
conversation and overhearing Of opinions being freely expressed
Mr.. Unframed Musician wanted to know why grand opera had to be
performed in some foreign tongue. 1t does not, as the Chicago Grand
Opera demonstrated when they gave this year rip Van Wrinkle"
IN English. II has been successfully demonstrated by such very ex-
eenent compsnies as the Abon Opera company in the north and east,
that ii could be rendered in English satisfactorily, and thus educate
more quickly the real people Of any city than by bringing a group of
foreign speaking musicians TO this city. London, famous the world
over for lis splendid and wonderful opera performances, has several
very excellent opera companies giving the very best of the operate
world Of music in English. Why not make an effort to bring here
some time a company Of the Aborn type, with their splendid organi
ration, wonderful scenery and a real orchestra.
II was observed that Albuquerque was willing to pay a good
round price TO hear immortal music sung in not altogether a first
class fashion True, some OF the performances by just a few Of the
singers were well done, but on the whole they did not give TO the
general public very good impressions Of what grand opera is like.
There isn't any use in attributing It to the lack of local aecommoda-
tons. Big. fat chorus girls, and voices like sharp saws, ire not local
They belong to the organization. Cheap scenery, inadequate stage
settings are the property Of the company, not the opera house owner.
Opera can be heard in New York and Chicago for the same price a we
paid here and have excellent seats. Albuquerque was a gold mine,
but only indicated once again its hunger for good music, and a will
ingness to support anything that could approximately I'll. that desire
We were led once again 10 observe the inadequacy Of the Crystal
Thester for big things. Why would not Albuquerque have a real
opera house or theatre buildmgf Other cities of smaller size have it.
We can and should have an adequate public building.
The season Of opera for Albuquerque has been a good thing,
because we know the mind Of the city about things that are not alto
gether material. 1t has been educational Another season will see
us advancing a step or two. Perhaps enough interest has been created
in orchestra music 10 stimulate a desire to have a real symphony
orchestra in our city. There are enough musicians H. the city who
could organize such an orchestra and maintain il. We have had a
taste Of some good music. Let us hope we will have a larger appre-
citation for far better things another time. The Sonora Opera com
pany deserves our thanks, and should also appreciate the fine support
the city has given them-A. OK.