New-York tribune., 1921-01-02
By Katharine Wright

The season at the Metropolitan Opera
House Is now in full swing. So far
the spectacular element has predomi-
mated. There is much to delight the
eye in "MeAstofele," I'll Carlton Ma
gico" and Don Carlos" all three elab-
orateiy mounted with the sumptuous-
ness and attention to every detail Of
setting and costuming that are 8 foa-
ture Of Mr.. Gatti's reign.
Many familiar mpersonations, val
liable drawing cards from box Office
standard, are still attracting the pub
lie Among these are Miss Geraldine
Farrsrs Cio-Cio-San and Zaza. Tn
I'll last week Mr.. Caruso's Canio,
Jean, Samson and Eleazal were pill
lars Of strength in the repertoire
Not being by any means tenor
Of prima donna whims and caprices.
but q most re able and conscientious
artist, loath 10 disappoins his pub
lie, Mr.. Caruso kept his engage
rnent to sing sLa Juive," not wise
ly but too we'll, on Christmas Eve,
when he was still suFelng acutely
from an attack of intercoscal neuralgia
This piece Of heroism, while il gave
the lie to malicious rumors already in
circulation as to the condition OF his
voice, no doub. caused his illness TO
take more serious turn, which viii
keep him from the opera house FOR
some time to come
However, Mr.. Gatti has enriched his
personnel with TWO new tenors. Ben
isnino Gigli and Mario Chasulee, who
although lesser lights, have rivea an
excellent account of themselves a.
every opportunity afforded them 20 Dis
play their vocal prowess and are ike
" to continue as shining lights
throughout the remainder Of the sea-
son. a third newcomer, Giuseppe
Danise, barytone, from Isaly, has a.
tr7cted marked attention and made
many friends, not only by reason of
his beautiful voice but because OF the
intelligence and dramatic power ofhis
!npersonations.
Out Of the mass of mpersonatiors
With which the stage Of the Metro
poiitan Is peopled each week two per
sonalitie have come into their owa
durin~ nc first quarter Of the season.
Mis- florence Easton and Giuseppe de
Luca.
Miss Eastons Success
aiss Easton is one Of the most in
ssiigen. and highly gifted artists now
0ssors the public, and one Of whom
Americans have good reason 70 be
proud. So little Is she given to cheap
ssnsat!onalism in advertising her per
sonality and manifold mplishnents
'na' a. times 1t see.ns as though she
v9fs n danger os being overlooked.
ne. excellence In small parts Is well
Known. Fortunately she mas been
1''sa a chance to show her powers in
inportan. roles.
~ moments notice she stepped into
ne part Of Carmen. She surprised her
Nearess D filing it with more charm
aad adeel!ty 10 text aad music than hag
'een seen on the ..aze Of the Metro
R'Atan Opera House for many dav.
30 may prima donnas look upon
'Ae part as an outlet for vulgar
eccsntricisies Of dress and behavior.
mistakenly supposed 10 convey the
impression Of a flaming tenpera-
H'en.- But Miss Easton stopped to
"'as OF these. She wore the costurns Of
Tradition, and while the electric mag
hs'isns Of Emma Calye is not hers. her
"aosssonAtion was far from lacking
saSrn OF animation. She sang the
music With Astonishing ease and author
~. Her dletion was pure, her French
"ss tnat Of Paris and the iibrettiat.
In Brooklyn the other evening she
ang Isolde" for the FIRST time, ard,
.''a'agh hsr princess was net cast
10 ulsra~hesoic mold, aga.n covered
hsfSsif with glory. Her Rachel in
La juive" again proves her an artist
u the hryt rank. Breaking away
rom tho historic conventionalities
4ader which singers ia old -fashloned
operas are often content 10 bury such
roles, she acted as we'll an sang, shed
''ng unusual dramatic intensity over
s1s part until IL bscams . pathetic