The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-01-27
FAUST SUPERB
WITH GREAT
CHAL|AP|N
5000 Hear Russian Basso in
operate Event at New
Auditorium
BY JESSIE Mcbride.

by the w aSnlnSLOn opera Company,
with 5000 people in the brilliant
audience, with many refused ad-
mission for lack of space.
They came to hear Chaliopin!
They came because the great basso
had given his remarkable art and
his most evident enthusiasm that
the cause Of grand opera might be
born and maintained at it's highest
by national opera company, which
Is the goal of his big work.
A truly magnificent production
they found.
Received By Coolidge.
The President, with Mrs. Coolidge
and large party, received the
great Chaliapin lin his picturesque
costume of Mephistopheles) in the
Presidential box, when he was pre-
scented between the scenes by Mr..
Albion.
National honor, this, with mem
orable romance attached to the fact
that with the Presidents endorse
ment Washington's great new civic
auditorium and her fine grand opera
company united-with officials Of
the Cabinet, Judiciary, Congress,
and 1.-The people"-for the sake of
art, of gala grand opera, as a part
of the life of the National Capital.
But no single star eclipsed the
entire Faust"
Ralph Errolle. tenor Of the Metro.
| politan opera, who tomorrow sings
Nicias there with Jeritza in "Thais, "
| poured all the beauty Of his lovely
| lyric voice into the title role Of
Faust" Metamorphized into the
| cavalier, from the gray-beard Doctor
Faustus, Errolle became ideally the
philanderer with more youth, vigor,
charm than has oftSu been seen or
heard here.
Perhaps never had be had a more
convincing Valentine" that Ivan
Ivantzoff, a dramatic artist with
a magnificent voice, who lifted the
role out Of obscurity and gave it a
/ star place in this splendid cast.
The music was excellently sus-
| tanned by the fine orchestra, under
Jacques Samassoud, and the marvel
| of the entire production was the
beauty of atmosphere. the smooth
ness Of the entire drama, the fine
accurate singing of the chorus-for
it was only at the last hour that
the Auditorium was available. They
rose to the inspiration Of their
rare guest" artist.
ChaIiapin Is Superb!
Chaliapin's "Mephisto" was in
deed that seductive Prince of Dark
ness, Actor of amazing charac-
terization, his face was a profound
symbol OF evil at all times From
his famous Calf of Gold" song he
brought to this rare score all the
, subtlety Of dramatic meaning in
| sinister voice, in sinister mien.
Such grace of hands, pastures
that remain cut into the memory,
are part of this vivid portrayal
llmned by the greatest singing.
actor of our day, or of many days.
The famous "Serenade," the I'm
cantation," in contrast the charm
ing comedy in the Garden scene
with a fine complement in the
Marta Of Ruth McIlwain, who was
excellent as both actress and
1 singer-all these stand forth vi
tally.
Then, in an interlude of appre-
ciation-with the entire company,
Director Albion, Enrica Clay Dill
Ion to whom stage direction 10
due, Samassoue for the orchestra,
assembled on the stage-Chaliapin
spoke his desire to aid this opera
movement in America.
"Honored sire" he saluted the
President in his lordly grace. 1t
was numerous interlude, in
broken English, and then with the
aid of an interpreter. We may
remember in future years, tell of
! this incident to our children
children; the details of that heart
stirring yet amusing interlude.
They stormed applause, some
| shouts came forth. Washington
was awake with enthusiasm.
Sabanieva Scales Heights.
Then, to a prolonged perform
ance the audience gave it's atten.
| ton to past midnight. The final
trio in the prison scene was worth
waiting for. Here ThaIia Saba
nieva reached her greatest heights.
! singing with fine effect in this
great climax. AS marguerite"
| this artist displayed a sweet, ar
tistic voice, but it was not ade'
quate in size for the role. She
is a good actress and her musical
singing was agreeable at all times.
Rose Polio. Of Washington's own
| singers, sang the "Sieber' extreme
~ well, her voice being rich and
sure, with a quality that admits her
| to these ranks. But she oVerplayed
| the part, was too aware of her
very feminine knees for this stall
wart lad 1t was, however, a com
| mendable debut. And Albert Shelf
ferman was also good as the stu
dent Wagner, singing in good
voice that offers promise Of excel
lent things.
The chorus, in the prayer at Val
entine's death, was notable. The
| soldiers chorus was also good, with
shading and climax that was truly
artistic. The settings gave added
| glow to the occasion.
| There was A breadth of elegance
and spaciousness in this Faust
by the Washington Opera Company
that has taken them into grand
opera fields Of excellent standards
They have conquered amid untold
handicaps. All hail to the courage
and tenacity that has made this
suspicious beginning, with future
l. Il