The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-03-06
"|MPRESAR|O"
Of MOZART
PLEASES
Comic Opera, Well Rendered
Here, Reveals Composer
as Wit
By JESSIE MCBRIDE

Few people have thought of Mo-
Fart, the great composer, as wit.
The William Wade Hinshaw's
production of Mozart's comic opera,
"The Impresario," at the National
theater yesterday afternoon, comes
as a gem in comedy, as light and
piQuant as a Moliere--entrancin
| ly translated by H. E. Krehbiel,
the critic whose keen analysis and
caustic pen brought enlightenment
as well as trepidation to the music
world of yesterday-with the i'm
mortal melodies of this gentlest OF
the classics in music.
It was beautifully sung. !
would like to give an Invitation
performance ana invite every young
singer of Washington, to give 1t
attentive. ear, SO great it is as pre-
those who did not hear 1t, IL is an
opportunity lost. 1t is an art con-
tribution to the city from the T.
Arthur Smith, Inc, concert
Five principals alone are needed
in this little masterpiece. with q
pianist Though one would have
loved to hear harpsichordisO
seated on the stage, back to audi
ence. in. periwig and short clothes,
as the accompaniment.
| Satire, on the foibles Of the
prima donna of Mozart's day, 1t Is
as alive in its touch upon modern
bubbles over the unSeeing public
whose demands for the ordinary
compel that eternal sacrifice OF
art" to a popular cause.
Two coloratura sopranos, almost
q satire in itself, sustain this war
fare over the role Of "prin1a donna
fine and finely cohtrasted voices
they were, in spite Of the similar
| ity Of type.
| Lottice Howell, the new aspiTant
for honors, wins honors as q new
conner to the national capital with
q voice Of de1ightfuI freshness, OF
sweetness and charm of quality,
and q personality that was lovely
and winsome. Hazel Huntington.
formerly q Washington girl, is an
effective protagonist, whose excel
lent finished runs and rouladea
were also fine art, while deeper
quality made a fine balance in
these two opposing factors in the
little drama.
The music sustained so delight.
fully that airy, yet so difficult
quality Of Mozart's music, that
specialization is difficult.
The delicate portrayal OF Mozart
himself, requires many attributes
which Harold Hansen, tenor, tul
filled with real ideality. It was
elegant, yet temperamental. He
painted and sang the part with q
little whimsical fineness that main
tanned this Vatican scene In opera
The "Impresario" himself, Maestro
Schikaneder," Of the Viennese
Theater, was that sterling artist
and fine basso cantante, Henri
Scott. Francis Tyler, the baritone,
with his fine voice and manliness,
completed this quintet.
Henri Scott does that difficult
thing, sustains a comic part with
It's topical songs and humor, vet
holds all the tradition Of its singing
beauty. 1t is difficult singing al
| ways. The duets for the two
sopranos, however, remain particu'
larly potent in the memory.
Another point, in the excellence
Of Mr.. Hinshaw's production, was
that opera in English is wholly
justified. Not a line was lost. not
a word "sung out" Of the comedy.
It was as chiseled as a classic
comedy in meaning Of voice. OF
dialogue, Of mood. It was refresh
ing for its sheer purity In song.