The Washington times., 1927-03-07
CALENDAR


TOMORROW, at 4:3O-New York
Philharmonic Orchestra. Furt-
waengler, conductor. Last of
series. National.
WEDNESDAY, at 81. s. Marine
Band Orchestra. All.Wagner pro-
gram. Marine Barracks.
WEDNESDAY at SIS -Felian Car
zia, pianist, in recital. Play.
house.
THURSDAY, at So. s. Navy Band
Orchestra. Symphonic program.
Charles Renter. conductor. Mar.
inc Barracks.
THURSDAY, ct 8:15-Rachmaninoff
opera "Aleko." Premiere here
from Zalipsky Opera Studio. Jew.
ish Community Center.
FRIDAY, at 3:S0-U. s. Marine
Band Orchestra. All-Wagner pro-
gram repeated. Marine Barracks.
- y
STARS AND ENSEMBLE IN
A FINE "RIGOLETTO'
The opera world Of beautiful sing
ing, with dramatic meaning beneath
1t, was exemplified to q stirring de-
gree by two singers of the fine cast
assembled by Edouard Albion in
Verdi's ''Rigoletto" last Saturday
evening. John Charles Thomas, in
the title role, and LuelIa Melius as
Gilda, in coloratura singing that has
many pinnacles, brought US true
illustration Of that enviable "bel
canto' with which these older
operas seem always to charm the
public.
The triumph Of the evening be-
longed to Mr.. Thomas. From lighter
debonair roles he returns as a real
type OF that grim tragedy Of the
''Foors Revenge" which he char
acterized with every movement. But
since opera is made for singing we
found his vibrant voice constant
source OF joy in the golden tones
that mirrored all moods of the
drama, but that never deserted the
pure outpouring, the free and un-
impeded flow Of perfect voice
production.
Luella Melius, as GiIda, claimed
an ovation almost equal to that Of
Mr.. Thomas, singing this pure and
florid muEic with a loneliness of
tone and a sparkle of coloratura
that ranks her among the best,
though Miss Melius found some eff
fort in her high notes, a condition
that is not inherent and must have
been caused by cold. Her voice is
exquisite and fresh. She possesses
perfect thrill that she sustains to
remarkable lengths and one that is
not mere fire works but real music.
Altogether, Mr.. Albion presented
q cast Of opera stars Of high de-
gree, to support the local chorus,
with some few minor roles taken
by Washington singers. The pro-
duction, too, as a whole, was ex.
cellent. We have had visiting
opera companies who did not bring
50 adequate an environment to their
stage, nor so well equipped or bril-
liant an ensemble. 4 The opening
picture in the ballroom of the Dukes
Palace was brilliant, with a chorus
that sang and gave a drama that
was alive.
Ralph Errolle brought US a Duke,
fine in romance spirit of this gay
dilletante. But one was puzzled as
to the real tenor Of Mr.. Errolle.
He was so throaty, despite many
fine moments of song, that he
sounded almost baritone and marred
a voice and an art that might so
easily overcome such lapse. Mo-
/ ticeably he showed fatigue toward
the close Of the opera, though he
was still an impressive Duke.
Third in Importance in this cast
was the basso Of Sigurd Nilsson.
i How his rich voiee ravarhayofad rs
"Sparafucile"! Surely this young
singer is to rise to place among
the foremost of bassos of onera, for
he has an equal claim, today, to
distinction for acting and voice,
though we remember 1t was only
yesterday he made his opera begin.
nings with this company.
OF the high lights of the music
of Verdi was the big scene Of RfRo-
letto's battle with fate in the third
act. Singing in French, Mr..
| Thomas put meaning into his tears,
1 his diction was privilege to- hear,
while his musical spirit filled the
beauty Of Verdi's great gift to the
world. In duets and ensembles he
was as potent. And Miss MeIius
brought fine charm to the Fare
well' song and to the ''Caro nome"
i $50
In the lesser roles the stage pres
1 ence Of Doris Morrow was excellent