Evening star., 1941-01-26
Role of IeOnOre
By ALICE EVERSMAN.


The very successful week of grand
opera at the National Theater by
the San Carlo Co. ended last eve
ming with a performance of Verdi's
IL Trovatore." This opera might
be considered the most popular in
the world, for its melodies have
formed the basis of many a pupils
first effort at musical expression on
the piano, and have been heard
throughout the years in every con-
celvable manner of performance
That It's appeal has not diminished
was seen in the large audience which
filled the theater and the very
genuine applause which punctuated
each act where the beloved numbers
appeared.
The mounting of the opera held
the same feeling of dignity that has
characterized all the Stagings of
this company. There is nothing
makeshift or haphazard about these
performances and it has been
revelation to find such rich effects
and such polish in presentation in
a company which, because of the
travel involved, might be absolved
from some defects But Fortune
Gallo. managing director and man
of vision, has high ideals of what
opera should be and has worked
toward attaining them His spirit is
felt in the cooperation of his cast.
each one taking his duties seri-
ouSlv and striving for artistic per-
fection.
In the best opera houses of the
world, the busy chorus, singing every
performance, will be found to relax
occasionally but not in the San
Carlo organization. Here, even
when singing two operas a day, it
gives of its best and part of that
best Is the acting. The members
OF the chorus carry out the story
with appropriate action. some of
1t registering with telling effect.
The ballet is excellent. young, agile
and we'll trained The premiere
danseuse, Lydia Arlova. and the
premiere danselr. Lucien Prideaux
are artists of the first water and
their dancing will be remembered
with genuine pleasure These very
necessary component parts of opera
presentation have been watched
with the same care as has been
given the orchestra, where Maestro
Peronl, the director, shines supreme.
Last evenings performance saw
the 1rSt appearance on anv stage
OF young Belle Udell. Singing the
role OF Leonore, she was so poised
IN her department that it seemed
incredible that she has had no pre-
VlouS stage experience. She makes
an attractive figure and sings we'll
ana with assurance. Her voice is a
large one with fine high notes and
If the quality was not as smooth
and rounded in the middle register.
1t undoubtedly will become so with
more practice in singing in the
theater.
A strong, vivid portrayal of the
gypsy, Azucena, was given by Ellen
La Nance, who scored a decided
success. She has a powerful voice
Which at times is inclined to shrill-
ness in the higher register under
the emotion of the moment, but
Whlch otherwise is of fine quality.
her acting was fervent throughout.
The two principal male roles, that
OF Manrico and Count di Luna, were
splendldly sung by Sydney Raynor
and MoStyn Thomas. These artists
are outstanding, Mr.. Raynor having
an unusually ringing and free tenor
and Mr.. Thomas baritone being
resonant and full. Their chief arias
were received with volumes of ap-
plause.
The several lesser characters in
the opera also were we'll cast, Inez
rando by Richard Wentworth, Ruiz
by francesca Curci and a gypsy by
being sung by Flora Sherman, Fer
Fausto BozZa.
Faust" Is Presented.
In yesterday afternoons perform
ance OF Faust first honors must 90
to Rolf Gerard, who sang the title
role. He made the part different,
first by being a very personable
Faust, slim and handsome, and bv
singing it eXcellently. He has an
easy and convincing way of acting
that is intriguing, and he is so
thoroughly one with the character
he portrays as to make it seem en-
tirely natural. 1t is particularly
recompensing to see a singer who
gives the illusion of the role he is
taking and who can embellish it
with vocal Interpretation in keep