GRAND OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 233, 2 October 1928, Page 5

GRAND OPERA.

WAGNER'S "LOHENGRIN."

The production of Wagner's romantic opera "Lohengrin," by the Fuller Gonsalez Opera Company attracted a large audience to St. James' Theatre last evening. It is more than two decades since this work was presented in Auckland, and naturally much interest was centred in this performance. Generally, the opera received ■> worthy representation. Of outstanding merit was the fine embodiment of the part of Elsa by the Danish soprano. Froken Flor. and the able sustaining of the role of Ortrud by Signorina Algozzino. The chorus sang effectively in the big ensembles, and were appreciated in the "Bridal" chorus. Consisting of 30 executants, the orchestra, though not strong numerically, especially in the portions needing instruments ct colourful timbre, succeeded very well, and gave expressive renderings of the 'V orspicl and Prelude to Act lIL. and were distinctive in many of the accompaniments. Probably such entrancing or more fervid music has not been composed than this fine masterpiece. The story of the opera is woven about Lohengrin, son ct Parsifal, the keeper of the Holy Grail. With this is blended certain features of the Celtic legend of Jving Arthur and h>s Knights of the Round Table. Perhaps '"Lohengrin" is the most frequently produced of Wagner's operas. The composer commenced the work in lS4a, and completed the orchestration in 1848, when he was 35 years of age. It was presented at Weimar. August 28. 1850. under the magic baton of Frauz Listz. The production of the opera under Liszt was a turning point in Wagners career, the determining influence which led him to give his full powers to the composing of the "Ring of the Xibelung." The Swan motive, the exquisitely conceived Holy Grail harmonies, the ethereally enchanting Prelude, the lovely dream aria of Elsa. the Bridal music of Act 111., and many other passages are unsurpassably beautiful, and make '"Lohengrin'' one of the most inspired and charming of all operas. The Danish soprano. Froken Margherita Flor made a distinct success in her embodiment of the part, of Elsa of Brabant. Her cultivated voice, and distinctive acting appealed to the audience, and frequent were the manifestations of pleasure. The delicacy and purity of her tone were delightfully in the singing of the dream motive. "Oft When the Hours," and the soft ethereal music of the Grail, which suffuses this lovely number, its moving harmonies appearing, in their visionary opalescence, to be of the very texture df dreams, received a fine performance by the orchestra. In the famous love song, in the balcony scene. Froken Flor sang yith tenderness and beautifully flowing phrasing, which was in marked distinction to the doubt sown m her mind by Ortrud as the act closes. Forcible and dramatic was the disdain ani energy thrown into "Thou Slanderer.'* Throughout the trying ordeal, whilst going to the cathedral, when she is interrupted by Ortrud, who asserts her .precedence, Elsa acted and sang with commendable restraint and artistry. In the second scene of the last act, which is an exquisite picture of the mutual outpouring of love, the soprano threw variety and interest into ; the situation. Her voice blended agreeably

in the part where she insists upon the knight revealing his identity. An exultant and joyful rendering was given of the scena. "Oh, What Joy," wherein she acclaims Lohengrin's victory over the defeat of Frederick. As Ortrud. daughter of the Prince of Friesland, Signorina Xina Algozzino acted ■with a treacherous mingling of haughtiness and humility in her carriage, and threw passion into her tones of hate in the revengeful scenes, and was ever ready to thrust all the hlac-k magic, et which she secretly was mistress, into use. Her faeial play was clever, and much spitefulness was exhibited, while Telsamund and she were plotting their conspiracy in the long duet, "Arquse Thyself?' Much power of vojce was exhibited in "What Means Thy Threat?"' and an animated rendering was secured of "Oh, If Those in the Combat," whilst with Frederick she uttered the terrible phrase of imprecation in a revengeful style, the voices moving in octaves in tone of powerful energy, which was suitably backed up by the effective orchestral playing. Ortrud also threw strength and imploring appeal into her prayer to the pagan gods. "Grant Me Your Vengeance," and with humility rendered the intervening music with Elsa. "Here, Before The# Kneeling!" In a tranquil and impressive manner, she sang with Elsa the exquisite duo, "Oh! Pride of Heart," to which was added a delicate accompaniment by th* orchestra. Ortrud haughtily ''Through Doom Unjust," and mockingly rendered "Ha! Though So Doughty,™ closing with a powerful and emphat* rendering of "Impious Traitor." Signer Vannucei exposed with tenderness the mystical beauty of the Swan music. He rave a dramatic reading of "Yea. E'en the King" and "Elsa, Arise M>" Love," and shared with Elsa a lyrical performance of the love duo, '"The Blissful Strain is O'er." The orchestra rose to the occasion, whilst Lohengrin acted and sang with Elsa iu "In Love Enfold Thee." The tenor also sang toueliingly in the farewell "O. Elsa!" and gave an impressive recital of the air. "In Distant Land." wherein he reveals himself as the son of Parsifal. Signora Izal rendered the music of Telsamund with verve and passion, and Signora Fumagalli, as Henry the Fowler, acted with dignity, and sang with largeness of style, "Answer Me." and solemnly leudered the prayer, "Oh Kins of Kings." its full opulent harmonies of the accompaniment heing richly chorded by the instrumentalists. The King's "Herald** was suitably sustained by Siunor Federici, and Sijniorine Matilda Pfrimmer, Unit* Mazza, Poccolo, and Maschiui made charming paces, and contributed their music with admirable effect. Maestro Giovanni Gonsalez had his performers always in hand. Signor O. Gennochi made a dependable leader of the orchestra, and Signar Ernesto Gonsalez lent valuable aid as organist. The opera concluded a few minutes after eleven, earlier ~ than anticipated. It will be repeated next Fvir day evening. To-night Donizetti's opera, 'La Favorita," will have its first production by the company.