MUSIC.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1324, 30 December 1911, Page 9

MUSIC.

CBY TttKBLS Clei i Melba's Triumph in "Otello." When "Otello" was performed in Sydney by the Williamson Italian Opera Company ten years ago, Signer Larizza may bo said to hms "swept the board bv his singing and his acting in tnc, name-part. The honours of the revival last night (savs tho Sydney "Sund.y Times" of December 17) fell to Madame Melba. Desdemona is not a part in winch a prima douna can make the rafters ring. In a. sense, tho "sweet and uncompluining lady" is overshadowed by Othello and lago. Verdi in ISS7 relied upon Tamagiui, then tho greatest robust tenor in tho world, as tho Moor, and Victor Mamel, tho brilliant French baritone ,as lago. Never explosive in her stage work, Madame Melba's singing was characterised by restraint and refinement of style. Departing from the Shakespearean 'scheme," a tender love duet (Othello and Desdemona) is made to follow Cassio's turbulent quarrel scene in the first act. At this point the new Desdemona sang with fine judgment. She was also effective later on in what may bo called tho handkerchief episode between the Moot' and Desdemona, which melts into a splendidly-written quartet with Emilia and lago. The iihrasa "dannni la dolce liela parola det perdona' was beautifully sung. Singing expressively with Signer Zeni in the duet of their third act, Madamo Melba' responded to tho first call which wa.s made upon her as an actress.

Tho "real Melba' was held back, so to speak, until tho fourth act. Before she made her firs.t appearance as Desdemona at Covent Garden, the famous Australian artist was instructed by Verdi in the singing of the role. So we may 'ake it that Madame Melba sings tho "Willow Song" and (he "Ave Maria" with a reverent regard for the intentions of tho composer. Despite a suggestion of the tragedy which is to follow, there is a mysterious beauty about the opening of the fourth act. Desdemona, who has the faithful Emilia near her, sings the plainlivo "Willow Song" with tho weird horn and bassoon accompaniment. Then, after bidding farewell to her attendant, (he helpless woman appeals to Heaven in tho "Avo Maria." The prayer, partly in monotone, and partly in cantilena phrases, is tearful even in.its melting sweetness. In this act Madame Melba was at her best. The possession of tho power which commands sile'uw is one of the test points of greatness in an operatic artist. While the "Ave Maria." was being sung, the crowded audience was hushed in a. Wav thai; we associate with a solemn scene iu a dimly-lit cathedral.

.U Die end of (lie last act Madame Melba liad more than iho ordinary mensure ol' admiration and applause. Tbii recognition of the prima donna's most artistic achievement on the operatic stage in Sydney too!: the form of hone-d and hearty cheering. Signor Angelini, the able conductor, bad a call before the curtain.

New York Opera Season. An idea can be formed of the great and grand opera performances which are being given during -the present season at tho Metropolitan Opera House, NewYork. The names of the artists who are to appear include tho following:—Madames 'fetrnzzini, Gadski, Ferrar, Desthin, Moreno, Ilamer, Gluck, Atten, rbippold, Fornia, Mary Gardey, Alice Nielson, Frcinstad, Signor Caruso, Carl Burriau, M. Campanari. M. Martin, M. Amato, M. Gilly. M. Didivi, M. .lorn, Signor Scotti, M. Sleyak. and M. Jadlowker. An event of interest will be the production of the new American opera "Mona," by Prof. Parker, of Yale, the work which won the 10,000 dollar prize offered last year by the directors of the Metropolitan Opera House. Other oporns away from the usual repertoire will bo Loroux's "f.c Choniinenn," Franohoiti's. "Cristiforo Colombo." Maseagni's "L'Amico Fritz." Rossini's "William Tel!," and "11 Signor Bruschino": Nevin's new .American opera "Twilight," K'ari ".'oldnutrk's "Cricket, on (lie Hearlh," and Leo. liloeh's "Ncrsiogolt."

Nor is this nil. The Chicago-Philadel-phia, Opera Company is to visit New York and give, six performances, including Wolf-fcrrari's "The .Jewels of the Madonna" and Mossctiel's "Ccudrilloii." The artist? concerned will include Maurice Holland. Carmer Mails. Charles Ualmores, Ainadco Ba-ssi, John M'Connac-k, Zanatolln, and Maria Claesscus.

John M'Cormack, who is to sing in Wellington on January 12 is announced lo give recitals this season in New York. He will also appear in opera with the Chicago-Philadelphia Company,

Puccini and the Quinlan Company, Signor Puccini, who went from Italy to England to seo the Quinlan production of "The Girl of (he Golden West" at Liverpool, sent tho following letter to the director:— "Bear Mr. Quinlan,—Allow me to thank you, also the whole of your company, for the wonderful performance of 'The Girl of (lie Golden AYcst.' A'ery seldom have I felt such an intimaie. bond between the stage and (be audience. Such results can onlv be 'ibiaiued through the pa--io:iate / and skilful work of such n good manager as von are. Please express mv heart felt compliments to tho whole c'onniiinv. o-neciallv to M.-icslro Voghcra. Madame B.ola. Mr. Wliiichill, and AL-. CsKilcs.—Yinii-s always. Giacomo Puccini." To an interview the popular composer -,-iid---"I would wish fo siiv that. T came to Borland primarily out of admiral ion for this s„|ondid <.nferpriso of Mr-. Thomas Opinion. I have come to help this gentleman, who has set himself to OM (n—T utii not going to sav revive, but I definitely snv create—a real love of the great music dramas, the great operas among the EuglMt-oeakiii" people, not onlv of vaur so kind counlrv, but. your ooiidiw in South Afrii-a and Ar.-liolia. As a romnosiT T would have travell-d (~u times the distance from my home in Tu-e-mv in order !» belli on s m .|, ; , nolo- I'uil'-i-prise. 'I'll" l-.mdisli version of 'The Girl of H- Golden Wo-!' has charmed (no. and T (hint (.lie performa,.r.» la-t night «a- magnificent." The Quinkm Opera Coiupv'.v will jrirfl pnrformanoos in Fyduey and Melbourne about the, middle, of next ycai,