GONSALEZ OPERA CO

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2955, 15 December 1916, Page 10

GONSALEZ OPERA CO

« "FAUST" "Faust," a grand opera m four acts, by Cli. Gounou. Libretto by Jules Barbier. Cast:— Doctor l'aust Signor J3alboni Margherita Signorina Visoni Mefistoflo Cacialli Valentino : Signor Filippini Siebel Signorina Kuss, Marta Signora Piccolo Vngner Signor Alosca If anyone with or without a knowledge of music were asked which is the most popular of all the grand operas, in nine cases out of ten the answer would bo Gounod's "Faust." "Faust" fans been played hero many times, both in opera and concert form. Tile last notable performance was that given by the Musgrove Company, with Madame Slapoft'ski as Marguerite, Mr. Lempiere Pringlo as -Slephistopheles, and Baron Berthold as Faust. The performance of tho Gonsalez Company at tho Grand Opera House last evening was a most interesting one. The opera was admirably produced, sincerely acted, anil on the whole tile singing was distinctly good. Tho Marguerite was Signorina Visoni, whose slight, girlish figure' and email stature was a Distinct change from the usual run of prima donnas we have heard in the celebrated role. Hot vocal equipment is scarcely 6Uited for such a part, which calls for more tonal weight than Signorina Visoni has at ner command. She was almost perfuuetory in her reading of "the Kin" of Thule," and the "Jewel Song" which follows lacked brilliance. She is happy in the possession of a strong upper register, and was heard to advantage in the final 6010, "Holy Angel, in Heav'n Blessed." Her acting wss, uniformly sincere, as was shown in the' church scene and at Valentine's death. , Signor Balboni made a strikingly handsome Faust, and was splendid in every' dramatic passage. In that sublime solo, "All Hail, Thou Dwelling Pure and Lowly," he sang with' tender reverence, without marked security of tone. Ho was much better in the "duet with. Marguerite, "0 Fair and Gentle Child," which ends the third act. This tenor's metier is dramatic music, rather than that which calls for the sustained use. of the mezzo voice. Signora Piccolo as Maxta wna palpably suffering from a cold, and Signorina Russ presented a trim figure as Siebel, but the "Flower Song" was indifferently sung. Again tho male artists stood out foremost in the cast. Signor Cacialli made a strikingly effective Mephistopheles. Hissonorous bass voice was admirably suited to the music, and one only regretted at times that the orchestra was not a little more subdued to allow the audieuco to appreciate more fully tho fine quality of this artist's voice. He sang tho "Calf of Gold" with splendid abandon, and was excellent in the mock serenade. Dramatically lie was probably the best Mephistopheles seen in Wellington for a generation.. His abject terror when confronted with the crosses (reversed swords) of the towsnpeople was a slciiful bit of mumming, far removed from the conventional uomoniacal chuckles at the success of his wicked wiles, had a savour !of unholy humour. Signor Cacialli was always flambuoyantly pic-, tureaquo and purposeful, and it was a performance that will stick to tbe memory for a long time. Another performance that bit deep, was tho Valentine of Count Hercules Filippini, ,whose ringing robust voice is declamatory music. This artist took the honours in the passionate trio (with Faust and Meplusto). and the music of. the death scene was superbly declaimed. The orchestra, under the baton of Signor Giovanni Gonsalez, did full justice to Gounod's picturesque orchestration, and save for an incliiation. to play too loudly for some of the singers, gave an excellent account of itself. The chorus is a very hearty ono. It was ragged in temno in tho opening number, but later sang tho dancing music of tile "Kermesse" and the "Soldier's Chorus" iu ringing style. This evening tho first~performance of Verdi's celobrated opera, "ltigoletto," will be sriven, with Signora Gonsalez as Gilcla, Count Filippini as Rignletto, Signor Lois as the Dnke, and Signor Cacialli as Sparafucile.