"CARMEN."

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 10, 12 January 1920, Page 3

"CARMEN."

"Carmen" may almost be said to be English—by adoption. Composed by Georges Bizet, a Frenchman, 'and with old-time scenes of Spain, it has yet appealed particularly to the British, temperament, perhaps to a greater extent than any other grand opera save "II Trovatore." It abounds with colour and romance, the passionate emotion: of the gypsy and the Spaniard, the glitter and glamour of the dance; and all those characteristics which in opera appeal to the British because they contrast so strikingly with our everyday life. The music is brilliant, and yet intelligible on a. first hearing. The many delightful melodies can be whistled, and they ar, and yet they do not lose the freshness of their charm. •

The performance by the Grand Opera Company on Saturday was eminently pleasing. It was evident that much thought- had been given to the production, and there were several delightful touches which, won hearty approval from an audience which gave ready applause. The orchestra, which is usually mentioned last, deserves a first place in the list of those who made for the success of the performance, and Slapoffski in this opera scored onp of the greatest triumphs,of the season. Considered as to the' vocal requirements of the part, Miss Leah Myers was almost a perfect Carmen. She sang tho melodious gypsy songs with great expression, and it would have been difficult to improve vocally upon her interpretation of Carmen's first numbers, where she sings of the vagaries of love. In the difficult emotional scenes, in fact, throughout theplay, she sang and acted with restraint; indeed, at times more ■ abandon would have been desirable. The "wanton demeanour" which Don Jose ascribed to her was not always so apparent to the audience. Mr. Ralph Erolle was fully equal to the demands made upon him in the role of Don Jose.' His was the traditional reading of the character of the simple soldier, burned by a love he did not seek. The "Flower Song" earned him an ovation, and he deserved the same recognition for his expressive singing throughout the opera. As Escamillo, Mr. Carl Formes had music which suited his voice exactly. The audience insisted upon a recall for the "Toreador Song" and had it, though recalls are not usually permitted. If any fault were to be found with Mr. Formes, it would be that he'presented the "Toreador" as a little too tame in bearing. Miss Gertrude Johnson's singing as Micaela was, a. genuine delight; and her graceful and demure demeanour completed an artistic presentation. Miss Elsy Treweek as Frasquita, and Miss Thelma Carter as Mercides, came fully up to expectations. Mr. Fred Collier (Daincairo), Mr. Browning Mummery (Remenado), Mr. Tom Minogue (Zuniga),' and Mr. Charles Mettam (Morales), all sang and acted splendidly The chorus entered heartily into > the spirit of the work, and contributed much to an evening that was wholly enjoyable. In the afternoon the company repeated "Cavalleria' Rnsticana" and "I Pagliacci." The cast was the same as at the previous performance, except that Miss Strella Wilson replaced Miss Ijteah ' Myers as Santuzza in "Cavalleria."' Miss Wilson put her whole soul into the part, and made her performance one to be remembered alike iov forceful acting and exquisite singings