GRAND OPERA

Evening Star, Issue 14413, 8 July 1910, Page 6

GRAND OPERA

'MADAM BUTTERFLY.’ livery scat in Eis Majesty’s Theatre had an occupant last niglic, when ‘Madam Butterfly 1 was again performed. AVe were about to write “ repeated.” That, however, would be an inappropriate word, for two new principals were introduced, and the presentation was varied not only by the iresh schemes of their work, but also by the fact tluw the orenestra reduced its weight in the dramatic business of the first act, thereby permitting the words to be easily heard—a great advantage which the audience yoyfuiiy appreciated. It is important in all stage productions to imprest the audience from the outset. They ar© thus keyed up, as it were, and made ready to note and acknowledge what loJiows. Buch was the ease last night. Members of the comjxmy may perhaps nave thought the AVednesday audience cold and impassive. No discouragement of that sort could be a subject for reproach against the Dunedin people last night. They seized every point liorn the rising of the curtain, and at each suitable opportunity recognised with hearty and general applause the excellent singing and acting of all who deserved it. from all points it was a very pleasant evening. The perionnance gave unqualified satisfaction, and patrons ten, grateful to the management in that the efficiency of the ushering disposed of the great crowd without discomfort, and also because the theatre had been nicely warmed.

Air Alfred Hill, whose genius has made him renowned amongst Australasian musicians, had control over the chorus and orchestra- He received an ovation as he entered, people in all parts of the house expressing their pleasure at seeing him timing up the responsible position. As to his work during the evening it would be an impertinence to make comparisons, but all agreed that he fully proved his capability for the task, and the party immediately in his charge gave him loyal obedience. The decrease in orchestral volume noticeable in tho first act may perhaps be an arranged alternation of design. If so, (his tho later plan is preferable in the listener's interests. In other respects- the playing was as to outline much the same as on the previous night. The river of melody babbled on and on and buoyed up the whole representation. The musicians present would probably also note the fact that in spite of the cold weather the instruments were for the most part beautifully in tune.

But though the orchestra still remained the chief glory of the opera., the principals were always plainly in sight. As a body tuey got a chance, and had the ability to make use ot it. Mr Darvall was the only sufferer. His delivery of the priest’s denunciation could not effectively pierce the playing. The instruments at this point are forced to a double forte, and Mr Darvall lias to do the best he can with an impossible task. Otherwise there was no conflict between the stage and the orchestral platform.

Miss Amy Castles gang Butterfly’s music gloriously and in the commanding style of die prima donna. Since her appearance here in 1902 this young lady has developed her study and given her voice a chance to mature, and to find her equal as an opera soprano one must cast his thoughts back to the days of great voices. An occasional tendency to sharpen, caused no doubt by anxiety, was tiro only fault in her vocal work. It was quickly corrected, thus proving that the ear is all right. Beautiful hetJ-liko quality and a fine ring are the first things that one notices about this voice, and Miss Castles {ossesses any amount of power, which comes at call, her production being reproachless.' As an example we would refer to the working up of that splendid climax in the first act ending. Her last note, B natural, was a revelation, and music-lovers were enraptured with the same note pianissimo later on. In all respects she is a great singer. And her histrionic work gave much satisfaction. (Some may think that, like most of us English, Miss Gistles has not the subtlety, the electricity, the insinuating warmth of the Continentals. It is a national failing. But, nevertheless, she acts in a way that would surprise many of the old Lormas and Lucre/Ja Borgias whom we used to worship. Her frankly affectionate and impulsive manner nicely suited the geisha role, and attention was given to such subordinate passages as the one wherein Butterfly tells Pinkerton, as a secret between themselves, that for his sake she has gone to the mission and abjured her faith. Miss Castles was frequently Hi© recipient of a hearty round of applause, and she well deserved it. The audience also liked Signor John Zerga’s Pinkerton. He imports into the part its neco.-sary brightness, making it plain that, go far as Pinkerton is concerned, the marriage is not much more than a jobo. It would, of course, be a mistake to advertise this thought too freely and let the geisha see it, but Signor Zerga is careful to merely give the hint in his rich by-play. He is also a very good singer.' His flexible voice, somewhat thin rn the stave, is strong and resonant in the upper resister, and he puts on the swell quite easily. Once more Miss Beckmann earned general thanks by her thoughtful and intelligent singing and acting as the faithful handmaiden, and Mr Arthur Crane's manly and expressive work as the consul came in for due recognition, whilst. Mr Edwin Wynn made quite a hit as the marriage broker (he has a rare voice), and Mr Clifford O’Keefe (who is a New Zealander) sang his few linos in capital style. Miss Florence Quinn’s contribution as the American wife was also acceptable, and many of the audience fell in love with the baby, (some present tried to identify Miss Lilian Boanas as the lady who sang the shepherd's part m ‘ Tnnnhausor,’ but the Japanese drees proved an eflectivc disguise, ‘LA BOHEME’ TO-NIGHT. The first production of Puccini’s very successful opera ‘La Bolieme' will be given to-night, when Siguorina. Tampan will make her appearance in the role of Mimi. She will be associated with Signor Zerga, who is said to sing the music in excellent style. Another newcomer will he Signor Antonio Zanelli, who will appear in the baritone role of Marcel. Messrs Arthur Crane as Schaunard, Ornie Darvall as Cellinis, Fergurson Allan as Benoit, and Edward Wynne as Parpioiol. also Miss Mabel Batchelor, will complete a cast that should prove a musical as well as a histrionic treat.