THE OPERA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9539, 22 December 1916, Page 4

THE OPERA

“ CARNEN ” A THOROUGHLY INTERESTING PERFORMANCE. Much interest was taken in the performance of "Carman’’ by the Gonsalez Italian Grand Opera Company at the Opera House last evening. Bizet’s work has always been popular, and those, who were familiar with it as well as those who saw it for the first time last night, were highly satisfied with, what was on the whole a thoroughly creditable production. The great features of the opera all received due emphasis, and. many points of, novelty were introduced.

This was noted particularly in regard to the acting of Signorina Russ in. the title role. There is no doubt that from an histrionic 'point of view the mezzo soprano shone in the part, but the lightness of her voice rather , prevented her from doing full justice to the music. Nevertheless her roguish niquancy made the audience forget any shortcomings m this respect, and she gave very appreciable renderings of the ’’Habanera’’ and the “Sequidille.”. In her interviews with Lon Joaa (Signor Cappelll) she was splendid, and she made the the tragic ending. She imbued the Cara' aria in the third act with quit© a fateful note, and there was nothing lost on the tragic side of'her impersonation. It was only to he expected that Signor Cappelli would bo most advantageously seen in the part of Don Jose; also Signor Scamuzzi as Bscamillo. The former was particularly passionate when the ruined brigadier appeals to the coquettish gipsy, and with Signorina Visom .'Micaela) ho joined in a delightful rendering of the “Letter" duet. In the closing scone with Carmen ho acted well. The Flower Song was beautifully rendered, and Signorina Visom made a great 'success of the ana in the Bmugbiers’ cave. Signor Scamuzzi a signal success in the “Toreador, fairly brintriiiir down the house. He als omtroduced the suggestion of. athletic strength and grace in hia acting, creating altogether a very appropriate atmosphere. As’ Captain Zuniga Signor Cesarom was decidedly good. The party of smugglers Frasquita, Mercedes, Rementade, and Daneairo —were represented by Eignori Ballon! and Piccolo, Signori Petrucci and Barontini respectively. Essential details were fully supplied so far aa scenery, chorus, and orchestra were oon"Faust’’ will be reproduced to-night with the following cast:—Signor Balboni, Faust; Signorina Visom, Marcuerita; Signor Caoialh, Mephistophelea; Signor Fillippini. Valentine: Signorina If use, Siebel; Signora Pireolo, Martha, and Signor Mosca, Wagner. The performance is announced to commence half an hour earlier than usual owing to the time necessarily taken by the five acts of the opera. t( . For Saturday’s matinee Cavalleria Rnsticana” and "I Pagliacci” are billed, and at night the final production of the Reason will he "Carmen.