THE MUSGROVE OPERA SEASON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7202, 13 September 1901, Page 1

THE MUSGROVE OPERA SEASON.

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Bizet, the composer of. "Carmen," wa» a brilliant pupil and laureate, in the Paris Conservatoire, studying composition under Halevy, and composed several operas, interludes and overtures. None of Shis works, however, created much stir until he brought his last effort, "Carmen," before the. public. This work at once achieved a success, and 'has 'been a favourite with opera-goers and operatic companies ever since. Though his style of writing vocal music is generally 6omewihat stiff and abrupt, many of 'his airs and concerted pieces are "of a very superior order. The chief musical charms. of "Carmen" lie in the orchestral work of the score. The tone-colours are often original and piquant, always effective. His orchestration is not gorgeous, in t|he Wagner sense of the term, gome of his most charming effects being obtained by the dainty use of two or three instruments, at a time, but it is always fresh, characteristic, and mostly unconventional and at times really powerful. These are some of the features which have help-ed,-mainly, to create for the opera such a world-wide popularity. Though still greater things were expected from Bizet, nis. sudden death, a few months after the initial performance df" Carmen," prevented these expectations from being realised. The rendering of the music last night was, on the whole, worthy of a work which, has an undoubted right to be placed in the front rank of the modern school of French opera. Madame Janson was fully up to the_ standard she set on the occasion of the production of this opera, last week. Hoydenish cruelty, heartless indifference, scorn, and passionate ilova for the Toreador were all strongly depicted, at times with intensity. Her singing throughout was admirable. Even in the most exciting situations she never lost control of her voice. Her most effective numbers were the song "If Thou Lovest Me," the duet in the second .act, her part in the "card" song in the smugglers' cave, and in the final to the fourth act. As Micaela, Mis 9 Codmber had an important role to fill, and filled it fairly well. Her share in the music of the first and third acts was very commendably rendered, and. she gives promise, both as actress and vocalist, of better work in the future j but she should not force her upper notes, or she will soon be a young lady with an. old, worn-out voice. Her acting would be more natural and effective if she were to "play" to her audience less, and try to identify herself more with the part, she may 'be acting. Miss Crichton, also, did some very meritorious work, bub this she marred — and has done so before — by the excessive use of the tremolo. This is due either to affectation or faulty production. Singers of the first rank use the tremolo very sparingly ; and itistobe'hopedtha.t, in Miss Cricbton's case, a word to the wise will be sufficient. Miss Boanas was satisfactory in the part of Mercedes. Don Jose found an able exponent in Signor Seiflvi. Occasionally his voice seemed' a little fatigued, and at times gave more than a suspicion! of singing out of tune. But in the more exacting and exciting music he rose to the occasion, and sang in his best style. His acting was iforceful and legitimate, alike in tender pleading or- passionate and tragic situations. He was most effective in the "Letter Duet," the "Flower Song," the duet with Carmen in the smugglers' cave, and in the tragic scene at the close of the opera. Herr Eugene looked every inch a Toreador, and the part suited 1 him admirably. Qf course, his song, with the effective chorus, in the courtyard scene, was encored, and of course it Mas unwisely repeated. His singing and coacejp-

tion of the character throughout the performance were, satisfactory and praiseworthy. Minor parts were filled with general acceptance by Messrs King, Leuma.ne, Mooney, Gollmiek, and Francisco. Most, of the chorus work -went better than in last week's representation, but there were occasional la.pses from the path of duty. The orchestra played under Herr Slapoffski with its usual precision, tunefulness and judgment, and was equally successful, in the lighter as well as in ihe sombre music. The dancing of the ballerinas was as inspiriting as ever, and the dressts, scenery, and stage management generally were .artistic and creditable to all concerned. jFor to-night Ambroisc Thomas's "Mignon" is announced. _^_