Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times - March 16, 1891

MASSENET’S NEW OPERA.
“LE MAGE” GIVEN A DRESS REHEARS-
AL BEFORE PRESIDENT CARNOT.

     Paris, March 15, - President and Mme. Carnot, together with the Ministers of the Cabinet and many other notable people, to-night attended a dress rehearsal of Massenet’s opera “Le Mage.”
     The libretto of the work, which is written by Richepin, is pronounced a praiseworthy production. The music of the opera indicates a return to Oriental style, which Massenet employed in writing his earlier opera, “Le Roi de Lahore,” but shows more matured skill in the treatment of vocal and orchestral parts than the latter work.
     “Le Mage” is diversified by the introduction of a charming ballet. The opera is to be produced at Brussels with Miss Sanderson in the cast, and Dr. Berggruen is preparing a version of the work for use in Berlin. The story of the piece sets forth the triumph of truth over falsehood through Divine interposition, the librettist making Zoroaster the hero.

Last updated December 30, 2006