Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times - April 22, 1894

A WEEK’S MUSICAL TOPICS
GOSSIP OF CONCERT HALL AND
OPERA HOUSE
The Supplementary Season of Opera
at the Metropolitan - The Produc-
tion of Massenet’s “Werther” -
Paderewski Is Writing an Opera
How to Prevent the Demand for
Encores - A Magnificent Letter by
the Great Verdi.

     The first week of the supplementary season of grand opera was one of great interest. The performance of “Faust” on Monday evening, although it contained not a single new feature, was decidedly refreshing after the dullness of the closed season. The artists, in spite of the fact that they had just arrived from St. Louis after a long and arduous journey, were in capital voice, and they sang with splendid fire. The “Carmen” performance of Tuesday night was something of a disappointment by reason of the spiritless work of Mme. Calvé. It is undeniable that this gifted artist has been spoiled by enthusiastic praise. It is a pity, however, that she should treat with indifference a public which has been more than kind to her.
     The performance of “Aïda” on Wednesday night was a source of genuine pleasure to a large number of persons. The work is one that can never fail to delight real lovers of music because of its splendid dramatic force, its rich melody, and its beautiful harmony. The excellent manner in which it was put on at the Metropolitan Opera House calls for nothing but warm praise of the managers. Indeed, Messrs. Abbey & Grau have shown a commendable desire all through the season to make the scenic surroundings of their performances attractive to the eye, if not always accurate in detail.
     The production of Massenet’s “Werther” has already been discussed at length in these columns. The opera made a very pleasing but not profound impression. The reasons for this have already been given, but there was not time on Thursday night to note the many beauties of a somewhat monotonous work. The admirable scoring is a feature which will appeal to all thoughtful lovers of music. Furthermore, much pleasure will be obtained from the pretty solos allotted to Sophie and Albert, who are only lay figures in the action of the opera, but who have a distinct musical value, affording the necessary relief to the gloomy sentimentality of Werther and the moral struggles of Charlotte.
     The production was in every way a credit to the house. The scenery was good, the dresses appropriate, and the preparations in other ways entirely adequate. It is to be hoped that Messrs. Abbey & Grau will not be discouraged by the moderate success of the work, but will venture next season to present a goodly array of novelties.

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Last updated December 30, 2006