Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times - May 14, 1899

A WEEK’S PARISIAN GOSSIP
Pin-Prick Policy with Regard to
England Apparently Resumed.
THE DECADENCE OF FRANCE
Many Believe Their Nation Is No
Longer a Military One - M.
Massenet’s “Cendrillon”

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     A great artistic event, which we are looking forward to in Paris for next week is the production of Massenet’s “Cendrillon.” In a conversation which I had this afternoon with the great composer he begged me first of all to warn the readers of THE NEW YORK TIMES against any confusion between himself and another person named Massenet, who is his nephew, and whose Christian name is also Jules, but whose conduct is blameworthy in the extreme, for he occasionally passes himself off for his uncle. The story of “Cendrillon” is derived from Anderson and Perrault, and is a fairy tale and not, strictly speaking, a comic opera. But in its general lines it has undergone a process of modernization due to the brilliant pen of the librettist, Henri Cain, who is also well known as a painter, and is the son of the famous animal sculptor whose works adorn the entrance to the Jardin des Tuileries. The modern element for which the librettist is responsible is due purely to his own invention. “Cendrillon” is in four acts and six tableaus. I am told that the mise en scène will be quite wonderful, superior to anything which the management of the Op‚ra Comique has attempted hitherto. M. Massenet has already written some very popular music, immortalized by barrel organs and on the lips of street boys, but he tells me that the world must not look forward to finding a new waltz in “Cendrillon.” this is a right, he says, which composers no longer have - to produce popular waltzes. However, there is a duet in the form of a waltz in the last tableau, and also in the ballet, and I am disposed to think from what M. Massenet has told me, and more particularly hummed to me, that many of the airs in this new “conte de fée” will become very popular. The rôle of Cendrillon will be filled by Mlle. Guiraudon, Prince Charming by Mlle. Emlen. The mother of Cinderella becomes in her modern dress Mme. de la Altiere, and this personage is played by Mme. Deschamps-Jehin. The Fairy will be Mme. Bréjean-Gravelle. There will be only one male part, that of Pandolphe, the father of Cinderella, which will be taken by M. Fugère. The first night will be on Friday or Monday next.
                                                                                       ROWLAND STRONG.

Last updated December 30, 2006