GRAND OPERA CO.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 454, 8 September 1928, Page 17

GRAND OPERA CO.

“LA TRAVIATA” ON TUESDAY The story of Camille (“the- frail one”) has long fascinated the world of men and women —it is so human and so pathetic. It permeates literature, drama and music. Dumas younger, whose famous novel "La Dame aux Camellias” is one of the classics of French literature, gave the theme to the world, and the world has taken to its heart the tale of the generous-hearted woman who xs its heroine, and has shed many tears over her fate. The novel was dramatised for the greatest of all actresses, the divine Sarah Bernhardt, and all great actresses have ever since studied and portrayed the character of Camille, and many have thereby reached the summit of their art. The presentation of the character on the dramatic stage by Sarah Bernhardt helped to-give it immortality, for the beauty and pathos of the character were shown as only the divine Sarah could do it. The screen people also saw in it a subject suitable for “the pictures,” and a beautiful film of it has recently been shown throughout the country. It was left to the great genius of Verdi, composer of “Aida,” “Othello.” “II Trovatore,” and “Rigoletto,” to give the famous story its fitting musical setting, and this he did by taking for his libretto Dumas’ story and writing for it one of his most beautiful operas. Under the name of Violetta in the opera we have the Camille of Dumas, and the music throughout gives expression to the poignanc3 r of Violetta’s happy, and unhappy career. A melodic theme of great beauty—one of the many for which Verdi is famous —enters with the appearance of Irer lover Alfredo, is repeated by Violetta In her principal aria, and finally recurs again with beautiful modulations on the muted shivering strings of the violins when she staggers over to Alfredo as she returns and dies in his arms. The part gives scope to Olga Poletti, the coloratura soprano of the Fuller Gor.zalez Italian Grand Opera Company, to display all her vocal and histrionic talents, which are of a high, order, and her impeccable and dramatic representation of the role has placed her (with Claudia Musio) as the greatest Violetta on the operatic stage. OLD TIME DANCE O’NEILL STREET, PONSONBY Another of those enjoyable old-time dances will be held this evening, in the O’Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby. under the auspices of the Grey Lynn Labour Party. Old favourites, such as the d’alberts, lancers and waltzes will be enjoyed, with music provided by Paltridge’s orchestra.