OPERA SEASON OPENS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 456, 11 September 1928, Page 19

OPERA SEASON OPENS

SUCCESSFUL GALA PERFORMANCE VERDI’S “IL TROVATORE” Under the direction of Messrs. John Fuller and Sons, Ltd., the Gonsalez Grand Opera Company commenced what promises to be a splendidly successful season at St. James Theatre last evening - . The handsome theatre was crowded with a warmly appreciative audience, which frequently was roused to great enthusiasm. Verdi’s ever-popular work, “II Trovatore,” was chosen to inaugurate the season, and received a noteworthy performance. The singers proved themselves vocalists of no mean order; the orchestra was more than adequate; the mounting most effective, and the dressing surprisingly good. Small wonder, then, that an enjoyable evening resulted. Though one of Verdi’s earlier operas, “II Trovatore” wears wonderfully well.

It abounds in delightful melodies from beginning to end, and has a libretto full of dramatic action. It is true that the orchestration sounds a little oldfashioned at times, and that the form of some of the scenas is rather stereotyped, but nevertheless there is an underlying • feeling of “atmosphere” throughout the work which holds it well together, and the composer’s sense of the stage is very evident. The exacting prima donna-role of Leonora was very successfully portrayed by Signorina Rosita Sylvestri, whose powerful nd expressive dramatic soprano voice was heard to great advantage in her many solos and concerted numbers. Her solo m the first act and her pa.tlietic air in the fourth were perhaps her finest efforts, while in the famous “Miserere” scene she was most compelling. Signorina Sylvestri has a fine presence, notable dramatic ability, and a good deal of that rare gift, magnetism. Signorina Vina Algozzino was most happily cast for the powerful part of the gipsy “Azucena.” As an actress she is particularly* arresting and convincing, and her heavy mezzo voice, though wanting sometimes in sympathetic tone, has character, volume and extensive range. Her dramatic singing in the second act was quite moving, and a real triumph in delineation. In the trio with di Luna and Ferrando she was very fine, and again in the duet, “Home to Our Mountains,” while her dreamy singing of the same theme in the trio with Leonora and Manrico exhibited her voice in a most attractive manner. Signorina Matilda Pfrimmer. who sang the part of “Inez.” the friend of Leonora, displayed a charming mezzosoprano voice -which was used to ex-

cellent effect in her scene with Leonora in Act I and in the quintet, while her interpretation of her role was most praiseworthy. The tenor cast for the bis - part of Manrico was Sisnor Alessandro Rota, who possesses a fine voice, particularly suited to music of a lyr ; c nature. His finest singring - was in the “honeymoon” scene of Act 111, when alone with Leonora. In this air he was most delightful, and scarcely less so in the following martial air. His intonation was not very secure in the Miserere scene, but there was a nice legato in his flowing phrases, while in his scenes with Azucena and in the trios and quintet he was very effective. Signor Franco Izal sang the important music allotted to the Count di Luna, the rival of Manrico. His voice is resonant and of extensive compass, and his portrayal of the part was vigorous and sound. His lovely solo, “II Balen,” seemed a little “straight,” but nicely sustained, and in the concerted scenas he was very satisfying. The bass. Signor Ernesto Fumagalli, has a splendid voice, and sang the part of Ferrando most successfully. His recitative in Act 111 was very well done, as was the rest of his work in choral numbers. The minor part of Ruiz was satisfactorily played by | Signor Gislon. i The choruses displayed nice tone, j but rather lacked decision, clean phrasj ing and definite rhythm. ! Signor Giovanni Gonsalez conducted j with authority and discrimination, and I the orchestra largely contributed to the success of the performance, though there was a little raggedness at times. Also, the piano might well have been dispensed with, or kept more subdued. We congratulate Messrs. Fuller on bringing Grand Opera into our midst again. Music-loVfers should net miss this opportunity of hearing these standard works. S.ICP. Because of various difficulties which have beset its pathway since its very first announcement, E. J. Rath’s storv “The Olympic Hero,” has been withdrawn from this year’s Universal schedule. It will be replaced by a William Wyler production, written bv Charles W. Taylor, entitled “Come Across.”