VICTOR
BOOK
of tfie 1
OPERA
STORIES ^Seventy
Grand Operas wit6 THREE
HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS
®, DESCRIPTIONS of
Seven Hunarea VICTOR
OPERA RECORDS ^^
•MS
LIBRARY
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
SANTA BARBARA
PRESENTED BY
HILTON P. GOSS
VICTOR BOOK
of t fie
OPERA
Stories of Seventy
Grand Operas withThree
Hundred Illustrations
Si Descriptions of
Seven Hundred Victor
Opera Records r^o-
VictorTalking Machine Co.
Camden, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Copyright 1912
VICTOR TALKING MACHINE COMPANY
Camden, New Jersey, U. S. A.
A LTHOUGH the Opera Stories in this book are in alphabetical order.
'*' under the most familiar of the various titles, this index will be found
convenient for quick reference.
African 11
Africana 11
Africaine 11
Aida 15
Amleto 143
Ballo in Maschera 218
Bal Masque 218
Barbiere di Siviglia 26
Boheme 32
Carmen 39
Cavalier ia Rusticana .... 53
Contes d'Hoffman 319
Damnation de Faust 59
Damnation of Faust .... 59
Der Fliegende Hollander . . .115
Der Freischiitz 126
Die Afrikanerin 11
Die Favoritin 108
Dinorah 63
Don Giovanni .. 65
Don Juan 65
Don Pasquale 70
Dusk of the Gods 138
Elisir d'Amore 76
Ernani 79
Faust 86
Favorita, La . . 108
Favorite, The 1O8
Fidelio . .113
Flauto Magico 189
Flute Enchantee 189
Flying Dutchman 115
Force of Destiny 121
Forza del Destino, La . . . .121
Freeshooter, The 126
Freischutz, Der 126
Germania 129
Gioconda, La . . T~T . . . .131
Gotterdammerung 138
Guglielmo Tell 370
Guillaume Tell 37O
Hamlet 143
Hansel and Gretel 147
Hansel und Gretel 147
Hernani 79
Herodiade 149
Herodias 149
Hoffman's Erzahlungen . . .319
Huguenots, Les 152
Huguenots, The 152
Hugenotten, Die 152
I Pagliacci 252
II Trovatore 35O
King of Lahore, The 297
L' Africana 11
L' Africaine 11
Lakme 159
Linda di Chamounix . . . 163
Lohengrin . . . 164
(Index continued on page 5)
INDEX— CONTINUED
Lucia di Lammermoor . . . . 1 73
Lucrezia Borgia 18O
Madama Butterfly 183
Madame Butterfly 183
Magic Flute, The 189
Manon 193
Manon Lescaut 202
Marta 212
Martha 212
Mariage de Figaro 206
Marriage of Figaro 206
Masked Ball 218
Mastersingers, The 23O
Mefistofele 224
Meistersinger, Die 23O
Mephistopheles 224
Mignon 236
Nino eRita 147
Norma 242
Nozze di Figaro 2O6
Orfeo ed Euridice 244
Orpheus and Eurydice • . 244
Otello 247
Othello 247
Pagliacci 252
Pearl Fishers 266
Pecheurs de Perles, Les . . 266
Pescatori di Perle ..... 266
Profeta, II 269
Prophet, The 269
Prophete. Le 269
Puritani, I 274
Puritans, The 274
Regina di Saba ....... 277
Roi de Lahore, Le ..... 297
Rheingold, Das ....... 278
Rhinegold, The ....... 278
Rigoletto .......... 282
Robert le Diable . . . . 295
Roberto il Diavolo ..... 295
Robert the Devil ..... 295
Romeo and Juliet ...... 299
Romeo et Juliette ..... 299
Rustic Chivalry ...... 53
Samson and Delilah ..... 304
Samson et Dalila ...... 304
Semiramide ........ 307
Siegfried .......... 3O9
Somnambulist, The ..... 315
Sonnambula, La ....... 315
Tales of Hoffman ...... 319
Tannhauser ......... 322
Tosca .......... 331
Traviata, La ........ 339
Tristan and Isolde ...... 345
Tristano e Isotta ...... 345
Tristan und Isolde ..... 345
Troubadour, The ...... 35O
Trovatore, II ........ 350
Ugonotti, Gli ........ 152
Valkyrie, La
361
Vascello Fantasma, II . . . .115
Walkiire, Die 361
William Tell . 37O I
Queen of Sheba 277 Zauberflote, Die
189
Opera in America
The opera has at last come into its own in the United States. In former
years merely the pastime of the well-to-do in New York City and vicinity,
grand opera is now enjoyed for its own sake by millions of hearers through-
out the country. Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco
and Montreal now have their regular opera season ; while many other cities
have arranged for occasional performances.
The Victor Responsible for Much of this
Awakened Interest
During the recent season several hundred performances of grand opera,
at an estimated cost of millions of dollars, were given in the United States.
This great outlay for dramatic music alone would not have been possible
had it not been for the increased interest aroused in opera by the wide-
spread distribution by the Victor during the past ten years of hundreds of
thousands of grand opera records, at widely varying prices — from the
double-faced records by well-known Italian and French artists of Europe,
at 37 ' l/t cents per selection, to the great concerted numbers by famous
singers at $6.00 and $7.00.
The Opera-Goer and the Victor
Even though fortunate enough to be able to attend the opera, the lover
of operatic music is reminded that with the Victor and the operatic
records his enjoyment of the opera may be greatly increased. The favor-
ite singers may be heard at home as often as desired, and their voices
will be just as natural as in life.
Do you think Caruso the greatest of tenors ? Then do not be satisfied
with an occasional hearing of his glorious voice at the opera, but let him
sing for you and your friends by means of the Victor.
Is Sembrich, Farrar, Tetrazz:ni, Gadski, Calve, Schumann-Heink, Homer
or Amato your favorite singer ? The Victor makes it possible to hear these
voices at any time, no matter where the artists may be singing.
Voices of Absent Singers
Do you regret that Melba is in Australia ? There is consolation in the
thought that her voice is here in all its loveliness, indelibly impressed on
Victor discs.
Have you memories of Tamagno when he was at his best ? The Victor
will revive these memories for you by bringing the voice of this singer back
from the grave. (Fonvord continued on page 9)
FOREWORD— CONTINUED
The Victor an Excellent Substitute for the Opera
For every person who can attend the opera there are a hundred who
cannot. However, many thousands of lovers of the opera in the latter
class have discovered what a satisfactory substitute the Victor is, for it
brings the actual voices of the great singers to the home, with the added
advantage that the artist will repeat the favorite aria as many times as may
be wished, while at the opera one must usually be content with a single
hearing ; and even though the scenery and costumes may be lacking, the
absence of these accessories •will now be atoned for in some measure by the
graphic descriptions and numerous illustrations in this catalogue.
The Victor Opera Season Never Ends
In former years, after the close of the opera season and the annual
migration of the artists to Europe, no one seemed to think much about
grand opera or opera singers. The Victor, however, has changed all this,
and operatic records now form a most important part of the musical life
in the home ; and at all seasons of the year may be heard the voices of the
great singers, a consolation and a delight to opera lovers.
This Catalogue the First of Its Kind
This little -work is unique in many respects, and while there are many
excellent books describing the plots of the operas, we think that in no
other book on opera can be found all of these features :
<f Titles in various languages, -with pronunciation of each.
<JDate and place of original production.
tJDate and place of first performance in America.
CJCast of characters and pronunciation of the same when necessary.
<I Brief and clearly stated synopsis of plots of seventy different operas.
^Translations (all or part) of the text of several hundred separate numbers.
<I Every act and scene indicated, -with description of the stage setting.
€J Every separate number mentioned in its proper place in the opera, and
the numbers placed in the order in which they occur.
€JMore than three hundred portraits and pictures, making it the most
completely illustrated book on opera ever published.
NOTE — Acknowledgment must be made to Oliver Ditson Co. and G. Schirmer for kind permission
to quote occasionally from their copyrighted publications. Both these houses have set new standards with
their operatic publications — Schirmer with superbly printed opera scores and collections of opera airs
entitled " Operatic Anthology"; and Ditson with the Musicians' Library, masterpieces of music typography.
I'isco before, the Council—Act I
.^•eiif. in the Prison— Act 11
SCENES FROM L'AFRICAINE
The Slaasacre-Act III
The Indian Paradise Act IV
Tut Fatal Tree— Act V
(Italian)
L'AFRICANA
(Laf-ree-kah' -nah)
DIE AFRIKANERIN
(Dee Ah-free-kah'-ner-in}
(French)
L'AFRICAINE
(Laf-ree-kahn)
(English)
THE AFRICAN
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Text by Scribe ; music by Meyerbeer. First produced at the Academic, Paris, April 28,
1865. First London production in Italian, under the French title, at Covent Garden, July 22,
1865; and in English at the Royal English Opera, Covent Garden, October 21, 1865. First
New York production December 1, 1865. Revived in 1906 at the Metropolitan, with Caruso,
Fremstad, Plancon and Journet.
Characters in the] Opera
SELIKA, (Say-lee -kah) a slave, formerly an African princess Soprano
INEZ, (Ee'-nez) daughter of Don Diego Soprano
ANNA, her attendant Contralto
NELUSKO, (Na®-loos' -ko) a slave, formerly an African chief Basso
DON PEDRO, (Don Pay' -dro) President of the Royal Council Basso
GRANDE INQUISITORE Basso
DON DlEGO, (Don Dee-ay' -go) Member of the Council Basso
HIGH PRIEST OF BRAHMA (Brah'-mah) Basso
DON ALVAR, Member of the Council Tenor
VASCO DI GAMA, (Vahs'-ko dee Gah'-mah) an officer in the Portuguese Navy, Tenor
Chorus of Counsellors, Inquisitors, Sailors, Indians and Attendant Ladies.
The action occurs in Portugal, on Don Pedro's ship at sea, and in India.
11
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE AFRICAN
ACT I
The first scene occurs at Portugal, in the King's Council Chamber, whither Vasco Ji
Gama has come to announce his discovery of a strange land, producing two of the native
slaves, Selil(a and Nelusko. as proof.
In this scene is given the noble and stately chorus
Dio che la terra venera (Thou Whom the Universe Adores)
By La Scab Chorus (In Italian) *62614 10-inch, $0.75
in which the voices of the famous male chorus of La Scala are heard to great advantage.
Don Pedro, President of the Council, who wishes to marry Vasco 's sweetheart, Inez,
influences that body to discredit the explorer's tale and throw him into prison with his
sfaves. In the prison scene occurs this duet between Sel/faa and di Gama.
Sei 1'angiol diletto (Oh ! Guardian Angel !)
By Tina Farelli, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti.
Tenor (In Italian) *624O7 lO-inch. $0.75
The slave, seeing her master's grief over his inability to find
the route to the unknown country, reveals to him the location of
the coveted land. Vasco, overcome with gratitude, embraces her.
ACT II
Inez consents to marry Don Pedro in order to save Vasco, who
is released, but too late to prevent his enemy from sailing in
search of the unknown land, carrying with him Vasco' s private
papers and maps as well as the two slaves, Seli^a and Neluslfo.
The latter, who loves Selika, has discovered her attachment for
Vasco, and through jealousy offers to guide Don Pedro to his
country. The young officer secures a ship and goes in pursuit.
ACT III
Preludio (Prelude to Act III)
By La Scala Orchestra *62614 10-inch, $0.75
Act III shows the decks of Don Pedro's vessel. Nelus^o, who
is secretly plotting to destroy the ship, is brooding over his plans;
and his gloomy bearing being noticed by the sailors, they ask him
to relate the old legend of Adamastor, king of the seas.
FAURE AS NELUSKO, I 86$
Adamastor, Re deir onde profonde (Ruler of Ocean)
By G. Mario Sammarco, Baritone
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone
NELUSKO:
Adamastor, monarch of the pathless deep,
Swift o'er foaming waves
To sound of fierce winds tramping;
When his dark steeds vex the mist covered
sea.
Beware, mariner! Beware, mariner!
(In Italian) 883 1O 12-inch. $3.00
(In Italian) *62407 10-inch, .75
When their breath on the gale rolls o'er the
deep,
Then beware, then beware!
See, the lightning's flash reveals to thine eye,
How the dark waves seek the storm-laden sky.
All hope now is lost.
For the doomed wretch no tomb.
None, none but a watery grave!
A storm is threatened, and amid the preparations for resisting the elements a ship is
seen, which proves to be di Gama's. He rashly comes on board, is promptly seized by Don
Pedro and is about to be executed, when Selika draws her dagger and threatens to kill Inez
unless her lover is released. The tyrant reluctantly yields, but afterward orders Seli^a to be
flogged. The storm breaks, and in its midst the ship is boarded by Indians, fellow-country-
men of Nelusko, and the entire ship's company are either killed or made prisoners.
ACT IV
Act IV represents the Temple of Brahma in the country of Selika and Nelusko-. The act
opens with the weird and striking Indian March, played here by the Herbert Orchestra.
Marcia Indiana (Indian March)
By Victor Herbert's Orchestra 7O068 12-inch, $1.25
By La Scab Orchestra *68027 12-inch, 1.25
* Double-FcczJ R:corJ—Fort:tl: o/oppoj/te side xe DOUBLE-FACED L AFRICAN A RECORDS, paSe 13.
12
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE AFRICAN
The priests, who have crowned Selil^a their Queen, announce
the execution of all the prisoners except Vasco ; and he too is con-
demned to die. The priests and people disperse and Vasco enters,
guarded by soldiers. He is entranced with the beauty of this won-
derful land, of which he had dreamed, and voices his admiration in
the celebrated air, "O Paradise. "
O Paradise ! (Oh Paradise !)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 88O54 12-inch, $3.OO
By Florencio Constantino (Inflation) 74O85 12-inch, 1.5O
By Evan 'Williams (In English) 74148 12-inch, 1.5O
VASCO:
Hail! fruitful land of plenty, beauteous gar-
den, hail !
An earthly paradise art thoti !
Oh Paradise on earth!
Oh azure sky, oh fragrant air
All enchant my heart;
Thou fair new world art mine!
Thee, a radiant gift,
On my native land I'll bestow!
Hail, priceless treasure! Wondrous marvels, hail!
O beauteous country — mine thou art at last !
Yes — land till now unknown, thou'rt mine!
yes, mine!
iMoioeEST Caruso's singing of this famous air is a magnificent performance,
AMATO AS NELUSKO while two other fine records are offered in both Italian and English.
The soldiers are about to kill Kasco, but he is saved by Selika, who announces that he
is her chosen husband. NeluslfO is forced to remain silent by threats that Selika will destroy
herself. Di Gama, forgetting Inez, yields to the spell and weds the Queen by the native rites.
ACT V— SCENE I
At the beginning of the last act, Inez, who had escaped from the prison, is captured and
brought before the Queen, who becomes convinced that di Gama still loves the Portuguese
maiden. In a moment of generosity she sacrifices her own feelings and assists the lovers
'° eSCape" ACT V-SCENE II
The final scene shows a promontory from which Sell^a is watching the ship bearing
Inez and di Gama toward Portugal. As the vessel disappears from view she advances
toward the deadly mancanilla tree, the fumes of which are death.
SELIKA: Thou leafy temple, thou vault of foliage dark,
Aye! here I look upon the mighty sea — bound- That ceaseless wav'st thy deadly branches in
less — infinite the wind,
As is my woe!
Its waves in angry fury break, and then anon
their course renew,
As doth my sorrowing heart!
(Obseri'itig the mancanilla tree.)
(lathering the fatal flowers, she inhales their perfume, sadly saying :
Farewell, my Vasco, I forgive thee!
(To the inaiicanilla tree) Which for a moment yields unearthly joy,
'Tis said your dread perfume doth a joy inspire. And then doth cause a sleep eternal !
She is overcome and sinks unconscious beneath the tree. Nelusko, -who has come in
search of her, finds her dying; and in a frenzy of grief, also inhales the deadly blossoms and
falls lifeless by her side.
After life's weary tumult I now come
To seek repose of thee, and find oblivion from
my woes.
Yes! thy shade eternal is like the darkness of
the tomb!
By La Scala Orchestral, ar.__ . _ • , ,.. »,
V> i c i f\ L i )o8O27 12-incn, 91.25
By La oca/a Urchestra)
DOUBLE-FACED L'AFRICAFNE RECORDS
| Marcia Indiana (Indian March)
I Traviata — Preludio
I Adamastor, Re dell onde profonde (Adamaster, Ruler of the 1
I Ocean) By Francesco Cigada. Baritone (In Italian)\ ,„ ,__ in . « _,
Sei L'angiol di letto (Oh, Guardian Angel!) By Tina
I Farelli, Soprano; G. Martinez- Patti. Tenor (In Italian}}
Dio che la terra venera By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)} , _, . , in . . _,
Preludio-Atto III By La Scala Orchestra}626
13
(Italian)
AIDA
(Ah-ee -Jah)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text translated from the French of Locle by Antonio Ghislanzoni. Music by Giuseppe
Verdi. First produced in Cairo, December 24, 1871 ; at La Scala, Milan, February 8, 1872;
in Paris, April 22, 1876; at Covent Garden, June 22, 1876. First performance in America
at the Academy of Music, New York, November 26, 1873, the cast including Torriani, Gary,
Gampanini and Maurel.
Characters of the Drama
AIDA, an Ethiopian slave Soprano
THE KING OF EGYPT Bass
AMNERIS, (Am-nare '-iss) his daughter Mezzo-Soprano
RHADAMES, (Rahd'-ah-maze) Captain of the Guard Tenor
AMONASRO, (Am-oh-nahz'-roh) King of Ethiopia Baritone
RAMFIS, (Rahm'.fius) High Priest Bass
A MESSENGER Tenor
Priests, Priestesses, Ministers, Captains, Soldiers, Officials, Ethiopian
Slaves and Prisoners, Egyptians, etc.
The scene is laid in Memphis and Thebes, in Pharaoh1 s time.
This opera was written by request of the Viceroy of Egypt, who wished to celebrate
the opening of his new Opera House at Cairo by the production of a work upon an Egyptian
subject from the pen of the most popular composer of the time. The story originated with
Marietta Bey, the famous Egyptologist, and seems to have inspired Verdi to unusual efforts.
Aida, daughter of Amonasro, King of Ethiopia, has been
captured by the Egyptians and is a slave at the Cou^t of
Memphis, -where she and the young soldier Rhadames have
fallen in love with each other. Rhadames goes to the Egyptian
war, and during his absence the King's daughter, Amneris,
discovers his attachment and is furious, as she herself loves
Rhadames.
Rhadames returns, covered with glory and bringing many
prisoners, among them Amonasro, Aida's father. The King
releases all the prisoners except Amonasro, and bestows his
daughter on the unwilling Rhadames.
In the next scene Amonasro forces his daughter to persuade
Rhadames to become a traitor. The letter's love for Aida and
his distaste for the approaching union with Amneris lead him
to consent. Amneris, however, has overheard the plot, and
after vainly trying to induce Rhadames to abandon Aida, she
denounces him as a traitor, and he is condemned to be buried
alive. When the vault is sealed he discovers Aida, who had
concealed herself there that she might die with him ; and the
lovers slowly suffocate in each other's arms.
ACT I
SCENE 1— A Hall in the Palace. Through the grand gate at the
back, may be seen the Pyramids and the Temples of Memphis
The opera has no overture. The curtain rises, showing a
hall in the palace of the King of Memphis, where Rhadames
and the High Priest, Ramfis, are discussing the coming
15
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
invasion of Ethiopia; and Ramfis hints that some young and
brave warrior may be chosen to command the expedition.
Rhadames, left alone, hopes that he himself may gain the
coveted honor, and promises to lay his triumphs at the feet of
his Aida.
Celeste Aida (Heavenly Aida)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor
(In Italian) 88127 12-inch, *3.0O
By Leo Slezak. Tenor
(In German) 64113 10-inch, 1.00
Then occurs the splendid gem of Act I, the Celeste Aida,
beginning
ma di vi na.— mi • MI -co ser-to di lu • ce t fior
i ly re-splen-dtnl.—Ka • di • ant flow-cr, bloom-ing and bright
in which Rhadames chants the praises of the peerless Aida.
It is seldom enjoyed at the opera, especially in America, as it
occurs almost immediately after the rise of the curtain, and is
invariably marred by the noise made by late comers. With
the Victor, however, it may be heard in all its beauty and the
fine renditions by Caruso and Slezak fully appreciated.
COPVT MISH
SLEZAK AS RHADAMES
RHADAMES:
Heavenly Aida, beauty resplendent,
Radiant flower, blooming and bright;
Queenly thou reignest o'er me transcendent,
Bathing my spirit in beauty's light.
Would that thy bright skies once more behold-
ing.
Breathing the soft airs of thy native land.
Round thy fair brow a diadem folding,
Thine were a throne next the sun to stand!
MARTIN AS RHADAMES
A fine trio, expressing the emotions of the characters in
the scene, then follows.
Ohime ! di guerra fremere (Alas ! the
Cry of War I Hear)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano : Bianca Lavin
de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano; Egidio Cu-
nego. Tenor (In Italian) 88261 12-inch. $3.0O
The King's daughter, Amneris, enters, and seeing the young
•warrior's glowing enthusiasm, delicately hints of her secret
affection for him, saying:
AMNERIS:
What unwonted fire in thy glance!
With what noble pride glows thy face!
Worthy of envy — oh, how much —
Would be the woman whose beloved aspect
Should awaken in thee this light of joy!
Rhadames begins to explain his hope of securing the
command of the expedition, when Aida enters, and the young
soldier's expressive glance reveals to Amneris his love for
the Egyptian slave.
The King and his guards enter and receive a messenger, who
reports that Egypt has been invaded by the Ethiopian army,
under the command of Amonasro. ("My father!" exclaims
Aida aside.) Amid great excitement Rhadames is appointed
leader of the army, and is presented with a banner by
Amneris.
The King begins another trio, urging the Egyptian forces
to guard with their lives the sacred Nile.
16
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
Su ! del Nilo (Nilus' Sacred Shores !)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano ; Maria
Cappiello, Mezzo-Soprano; Tapergi
and Davi (In Italian] 88266 12-inch, $3.OO
Following the trio comes a grand chorus:
To battle! We'll hunt the invader down.
On! Rhadames, thy brow may laurels crown!
All depart to prepare for the expedition, while Aida,
left alone, gives way to her grief and sings the beautiful
Ritoma vincilor, expressing her conflicting emotions.
Ritorna vincitor (Return Victorious !)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In Italian) 88137 12-inch, $3.OO
AIDA:
Return victorious! And from my lips
Went forth the impious word! Conqueror
Of my father — of him who takes arms
For me — to give me again
A country; a kingdom; and the illustrious
name
Which here I am forced to conceal!
The insane word forget, O gods;
Return the daughter
To the bosom of her father;
Destroy the squadrons of our oppressors!. . .
What am I saying? And my love,
Can I ever forget
This fervid love which oppresses and enslaves,
As the sun's ray which now blesses me?
Shall I call death on Rhadames —
CADSKI AS AIDA On him whom I love so much?
Ah! Never on earth was heart torn by more
cruel agonies!
She gives way to her emotion for a brief moment, then sings the lovely and appealing
(In Italian) 12-inch, $3.00
I sacri nomi (The Sacred Names)
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano 88223
Rousing herself, she calls on her gods for aid and goes
slowly out as the curtain falls.
SCENE II — The Temple of Vulcan — in the centre an altar,
illuminated by a mysterious light from above
Ramfis, the High Priest, and the priests and priest-
esses have assembled to bless the expedition. The chant in
praise of Ptah is heard from an invisible choir. Rhadames
enters and receives the consecrated veil.
RAMFIS:
Mortal, beloved of the gods, to thee
Is confided the fate of Egypt. Let the holy
sword
Tempered by the gods, in thy hand become
To the enemy, terror — a thunderbolt-death!
RHADAMES:
God, who art leader and arbiter
Of every human war,
Protect thou and defend
The sacred soil of Egypt !
Nume, custode e vindice (God, Guardian
and Avenger)
By Antonio Paoli. Tenor; Perello
do Segurola, Bass ; and Chorus
(In Italian) 88268 12-inch, $3.0O EAMES AS AIDA
17
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
Ramfis then sings the closing invocation, in -which Rhadames joins.
He is invested with the sacred armor, and as the priestesses perform the mystic dance
the curtain dlowly falls.
ACT II
SCENE I — A hall in Amneris' apartments
The curtain rises, showing the Princess and her slaves, who
are adorning her for the triumphal festival in honor of Rhadames,
just returned with his victorious army. Amneris and the slaves
sing the ode to the returned hero.
Chi mai fra (His Glory Now Praise)
By Maria Capiello, Mezzo-Soprano,
and Chorus (In Italian) *55005 12-inch, $1.50
Seeing Aida approaching, the Princess dismisses her slaves
and prepares to enjoy her revenge.
This scene is expressed in a splendid duet, given here in two
records by Mmes. Gadski and Homer, and also by Mmes.
Ruszcowska and Lavin de Casas, of the La Scala forces.
Fu la sorte dell* armi CNeath the Chances
of Battle)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano, and Louise Homer,
Contralto (In Italian) 89O24 12-inch, $4.OO
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano, and Bianca
Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano
(In Italian) 88262 12-inch, 3.OO'
Alia pompa, che s'appreste (In the Pageant
Preparing) HOMER AS AMNERIS
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano, and Louise Homer, Contralto
(In Italian) 89025 12-inch, $4.00
Ebben qual nuovo fremito (WTiat
New Alarm ?)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano, and Bianca
Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano
(In Italian) 88263 12-inch, $3.OO
Amneris pretends to sympathize with the afflicted
girl, saying:
AMNERIS:
The late of arms was deadly to thy people.
Poor Aida! The grief
Which weiehs down thy heart I share!
I am thy friend;
Time will heal the anguish of thy heart,
And more than time — a powerful god — love.
Amneris, having thus by her pretended sympathy
gained Aida's confidence, determines to betray her into
a declaration of her love for Rhadames, and suddenly
announces that he has been killed in battle. Aida, over-
come with grief, reveals plainly that she loves the young
soldier.
AMNERIS (aside) :
This death-like pallor, this strong emotion,
Plainly reveal the fever of love!
Amneris then throws off her mask of friendliness, and
gloating in her victory, confesses that she has spoken
falsely and that Rhadames lives.
Then, stung to fury by Aida's joy, she exclaims:
COPY'T MISHKIN
DALMORES AS RHADAMES
* Doubh-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED AIDA RECORDS, page 25.
19
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
AMNERIS: AMNERIS:
Tremble! I read thy secret, Tremble, vile minion! be ye heartbroken,
Thou lov'st him! lie no longer! Warrant of death this love shall betoken!
I lovj him too — dost thou hear? In the pomp which approaches,
I am thy rival, daughter of kings Egyptian. With me, O slave, thou shall assist;
Thou prostrate in the dust —
AIDA: I on the throne beside the King;
Thou my rival? 'tis well, so be it — Come, follow me, and thou shall learn
Ah, what have I said? forgive and pity, If thou canst contend with me!
Ah, let this mv sorrow thy warm heart move. AIDA:
'Tis true I adore him with boundless love — Ah, pity! What more remains to me?
Thou art so happy, thou art so mighty, My life is a desert;
I cannot live hence from love apart! This love which angers thee
In the tomb I will extinguish!
Always a highly impressive number, this duet is doubly so when rendered by such
famous exponents of the parts of Aida and Amneris. Mme. Gadski's Aida is one of her
most effective roles — splendidly acted and vocally perfect ; while Mme. Homer's impersona-
tion of the Egyptian Princess is always a thrillingly dramatic one.
The rendition by the two La Scala artists is one of the finest which has come to us from
Milan.
SCENE \\-Wtthmt the City Walls
The scene changes to a gate of the city of Thebes. The King and his court are
assembled on a magnificent throne to receive the conquering army. A splendid chorus is
sung by people and priests. The Egyptian troops, preceded by trumpeters, enter, followed
by chariots of war, ensigns, statues of the gods, dancing girls carrying treasures, and finally
Rhadames, under a canopy borne by twelve slaves.
KING (descending from the throne to embrace (Rhadames bows before Amneris, who places
Rhadames): the crou'n upon him.)
Saviour of our country, I salute thee. Now ask of me
Come, and let my daughter with her own hand What thou most wishest. Nothing denied to
Place upon you the triumphal crown. thee
On such a day shall be — I swear it
By my crown, by the sacred gods!
The prisoners enter, including Amonasro, who is dressed as an officer. Aida sees
him and cries, "What do I see! My father!" All are surprised, and Amonasro signals to
Aida not to betray his rank. Amonasro then sings his recital :
Quest' assisa ch'io vesto (This Dress Has Told You)
By Ernesto Badini. Baritone; Sra. Fabris, Soprano; Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-
Soprano ; Egidio Cunego, Tenor (In Italian) 88264 12-inch, $3.00
AMONASRO:
I am her father. I went to war. Lay the Kinjr, transfixed by many wounds;
Was conquered, and death I sought in vain. If the love of country is a crime
(Pointing to his uniform) We are all criminals — all ready to die!
This habit I wear may tell you (Turning to the King with a- supplicating
That I have defended my king and my coun- accent)
try. But thou. O King, thou powerful lord,
Fate was hostile to our arms; Be merciful to these men.
Vain was the courage of the brave! To-day we are stricken by Fate,
At my feet, in the dust extended. To-morrow Fate may smite thee!
The people and prisoners appeal to the King for mercy, while the priests demand that
the captives be put to death. Rhadames, seeing the hesitation of the King, reminds him of
his vow, and demands life and liberty for the captured Ethiopians. The King yields,
stipulating only that Aida and her father be held as hostages, and then announces that
Rhadames shall have the hand of Amneris as his reward.
The magnificent finale then follows, Aida and Rhadames gazing at each other in despair,
Amneris glorying in her triumph, and Amonasro swearing secret vengeance against his
captors. The curtain falls amid general rejoicing.
ACT III
SCENE I — A moonlight night on the banks of the Nile— the Temple of I sis can be seen,
half concealed by palm trees
As the curtain rises on this beautiful scene, a chorus -within the Temple is heard in a
chant of praise.
20
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
O tu che sei d'Osiride (Oh, Thou Who Art Osiris)
By Maria Cappiello, Soprano, and Chorus (In Italian) *550O5 12-inch, $1.50
A boat approaches, bearing Rhadames and Amneris, who go into the Temple. Aida,
veiled, cautiously enters, hoping that Rhadames will come thither, and
sings a tender and despairing song of that lovely land which she may
never see again.
O patria mia (My Native Land)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In Italian) 88042 12-inch, $3.0O
By Emmy Destinn, Soprano
(In German) 92O58 12-inch, 3.OO
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano
(In Italian) 88239 12-inch, 3.OO
AIDA:
O' native land, no more to thee shall I return !
O skies of tender blue, O soft airs blowing,
Where calm and peaceful my dawn of life
pass'd o'er,
O hills of verdure, O perfum'd waters flowing,
O home beloved, I ne er shall see thee more!
O fresh and fragrant vales, O quiet dwelling,
Promise of happy days of love that bore.
Now hope is banish'd, love and yonder dream
dispelling,
O home beloved, I ne'er shall see thee more!
Three fine renditions of this air, one of the most effective in the
opera, are given here by three celebrated prima donnas, all of whom
have been seen in America in the part of Aida.
Amonasro appears and reproaches his daughter with her love for
his enemy Rhadames, telling her with significant emphasis that she BERT, PA
may behold her native land again if she wishes. DESTINN AS AIDA
Rivedrai le foreste imbalsamate (Thou Shalt See Again the
Balmy Forests)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano, and Giuseppe Maggi, Baritone
(In Italian) 88267 12-inch, $3.00
He tells her that his people have risen
again, and proposes that she shall influence
Rhadames to betray the plans of his army in
the new campaign. She at first refuses, but
he bids her be true to her country, and pictures
the sufferings of her people.
Su, dunque ! (Up, Then !)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano,
and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) 88265 12-inch, $3.00
With growing excitement he describes the
consequences of her refusal.
AMONASRO (with savage rage) :
Up, then!
Rise, Egyptian legions!
With fire destroy our cities —
Spread terror, carnage and death.
To your fury there is no longer check!
AIDA:
Ah, father!
AMONASRO (repulsing her) :
My daughter
Dost thou call thyself?
Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED AIDA RECORDS, page 25.
21
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
AIDA (terrified and suppliant):
Pity!
AMONASRO:
Rivers of blood pour
On the cities of the vanquished —
Seeth thou? From the black gulfs
The dead are raised —
To thee they point and cry;
For thee the country dies!
AIDA:
Pity!
AMONASRO:
A horrible ghost
Among the shadows to us approaches —
Tremble! the fleshless arms
Over thy head it raised —
It is thy mother — recognize her —
She curses thee!
ZEROLA AS RHADAMES
AIDA (in the greatest terror) :
Ah, no! Father!
AMONASRO (repulsing her):
Go, unworthy one! Thou'rt not my offspring —
Thou art the slave of the Pharaohs!
AIDA (yielding) :
Father, their slave I am not —
Reproach me not—curse me not;
Thy daughter again thou canst call me —
Of my country I will be worthy!
AMONASRO:
Courage! he comes — there, I shall hear all.
(Conceals himself among the palm trees.)
Rhadames now enters and tries to embrace her, but she
repulses him, saying bitterly :
AIDA:
The rites of another love await thee,
Thou spouse of Amneris!
He protests that he loves Aida alone, but she bids him
prove his affection by fleeing with her.
AIDA:
Ah! fly with me, and leave behind
These deserts bare and blighted;
Some country, new and fresh to find,
Where v/e may love united.
There, 'mid virgin forest groves,
By fair sweet flow'rs scented,
In quiet joy contented, the world will we
forget!
He finally consents, and reveals to her that the army
•will go by the pass of Napata. Amonasro, who has overheard,
now enters, and Rhadames is horrified at the knowledge that
he has betrayed the army to the King of Ethiopia. His
scruples are finally overcome, Amonasro saying:
AMONASRO:
No; thou art not guilty —
It was the will of fate.
Come; beyond the Nile await
Amneris, coming from the temple, pauses behind a pillar and overhears the final words.
Mad with jealousy, she rushes in and denounces the guilty trio. Aida and Amonasro escape
but Rhadames is taken in custody as a traitor.
ACT IV
SCENE I — A room in the Palace — on one side a door leading to Rhadames' prison cell
The curtain rises, disclosing
Amneris in an attitude of despair.
She is torn between her love
for Rhadames and a desire for
vengeance, and finally orders
the prisoner brought before her.
AMNERIS (bitterly musing):
My rival has escaped me —
And Rhadames awaits from the
priests
The punishment of a traitor.
Traitor he is not, though he
revealed
The high secret of war. He
wished to fly —
To fly with her — traitors all!
To death, to death!
Oh, what am I saying? I love
him —
Oh! if he could love me!
I would save him — but how?
Let me try. Guards, Rhadames
COmeS. RHADAMES DENOUNCED AS
The brave men devoted to us;
There the vows of thy heart
Shall be crowned with love.
22
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
Rhadames enters, and the first great duet of the act occurs.
Gia i sacerdoti adunansi (The Priests Assemble)
By Louise Homer and Enrico Caruso (In Italian) 89O50 12-inch, $4-OO
By Pietracewska and Barrera (In Italian) 88269 12-inch. 3.OO
Aida a me togliesti (Aida Thou Hast Taken)
By Louise Homer and Enrico Caruso (In Italian) 89051 12-inch, $4.00
Amneris tells him that Amonasro is dead, that Aida has disappeared, and offers to save
his life if he •will renounce his love. He scorns the proposal, resolving to die rather than
be false to his Ethiopian Princess.
AMNERIS: Renounce Aida forever
And thou shalt live!
RHADAMES: I cannot do it!
AMNERIS: Wouldst die, then, madman?
RHADAMES: I am ready to die.
AMNERIS: Who saves thee, O wretch,
From the fate that awaits thee?
To fury hast thou changed
A love that had no equal.
Revenge for my tears
Heaven will now consummate!
The guards now appear and conduct Rhadames to the judgment room. The ensuing
scene is a highly dramatic and impressive one.
Ohime! Morir mi sento (Ah, me ! Death Approaches !)
By Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano ; Rizzo Sant' Elia,
Bass ; and Chorus (In Italian) 88270 12-inch, $3.OO
Amneris, seeing Rhadames taken out by the Priests, repents her harshness and sinks
down desolate on a seat.
AMNERIS (falling on a chair, overcome): Ah, let me not behold those white robed
Ah me! Death's hand approaches! who now phantoms!
will save him? (Covers her face with her hands. The voice
He is now in their power. of Ramfis can be heard within.)
His sentence I have sealed — Oh, how I curse RAMFIS:
T l^ee> Rhadames, Rhadames: thou hast betrayed
Jealousy, vile monster, thou who hast doomed Of thy country the secrets to aid the foeman:
him _
To death, and me to everlasting sorrow!
(Turns and sees Ramfis and the Priests, who Defend thyself.
cross the stage and enter the subterranean RAMFIS:
hall.) Rhadames, Rhadames: and thou wast absent
What see I? Behold of death From the camp the very day befoie the
The ministers fatal, his merciless judges. combat!
PRIESTS:
Defend thyself!
RAMFIS:
Rhadames, Rhadames: and
thou hast played
The part of a traitor to King,
and to honor!
PRIESTS:
Defend thyself!
RAMFIS:
He is silent.
ALL:
Traitor vile:
RAMFIS:
Rhadames, we thy fate have
decided,
Of all traitors the fate shall
be thine —
'Neath the altar whose God
thou'st derided
Thou a sepulchre living shall
find.
AMNERIS:
Find a sepulchre living!
Hated wretches! *
Ever venpeful, blood-thirsty
THE DESPAIR OF AMNERIS — ACT iv and blind!
23
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
Sacerdoti, compiste un delitto ! (Priests, a Crime You Have
Enacted !)
By Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano : F. Rizzi, Bass: and
Chorus In Italian) 88323 12-inch, $3.OO
The priests now enter from the crypt and pass across the hall. The wretched woman
denounces them.
Priests of Heaven, a crime you have enacted, AMNERIS:
Tigers even in bloodshed exulting, Impious priesthood, curses light on ye all!
Earthly justice and Heaven's you are insulting, On your heads Heaven's vengeance will fall!
On the guiltless your sentence will fall! (Exit wildly.)
PBIESTS: (Departing slowly.)
None can his doom recall!
This is one of the most impressive records of the Aida series. The despair of the
wretched Jlmneris, and the solemn reply of the unbending priests are wonderfully expressed
by Verdi.
SCENE II — Interior of the Temple of Vulcan — below a Subterranean Apartment
' ' The work finishes in serenity and peace, and such terminations are the most beautiful. Above,
the temple full of light, where the ceremonies continue immutable in the sanctuary of the indifferent
gods ; below, two human beings dying in each other 's arms. Their song of love and death is among
the most beautiful of all music. ' ' — Camille Bellaigue.
When we hear the expression " the duet from Aida," our thoughts always instinctively
turn to this number at the close of the work. There are other duets in the opera, some of
them fine numbers, but this is the great one — perhaps the most intensely dramatic and
melodiously beautiful of all Verdi's writings.
La fatal pietra (The Fatal Stone)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 89O28 12-inch, $4.OO
By Nicola Zerola, Tenor (Part of scene — " To die, so
pure and lovely !") (In Italian) 74225 12-inch, 1.50
This last scene is a highly picturesque one. Above we see the splendid Temple of
Ptah, where priests and priestesses are chanting their strange songs. Below, a dark vault,
in whose depths Rhadames is awaiting with patience a slow death by starvation.
RHADAMES (.despairingly) :
The fatal stone upon me now is closing!
Now has the tomb engulf'd me!
The light of day no more shall I see!
No more behold Aida!
Aida, where art thou now?
Whate'er befall me, may'st thou be happy!
Ne'er may my frightful doom be told to thine
ear!
(Then suddenly in the shadows he sees a
form — if is Aida, who has secreted herself in
the crypt that she may die with her lover.)
What moan was that?
Is't a phantom, or vision dread?
No! 'tis a human being!
Heaven! Aida!
AIDA: Yes!
RHADAMES (in great desperation) :
Thou, with me here buried!
AIDA:
My heart foreboded this, thy dreadful sen-
tence.
And to this tomb that shuts on thee its portal,
I crept, unseen by mortal.
Here, free from all,
Where none can more behold us,
Clasp'd in thy arms, love,
I resolved to perish !
RHADAMES: To die! so pure _and lovely!
To die! thyself thus dooming,
In all thy beauty bloonvng.
Fade thus forever!
Thou, whom the gods alone for love created;
Yet to destroy thee, was my love then fated!
Thou shall not die! so much I love thee,
Thou art too lovely!
24
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V E R D I ' S A I D A
AIDA (transported) : I see heaven's gates are open wide
See'st thou where death, in angel guise, Where tears are never streaming,
With heavenly radiance beaming, Where only bliss and joy reside.
Would waft us to eternal joys, The bliss and joy of never fading, endless
On golden wings above! love!
The lovers sing their plaintive farewell to earth in hauntingly lovely strains, while in
strange contrast the heathen chanting continues above.
O terra addio (Fare-well, Oh, Earth)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 89029 12-inch, $4.00
AIDA AND RHADAMES:
Farewell, C earth, See, brightly opens for us,
Farewell, thou dark vale of sorrow, Brightly opens now the sky, and endless mor-
Brief dream of joy, row.
Condemned to end in woe! There, all unshadow'd, shall eternal glow!
(Curtain)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS AIDA RECORDS
Chi mai fra (His Glory Now Praise) By Maria
Cappiello. Mezzo-Soprano, and Chorus (In Italian)
O tu che sei d'Osiride (Oh, Thou Who Art Osiris)
By Maria Cappiello, Mezzo-Soprano, and Chorus
(In Italian)
Celeste Aida (Heavenly Aida) Trombone By Arthur Pryor)
II Guarany Overture By Pryor's Band/
The Fatal Stone Cornet- Trombone
By Arthur Pryor,Emil Keneke and Pryor's Band ^35 150
Serenade ( Till) 'Cello-Flute By Louis Heine and Darius Lyons]
Aida Fantasia
Cascades of Roses Waltz
I Aida Selection By Pryor's Band\351Q5
By Kryl's Bohemian Band)
55OO5 12-inch, $1.50
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
By Police Band of Mexico!,,,- ,_ 10 . «
DL Dub D j £ n/f • J-35O47 12-inch,
By r'olice Band of Mexico)
\ Attila — Grand Trio
Aida Selection (Finale, Act II)
fMarcha Triunfal (Triumphal March)
By Pryor's Orchestra 31359
12-inch,
12-inch,
March)
By Garde Republicaine Band [,_,„_ . _ . .
i T T- ]• • i 11 TM i- \ >o24O9 lO-inch,
1 osca — / osca awina I (In Italian)
By Gustavo Berl-Resky, Baritone]
1.25
1.25
1.00
.75
FINAL SCENE OF AIDA
25
(Italian)
IL BARBIERE DE SIVIGLIA
(.Eel Bar-bee-yaii* day See-oeef -yah)
BARBER OF SEVILLE
COMIC OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Text by Sterbini, a Roman poet, founded on the celebrated trilogy of Beaumarchais.
Music by Rossini. First presented at the Argentina Theatre in Rome, February 5, 1816.
First London production March 10, 1818. First New York production November 29, 1825.
The opera was at first called "Almaviva, or the Useless Precaution," to distinguish it from
Paisiello's "Barber of Seville."
Cast
COUNT ALMAVIVA (Ai-mah-oee -oah) Tenor
BARTOLO, (Bahr -to-low) physician Bass
ROSINA, his ward Soprano
BASILJO, (Ba-zee -lee-oh) music master Bass
MARCELUNE (Mar-cM-ie -na) Soprano
FIGARO (Fee -gah-nw) Baritone
FlORELLO, servant to the Count Tenor
A Notary, Chorus of Musicians, Chorus of Soldiers
Scene and Period : Seville, the seventeenth century.
Rossini's opera is a marvel of rapid composition, having been composed in about fifteen
days! This seems almost incredible, but the fact is well authenticated. The composer had
agreed to write two operas for the Roman carnival of 1816, the first of which was produced
December 26, 1815, and on that day he was told that the second would be required on Jan-
uary 20, 1816. He agreed to have it completed, although he did not even know what the
subject was! The libretto was given to him by Sterbini in sections, and he wrote the music
as fast as the verses were furnished. While the opera did not achieve an instantaneous suc-
cess, it gradually found favor with opera- lovers on account of its brightness and the manner
in which the humor of its action is reflected in the music.
The plot of Barber of Seville is very simple. The Count Almavioa loves Rosina, the ward
of Dr. Bartolo, a crusty old bachelor -who secretly -wishes to wed her himself. Almaviva per-
suades the village barber, Figaro, to arrange a meeting for him, and gains entrance to the
house disguised as a dragoon, but is arrested by the guardian.
Not discouraged, he re-
turns, pretending to be a sub-
stitute for Rosina' s music
teacher, who, he says, is ill.
The appearance of the real
Don Basilio spoils the plan, and
the Count retreats for the
second time, having, however,
arranged a plan for elopement.
Bartolo finally arouses
Rosina's jealousy by pretend-
ing that the Count loves
another, and she promises to
forget him and marry her
guardian. When the time for
the elopement arrives she
meets the Count, intending to
reproach him, but he con-
vinces her of the base plot SETTING OF ACT i, SCENE I, AT LA SCALA
of Barlolo, and the lovers are wedded by a notary, just as Bartolo arrives with officers to
arrest the Count.
26
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BARBER OF SEVILLE
Overture
By La Scala Orchestra
6801O 12-inch, $1.25
ACT I
SCENE I — A Street in Seville. Day is Breaking
The Count, accompanied by his servant Fiorello and several musicians, enters to serenade
the beautiful Rosina. Accompanied by the mandolins, he sings his serenade, Ecco ridente,
considered one of the most beautiful numbers in the opera.
Ecco ridente (Dawn, W^ith Her Rosy Mantle)
By Fernando de Lucia, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian] 760OO 12-inch, $2 OO
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor (In Italian) 74073 12-inch, 1.50
COUNT:
Lo! smiling in the Orient sky,
Morn in her beauty breaking,
Canst thou, my love, inactive lie —
My life, art thou not waking?
Arise, my heart's own treasure,
All that my soul holds dear;
Oh! turn my grief to pleasure!
Awake, my love, appear!
Even such a lovely serenade as this fails to bring a response from the window, and the
Count retires discomfited. Enter Figaro, the jack-of-all-trades of the village and general
factotum in the house of Bartolo, with his guitar. He sings that gayest and most difficult of
all airs, the joy or despair of baritones the world over, and which has been recorded for the
Victor by three famous baritones.
But, hush! — methinks I view that face,
And all my doubts are vanished;
Thine eyes diffuse soft pity's grace.
And all my fears are banished.
Oh, rapturous moment of delight!
All other blisses shaming;
My soul's content, so pure and bright,
On earth no equal claiming!
Largo al factotum. (Room for the Factotum)
By Pasquale Amato, Baritone
(In Italian) 88329 12-inch. $3.OO
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone
(In Italian) 88181 12-inch, 3.OO
By Titta Ruffo. Baritone
(In Italian) 92039 12-inch, 3.0O
Figaro is thoroughly satisfied with himself, and gives a
long list of his numerous accomplishments, of which the
following is a sample :
FIGARO: Room for the city's factotum here,
La, la, la, la, la, la.
I must be off to my shop, for the dawn is
near.
La, la, la, la, la. la.
What a merry life, what pleasure gay,
Awaits a barber of quality.
Ah, brave Figaro; bravo, bravissimo, brave.
La, la, la, la, la, la.
Of men, the happiest, sure, art then, bravo.
AMPANAKI AS FIGARO La, la, la, la, la, la, etc.
"Oh! what a happy life," soliloquizes the gay barber, "what pleasure
awaits a barber of quality! — Oh, bravo. Figaro, bravo, bravissimo: thou
art sure the happiest of men, ready at all hours of the night, and, by day,
perpetually in bustle and motion. What happier region of delight; what
nobler life for a barber than mine! Razors, combs, lancets, scissors — behold
them all at my command! besides the snug perquisites of the business, with
pay damsels and cavaliers. All call me! all want me! — dames and maidens —
old and young. My peruke! cries one — my beard! shouts another — bleed
me! cries this — this billetdoux! whispers that. Figaro, Figaro! heavens,
what a crowd. Fiearo, Figaro! heavens, what a tumult! One at a time,
for mercy sake! Figaro here: Figaro there: Figaro above: Figaro below.
I am all activity: I am quick as liehtning; in a word — I am the factotum
of the town. Oh, what a happy life! but little fatigue — abundant amuse-
ment— with a pocket that can always boast a doubloon, the noble fruit of
my reputation. Hut I must hasten to the shop!"
27
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BARBER OF SEVILLE
THE DISGUISED COUNT AND BARTOLO
IN SCENE II
Three fine records of this great air are given
here. Ruffo, in his rendition, proves himself pos-
sessed of an admirable sense of humor, and this,
•with his powerful and flexible voice, enables him
to attack this difficult solo in the true opera
bouffe vein. The result is as fine a performance
of the Largo as one would wish to hear. The ex-
treme difficulties are made a vehicle for the display
of the baritone's ample vocal resources, which
sweep everything before them ; he is indeed a
little free with the text, and sings snatches of the
accompaniment out of sheer bravado, while bits
of comic characterization peep out at every avail-
able opportunity. This rendition is a fine example
of how the music of this air should be sung, and
is a veritable triumph for the singer.
Signer de Gogorza's version differs from
Ruffo's in many respects. It is one of the finest
records he has made for the Victor, and exhibits
his fine voice and wonderful execution to per-
fection.
The Count now returns and accosts Figaro,
asking him to arrange a meeting with Rosina,
telling him that his rank must not be known and that he has assumed the name of Lindor.
II mio nome ? (My Name ?)
By Fernando de Lucia, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 6600O 10- inch, $1.5O
Figaro consents to become his ally. Rosina and her guardian come on the balcony, and
Rosina, perceiving the Count, manages to drop a note, which he secures. Bartolo leaves the
house and orders that no one be admitted.
Figaro now says that he is expecting a military friend to arrive in the village, and
suggests the Count dress himself as this soldier and thus gain admittance to the house. He
agrees, and retires to assume the disguise.
SCENE II — A Room in Bartolo's House
Rosina is discovered holding in her hand a letter from the
Count. She is agitated and expresses her feelings in her
celebrated entrance song.
Una voce poco fa (A Little Voice I Hear)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano
(In Italian) 88097 12-inch, $3.00
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
(In Italian) 88301 12-inch, 3.0O
By Maria Galvany, Soprano
(In Italian) 8706O 10-inch, 2.0O
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano
(In Italian) 74074 12-inch, 1.5O
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano
(In Italian) *68144 12-inch, 1.25
The number is in the form to which most Italian compos-
ers of the period adhered — a slow opening section (here
accompanied by occasional chords for the orchestra) succeeded
by a quicker movement culminating in a coda which presents
many opportunities for brilliant vocal display. Musically the
aria is full of charm, and is deservedly popular with those singers whose method enables
them to deliver it with the requisite lightness and bravura.
MKI.IIA AS ROSINA
ROSINA: A little voice I heard just now:
Oh, it has thrill'd my very heart!
I feel that I am wounded sore:
And Lindor 'twas who hurl'd the dart.
Yes. Lindor, dearest, shall be mine!
I've sworn it, and we'll never part.
My guardian sure will re'er consent;
But I must sharpen all my wit:
Content at last, he will relent,
And we, oh. joy! be wedded yet.
Yes, Lindor I have sworn to love!
And, loving, we'll our cares forget.
* Doubk-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite s/A see DOUBLE-FACED BARBER OF SEYILLE RECORDS,
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BARBER OF SEVILLE
A bewildering array of artists have essayed this charming
t^ong, and Victor audiences can choose whether they will have it
sung by an Italian, Polish, Spanish or American prima donna.
Rosina runs out as her guardian and Don Basilio come in.
Bartolo is telling Basilio that he wishes to marry his ward, either
by love or force. Basilio promises to help him, and says that the
Count is trying to make Rosina's acquaintance. They decide to
invent some story that will disgrace him. "A calumny!" says
Basilio. Bartolo asks what that is, and Basilio, in a celebrated
air gives his famous description, which is a model of its kind.
La calunnia (Slander's "Whisper)
By Marcel Journet, Bass
(In Italian) 74104 12-inch, $1.50
BASILIO: Oh! calumny is like the sigh
Of gentlest zephyrs breathing bv;
How softly sweet along the ground,
Its first shrill voice is heard around.
Then passing on from tongue to tongue,
It gains new strength, it sweeps along
In giddier whirl from place to place,
And gains fresh vigor in its race ;
Till, like the sounds of tempests deep,
That thro' the woods in murmurs sweep
And howl amid their caverns drear,
It shakes the trembling soul with fear.
Thus calumny, a simple breath,
Engenders ruin, wreck and death;
And sinks the wretched man forlorn,
Beneath the lash of slander torn,
The victim of the public scorn!
(They go out.)
Rosina and Figaro return, and the barber tells her that her guardian is planning to marry
her. She laughs at the idea, and then asks Figaro who the young man was she observed
that morning. Figaro tells her his name is Lindor, and that he is madly in love with a certain
young lady, whose name is Rosina.
Dunque io son (What ! I ?)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
COPY'! DUPONI
SEMBRICH AS ROSINA
ROSINA:
What! I? or dost thou mock me?
Am I, then, the happy being?
(But I all the scheme foreseeing,
Knew it, sir, before yourself) ;
FIGARO:
Yes, Lindor loves you, lady;
Oft he sighs for his Rosina,
(As a fox she cunning seems,
Ah, by my faith, she sees thro' all) ,
ROSINA:
Still one word, sir — to my Lindor
How shall I contrive to speak?
FIGARO:
Poor man, he but awaits some sign
Of your affection and assent;
A little note, a single line,
And he himself will soon present.
To this, what say you?
ROSINA:
I do not know.
FIGARO:
Take courage, pray you.
(In Italian) 92501 12-inch. $4.00
ROSINA:
I could not so—
FIGARO:
A few lines merely.
ROSINA:
I blush to write.
FIGARO:
At what? Why really — may I indite?
Haste, haste, your lover quick invite.
(Going to the desk.)
ROSINA:
A letter! Oh, here it is.
(Calling him, she takes a note from her bosom,
which she gives him.)
FIGARO:
Already written! What a fool (astonished)
Was I to think to be her master!
Much fitter that she me should school:
Her wits, than mine, can flow much faster.
Oh, woman, woman, who can find.
Or fathom, all that's in thy mind?
(Exit Figaro.)
Bartolo comes in and accuses Rosina of dropping a note from the balcony, and when
she denies it he shows her ink marks on her finger and calls attention to a cut pen and a
n issing sheet of paper. She says she wrapped up some sweetmeats to send to a girl friend,
and cut the pen to design a flower for her embroidery. Bartolo then denounces her in
another famous air:
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA^BARBER OF SEVILLE
NIELSEN AS ROSINA
Manca un foglio (Here's a Leaf Missing)
By Arcangelo Rossi. Bass
(In Italian) *68144 12-inch. $1.25
BARTOLO :
To a doctor of my rank.
These excuses, Signorina,
I advise another time
That you better should invent.
Why is the paper missing?
That I would wish to know.
Useless, ma'am, are all your airs —
Be still, nor interrupt me so.
Another time, sweet Signorina,
When the doctor quits his house
He will carefully provide
For the keeping you inside.
And poor innocent Rosina,
Disappointed, then may pout:
In her room shall she be locked.
Till T choose to let her out.
(He goes out in a rage, followed by Rosina,
•who is laughing.)
A loud knocking is heard at the street door, — it is the Count
in his soldier disguise. He pushes his way in, and insists that the
commandant has ordered him to put up in Bartolo 's house. A long
scene follows, full of comedy, finally ending in the arrest of the
Count, who, however, privately informs the officer who he is; and
the astonished official salutes respectfully and takes his soldiers
away. Bartolo is in such a rage that he can hardly speak, and the
act ends with the famous quartet:
Guarda Don Bartolo (Look at Don Bartolo)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano: Antonio Pini-Corsi. Baritone; Gaetano
Pini-Corsi, Tenor ; Ernesto Badini, Baritone *63171 10-inch. $O.75
ACT II
SCENE — A Room in Bar tola's House
Barlolo is discovered musing on the affair of the soldier, and as he has learned that no
one in the regiment knows the man, he suspects that he was sent by the Count.
A knocking is heard1 and the Count is ushered in, dressed as a music master. He
greets Bartolo, beginning the duet, Pace e gioia.
Pace e gioia (Heaven Send You Peace and Joy)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone, and Emilio Perea, Tenor
(In Italian) *62105 10-inch. $0.75
Barlolo says he is much obliged for these kind wishes and wonders -who this can be.
The Count explains that Don Basilio is ill and he has come in the music master's place to
give Rosina a lesson. He shows Bartolo the note Rosina had -written, saying he found
it at the inn, and offers to make Rosina believe the Count has shown her note to another
lady. Bartolo is pleased with the idea and calls Rosina. Then occurs the celebrated
"Lesson Scene" in which Rosina usually interpolates an air. Rossini wrote a trio for this
scene, but in some manner it was lost. .
Figaro now comes in to shave Bartolo, and in the course of the scene contrives to secure
the key to the balcony. At this moment all are petrified at the entrance of Don Basilio,
who is supposed to be confined to his bed. Figaro sees that quick action is necessary and
asks him what he means by coming out with such a fever. " Fever ? " says the astonished
music master. "A raging fever," exclaims Figaro, feeling his pulse. "You need medicine,"
says the Count, meaningly, and slips a fat purse in his hand. Don Basilio partially compre-
hends the situation, looks at the purse and departs.
The shaving is renewed, and Rosina and the Count pretend to continue the lesson, but
are really planning the elopement. Bartolo tries to watch them, but Figaro manages to get
soap in the Doctor's eye at each of his efforts to rise. He finally jumps up and denounces
* Doubk-Faced Rtcord — For title of opposite side see double-faced list on page 31.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BARBER OF SEVILLE
the Count as an impostor. The three conspirators laugh at him, and go out, followed by
BaTtolo, who is purple with rage. This scene is amusingly pictured in a fresco in the Vienna
Opera, which is reproduced on page 26.
Bertha, the housekeeper, enters, and in her air, // vecchietto, complains that she can no
longer stand the turmoil, quarreling and scolding in this house.
II vecchietto cerca moglie (The Old Fool Seeks a Wife)
By Emma Zaccaria (Double-Faced — See below) (In Italian) 62105 10-inch, $0.75
" What kind of thing is this love which drives everybody crazy ? " she asks. This air
used to be called in Rome Aria di sorbetto (sherbet), because the audience used to eat ices
while it was being sung!
Don Bartolo now desperately plays his last card, and shows Rosina the note, saying that
her lover is conspiring to give her up to the Count Almaoioa. Rosina is furious and offers to
marry Bartolo at once, telling him that he can have Lindor and Figaro arrested when they
arrive for the elopement. Bartolo goes after the police, and he is barely out of sight when
Figaro and the Count enter by means of the key which the barber had secured. Rosina
greets them with a storm of reproaches, accusing Lindor of pretending to love her in order to
sacrifice her to the vile Count Almaoioa. The Count reveals himself and the lovers are soon
clasped in a fond embrace, with Figaro in a "Bless you, my children," attitude.
Don Basilio, who had been sent for a notary by Bartolo, now
arrives. The Count demands that the notary shall wed him to Rosina.
Basilio protests, but the sight of a pistol in the Count's hand soon
silences him.
This scene is rudely interrupted by the arrival of Bartolo and the
soldiers. The officer in charge demands the name of the Count, who
now introduces Signor and Signora Almaoioa to the company. Bartolo
philosophically decides to make the best of the matter. However,
he inquires of Basilio :
BARTOLO: But you, you rascal —
Even you to betray me and turn witness!
BASILIO : Ah ! Doctor,
The Count has certain persuasives
And certain arguments in his pocket,
Which there is no withstanding!
BARTOLO: Ay, ay! I understand you.
Well, well, what matters it?
Go; and may Heaven bless you!
FIGARO: Bravo, bravo, Doctor!
Let me embrace you!
ROSINA: Oh, how happy we are!
COUNT: Oh, propitious love!
FIGARO: Young love, triumphant smiling,
All harsher thoughts exiling,
All quarrels reconciling,
Now waves his torch on high!
(Curtain)
SAMMARCO AS FIGARO
DOUBLE-FACED BARBER OF SEVILLE RECORDS
/Barber of Seville Selection
\ Prophete Fantasie
/Overture
\ Don Pasquale — Sinfonia (Donizetti)
By Pryor's Band)
By Pryor's Band)
By La Scala Orchestra\6golo
By La Scala Orchestra)
/Manca un foglio (Here's a Leaf Out) By A. Rossi, Bass)
/
12-inch, $1.25
1>25
12-inch, 1.25
\Una voce poco fa By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano
IGuarda Don Bartolo (Look at Bartolo) By Huguet, A. and]
G. Pini-Corsi, and Badini (In Italian) [631 71 10-inch, .75
Fra 'Diavolo — Agnese la Zietella By Pietro Lara (In Italian)}
/1 1 vecchietto cerca moglie By Emma Zaccaria (In Italian)} ^2105 10-inch, .75
(Pace e gioia By A. Pini-Corsi and Perea (In Italian))
31
(French)
LA BOHEME
(La Balf-ha\)m )
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
(English)
THE BOHEMIANS
Text by Giacosa and Illica ; music by Puccini. First produced at the Teatro Reggio,
Turin. February I, 18%. In English, as "The Bohemians," at Manchester (Carl Rosa Com-
pany), April 22, 1897, and at Covent Garden with the same company, October 2d of the same
year. In Italian at Covent Garden, July 1, 1899. First American production, November 28,
1899.
Characters
RUDOLPH, a poet Tenor
MARCEL, a painter Baritone
COLLINE. a philosopher Bass
SCHAUNARD. a musician Baritone
BENOIT, an importunate landlord Bass
ALCINDORO. a state councilor and follower of MUSETTA Bass
PARPIGNOL Tenor
MUSETTA, a grisette Soprano
MlMl. a maker of embroidery Soprano
Students, work-girls, citizens, shopkeepers, street venders, soldiers,
restaurant waiters, boys, girls, etc.
Scene and Period : Paris, about 1830.
Puccini's Boheme is an adaptation of part of Mlirger's La Vie Boheme, which depicts
life in the Quartier Latin, or the Students' Quarter, in 1830. It being impossible to weave a
complete story from MUrger's novel, the librettists
have merely taken four of the principal scenes and
several of Mtirger's characters, and have strung them
together without much regard for continuity.
The principal characters in Puccini's delightful
opera are the inseparable quartet described by
Murger, who with equal cheerfulness defy the pangs
of hunger and the landlord of their little garret. In
the scenes of careless gaiety is interwoven a touch
of pathos ; and the music is in turn lively and tender,
with a haunting sweetness that is most fascinating.
Rudolph, a poet; Marcel, a painter; Colline, a
philosopher; and Schaunard, a musician, are four
friends who occupy an attic in the Quartier Latin,
where they live and work together. Improvident,
reckless and careless, these happy-go-lucky Bohe-
mians find a joy in merely living, being full of faith
in themselves.
ACT I
SCENE— A Garret in the Quartier Latin
The opening scene shows the four friends with-
out money of provisions, yet happy. Marcel^is at
work on a painting, "Passage of the Red Sea," and
remarks, beginning a duet with Rudolph, that the
passage of this supposedly torrid sea seems a very cold affair!
Questo mar rosso (This Red Sea)
By Gennaro de Tura, Tenor, and E. Badini. Baritone
(In Italian) 88233 12-inch, $3.0O
THE FOUR BOHEMIANS
32
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— PUCCIN PS LA BOHEME
CAMPANARI AS MARCEL
^
Rudolph says that in order to keep them from freez-
ing he will sacrifice the bulky manuscript of his tragedy.
Marcel holds the landlord at bay until Schaunard arrives
with an unexpected store of eatables. Having dined
and warmed themselves, Marcel, Colline and Schaunard
go out, leaving Rudolph writing. A timid knock at the
door reveals the presence of Mimi, a young girl who
lives on the floor above. She has come to ask her
neighbor for a light for the candle, -which has gone out.
They enter into conversation, and when Mimi artlessly
asks Rudolph what his occupation is, he sings the lovely
air usually termed the " Narrative."
Raccpnto di Rodolfo (Rudolph's Nar-
rative)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 880O2 12-inch, $3.0O
By John McCormack, Tenor
(In Italian) 74222 12-inch, 1.5O
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor
(In Italian) 74106 12-inch, 1.50
By George Hamlin, Tenor
(In Italian) 74185 12-inch, 1.50
By Evan Williams, Tenor
(In English) 74129 12-inch, 1-5O
Caruso has never done anything more perfect in its way than his superb delivery of this
number. It is one of his great scenes in the opera, and always arouses the audience to a
high pitch of enthusiasm. He has sung it here with a fervor and splendor of voice which
holds one spellbound. The tender sympathy of the opening — " Your little hand is cold " ;
the bold avowal — " I am a poet " ; the glorious beauty of the love motive at the end — all
,ire given with characteristic richness and warmth of style by this admired singer, while the
final high note is brilliantly taken.
An entirely different interpretation, though also a very fine one, is given by Mr.
McCormack, while three other versions — in Italian by Constantino and Hamlin, and in
English by Evan Williams — complete a list in which every lover
of this beautiful air can find a record to suit his taste and purse
Mi chiamano Mimi (My Name is Mimi)
By Nellie Melba, Soprano
(In Italian) 88074 12-inch, $3.0O
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano
(In Italian) 74062 12-inch, 1.50
Then follows the charming Mi chiamano Mimi, in which
the young girl tells Rudolph of her pitifully simple life; of how
she works all day making artificial flowers, which remind her of
the blossoms and green meadows of the country, of the lonely
existence she leads in her chamber up among the housetops.
O soave fanciulla— Duo and Finale, Act I
(Thou Sweetest Maiden)
By Nellie Melba, Soprano, and
Enrico Caruso, Tenor 95200 12-inch, $5.OO
' ' Mimi 's delicate perfection enchanted the young poet — especially
hzr little hands, which in spite of her menial work, sne managed to
k'ep as white as snow. " — Miirger's La Vie de la Boherne.
This lovely duet occurs just after the Mi chiamano Mimi.
The young girl having finished her story, Rudolph hears the
shouts of his friends in the courtyard below. He opens the
window to speak to them, letting in a flood of moonlight which
SEMBRICH AS MIMI
33
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — PUCCINI'S LA BOHEME
COfY'I DUPOHI
FARRAR AS MIMI
brightens the room. The Bohemians go off singing. As
Rudolph turns to Mimi and sees her in the moonlight, he is
struck with her beauty, and tells her how entrancing she
appears to him.
Love awakens in the heart of the lonely girl, and in this
beautiful duet she pledges her faith to the handsome stranger
who has come into her life.
Mme. Melba's singing in this scene is of exquisite beauty,
•while Caruso's delivery of the passionate phrases of Rudolph
is superb. The beautiful motive with which the duet begins
is associated throughout the opera with the presence of Mimi,
and is employed with touching effect in the death scene in
Act 111.
Mimi consents to go to the Caff Momus,
where his friends are to dine, and after a
tender scene at the door they go out, and
the curtain slowly falls.
ACT II
SCENE— A Students' Cafe in Paris
This act represents the terraces of the
Cafe Momus, where the artists are holding a
carnival. Puccini has pictured with mas-
terly skill the noisy, bustling activity of this
scene, and the boisterous merriment of the
gay revelers. The Bohemians of Act I are
seated at a table with Mimi, when Musetta,
an old flame of Marcel's, appears with her latest conquest, a foolish and
ancient beau named Alcindoro. Marcel pretends not to see her, but
Musetta is determined on a reconciliation, and soon gets rid of her elderly
admirer and joins her old friends.
The gem of this gay scene is the charming waltz of Musetta, which
Mme. Viafora sings here with spirit and delightful abandon.
Musetta Waltz
By Gina C. Viafora, Soprano
(In Italian) f>4085 10-inch. ll.OO
Mme. Viafora's light soprano is heard to advantage in this pretty
waltz, -which she sings with fluency and skill.
The fun now becomes
fast and furious, and Musetta is
finally carried off on the shoul-
ders of her friends, while the
foolish old banker, Alcindoro,
is left to pay the bills of the
entire party.
ACT III
SCENE— A City Gate of Paris
This act begins in the
cheerless dawn of a cold
morning at the city gates, the
bleakness of the scene being
•well expressed in Puccini's
music. The snow falls, work-
men come and go, shivering
and blowing on their cold
fingers. Mimi appears, and
asks the officer at the gate if
COFVT MISMKIK
CLUCK AS MIMI
THE CAF£ MOMUS — ACT II
'.'A
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — PUCCINI'S LA BOHEME
he will find Marcel, that good
and kind-hearted Bohemian
painter, now sojourning at the
inn on the Orleans Road and
painting, not landscapes, but
tavern signs, in order to keep
body and soul together.
Marcel enters and is surprised
to see Mimi, whom he sup-
poses to be in Paris. Noticing
that she is melancholy and
apparently ill, he kindly ques-
tions her and learns her sad
story.
Mimi, lo son !
(Mimi, Thou Here !)
By Geraldine Farrar, So-
prano, and Antonio
Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian}
89016 12-inch, $4.0O
By Dora Domar, So-
prano, and Ernesto Ba-
dini. Baritone
88228 12-inch, 3.0O
By E. Boccolini, Soprano, and E. Badini, Baritone
(Double-faced— See page 37) (In Italian) 55020 12-inch, 1.50
This duet is one of the finest numbers in Puccini's
opera, and Miss Farrar and Mr. Scotti have made a strikingly
effective record of it,
while other rendi-
tions at various
prices are furnished
by La Scala artists.
Mimi tells her
friend that she can
no longer bear the
jealous quarrels
with Rudolph, and
that they must sep-
arate. Marcel, much
troubled, goes into
the inn to summon
Rudolph, but before
the latter comes,
Mimi secretes her-
self, and when he
enters she hears him
again accuse her of
fickleness.
MARTIN AS RUDOLPH
Mimi e una civetta
(Coldhearted Mimi !)
By Laura Mellerio, Soprano : Gennaro
de Tura, Tenor ; and Ernesto Ba-
dini, Baritone
(In Italian) 88227 12-inch, $3.00
35
FARRAR AND SCOTTI AS MIMI AND MARCEL
ACT III
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — PUCCI N I'S LA BOHEME
A distressing fit of coughing reveals her presence, and she appears
and sings the sad little air which is one of the features of this act.
Addio (Farewell)
By Nellie Melba, Soprano (In Italian) 88072 12-inch, $3.OO
By Alma Gluck. Soprano (In Italian) 64225 lO-inch. l.OO
Most pathetically does the poor girl's " Farewell, may you be happy "
come from her simple heart, and she turns to go. Rudolph protests, some-
thing of his old affection having returned at the sight of her pale cheeks.
Musetta now enters and is accused by Marcel of flirting. A furious
quarrel follows, which contrasts strongly with the tender passages
between Mimi and Rudolph as the lovers are partially reconciled.
Quartet, "Addio, dolce svegliare"
(Farewell, Sweet Love)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano; Gina
C. Viafora, Soprano; Enrico
Caruso, Tenor; and Antonio
Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 96O02 12-inch, $6.00
By Dora Domar. Soprano; Annita
Santoro, Soprano; Ida Giaco-
melli. Soprano ; and Ernesto
Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) 89048 12-inch, 4.00
By Sanipoli, Passari, Ciccolini and Badini (Double-
faced-See page 37) (In Italian) 55O20 12-inch, 1.5O
Like the Rigoletto Quartet, this number is used by the com-
poser to express many different emotions : The sadness of Mimi 's
farewell to Rudolph ; his tender efforts to induce her to remain ;
the fond recollections of the bright days of their first meeting — -
and contrasted to these sentiments is the quarreling of Musetta
and Marcel, which Puccini has skillfully interwoven with the
pathetic passages sung by the lovers.
In Mimi Miss Farrar has added another role to the long list
her successes in America, and her impersonation is a most
SAMMARCO AS MARCEL
of
charming one.
TRENTINI AS MUSETTA
She was in superb voice and has given this lovely music most effectively.
Caruso sings, as he always
does, with a beauty of voice
and a sincerity of emotion
•which cannot fail to excite
admiration.
Mme. Viafora, who is al-
ways a piquant, gay and inter-
esting Muselta ; and Signer
Scotti, whose admirable
Marcel is one of his finest
impersonations, both vocally
and dramatically, round out
an ensemble which could not
be surpassed.
Truly a brilliantly sung
and perfect balanced rendi-
tion of one of the greatest
of concerted numbers. Two
other versions by famous artists
of La Scala are also offered.
THE DEATH OF MIMI
36
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-PUCCINI'S LA BOHEME
ACT IV
SCENE— Same as Act I
"Jtl this time, the friends for many Weeks had lived a lonely and melancholy
existence. Musetta had made no sign, and Marcel had never met her, while no
word of Mimi came to Rudolph, though he often repeated her name to himself.
Marcel treasured a little bunch of ribbons which had been left behind by Musetta,
and when one day he detected Rudolph gazing fondly at the pink bonnet Mimi
had forgotten, he muttered : ' It seems I am not the only one I ' ' ' — Mtirger.
Act IV shows the same garret in -which the events of Act I took
place. Bereft of their sweethearts, the young men are living sad and
lonely lives, each trying to conceal from the other that he is secretly
pining for the absent one.
In the opening scene, Marcel stands in front of his easel pretending
to paint, while Rudolph, apparently writing, is really furtively gazing at
Mimi's little pink bonnet.
Ah Mimi, tu piu (Ah, Mimi, False One !)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italiar) 89OO6 12-inch. $4.OO
By McCormack and Sammarco (Italian) 89044 12-inch, 4-OO
By Da Gradi and Badini (In Italian) *45013 lO-inch, l.OO
Two records of this favorite duet are offered — by Caruso and Scotti,
and McCormack and Sammarco — and both are splendidly given.
The friends, however, pretend to brighten up when Schaunard and
Colline enter -with materials for supper, and the four Bohemians make
merry over their frugal fare. This scene of jollity is interrupted by the unexpected entrance
of Musetta, who tells the friends that Mimi, abandoned by her viscount, has come back to die.
The poor girl is brought in and laid on Rudolph's bed, while he is distracted with grief.
The friends hasten to aid her, Marcel going for a doctor, while Colline, in order to get money
to buy delicacies for the sick girl, decides to pawn his only good garment, an overcoat. He
bids farewell to the coat in a pathetic song, which Journet delivers here with much feeling.
Vecchia zimarra (Coat Song)
By Marcel Journet, Bass (In Italian) 64O35 lO-inch, $1.0O
Colline goes softly out, leaving Mimi and Rudolph alone, and they sing a beautiful duet.
Sono andati? (Are "We Alone?)
By Maria Bronzoni, Soprano, and Franco de Gregorio, Tenor
(In Italian) *45013 10-inch. $ l.OO
The past is all forgotten and the reunited lovers plan for a future which shall be free
from jealousies and quarrels. Just as Mimi, in dreamy tones, recalls their first meeting in
the garret, she is seized with a sudden faintness which alarms Rudolph, and he summons
his friends, who are returning with delicacies for Mimi. But the young girl, weakened by
disease and privations, passes away in the midst of her weeping friends, and the curtain
falls to Rudolph's despairing cry of "Mimi! Mimi!"
CONSTANTINO AS
RUDOLPH
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS BOHEME RECORDS
Quartet, Act III By Sanipoli, Passari, Ciccolini and 1
ByBoccoSfn/±n)55020 "-inch. I1.5O
(In Italian))
By Victor Sorlin\,, . „_
By Pryor's Bandf3*
By Pryor's Bandl.
Badini
C'e Rodolfo (Where is Rudolph?)
Badini
I Boheme Fantasie ( 'Cello)
\ Calm Sea and Happy Voyage — Overture
/Boheme Selection
\ Jolly Robbers Overture (Suppe) By Pryor's Bandl
I Ah, Mimi, tu piu (Ah, Mimi, False One!)
By Da Gradi and Badini (In Italian) \45O13
I Sono andati? By Bronzoni and de Gregorio (In Italian) I
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see above lisl.
37
12-inch. 1.25
35077 12-inch, 1.25
lO-inch, l.OO
IANCE ACT IV
CARMEN
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text by Meilhac and Halevy, founded on the novel of Prosper Merimee. Music by
Bizet. First production at the Opera Comique, Paris, March 3, 1875. First London produc-
tion June 22, 1878. First New York production October 23, 1879, with Minnie Hauk.
Some notable revivals were in 1893, being Calve's first appearance; in 1905 with Caruso;
and the Hammerstein revival of 1906, with Bressler-Gianoli, Dalmores, Gilibert, Trentini and
Ancona.
Characters
DON JOSE, (Don Ho-zay) a Brigadier Tenor
ESCAMILLO, (Es-ca-meet -yo) a Toreador Bass
DANCAIRO (Dan-kv -row) \ „ , ( Baritone
REMENDADO (Rem-en-dah'-Jow) < s I Tenor
ZUNIGA, (Zoo-nee -gah) a Captain Bass
MORALES, (Moh-rah'-lez) a Brigadier Bass
MlCAELA, (.Mih-ku-aiJ -lah) a Peasant Girl Soprano
FRASQUITA (Frass-k^-tah) 1 _ f . „!•••• Mezzo-Soprano
. . ,- Gypsies, rnends or CARMEN < .. „
MERCEDES (Mer-c W -</«z) / 1 .... Mezzo-Soprano
CARMEN, a Cigarette Girl, afterwards a Gypsy Soprano
An Innkeeper, Guide, Officers, Dragoons, Lads, Cigar Girls, Gypsies, Smugglers.
Scene and Period : Seville, Spain; about 1820,
39
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
BIZET
Georges Bizet was a native of Paris, -where he was born on October 25, 1838. Like
Gounod and Berlioz, he -won the Prix de Rome (Pree de Roam'); in this case in 1857, the year
that his first opera, Docteur Miracle, was produced. Among other productions came Lea Pecheurs
de Perles, in 1863, an opera recently revived at Covent Garden with Mme. Tetrazzini as Leila.
Carmen was produced in 1875, and this most Parisian of all operatic works was received at
its production with a storm of abuse. It was immoral, it was Wagnerian — the latter at that
time being a deadly sin in France ! Nevertheless, the supreme merits of Carmen have won
it a place among the two or three most popular operas in the modern repertory.
The talents of Bizet are shown by his remarkable lyric gifts ; the power of writing short,
compact and finished numbers, full of exquisite beauty and convincing style, at the same time
handling dramatic scenes with the freedom demanded by modern opera. His music is more
virile, concentrated and stimulating than perhaps any other French composer.
It was probably not a little owing to the hostile reception of this, his finest work, that its
composer died three months later. The music Bizet has written, however, is likely long to
survive him, and chief among the works into which he ungrudgingly poured his life's energy
was Carmen.
THE PLOT
I
Carmen has its opening scene in a public square in Seville, showing at one side a guard-
house, -where Jose, a young brigadier, keeps guard. Micaela, a peasant girl whom he loved
in his village home, comes hither to seek him -with a message from his mother. As Jose
appears, the girls stream out from the cigarette factory hard by, and -with them their leading
spirit in love and adventure, Carmen, the gypsy, reckless and bewitching. Heedless of the
pressing throng of suitors, and attracted by the handsome young soldier, Carmen throws
him a flower, leaving him dazed and bewildered at her beauty and the fascinating flash of
her dark eyes. A moment later a stabbing affray with a rival factory girl leads to the gypsy's
arrest, and she is placed in the care of Jose himself. A few more smiles and softly-spoken
•words from the fascinating Carmen, and he is persuaded to allow her to escape. There is a
sudden struggle and confusion — the soldier lets go his hold — and the bird has flown!
II
Act II takes place in the tavern of Lillas Paslia, a resort of smugglers, gypsies and ques-
tionable characters generally. Here arrives Escamillo, the toreador, amid the acclamations of
the crowd, and he, like the rest, offers his homage to Carmen. Meanwhile, the two smug-
glers, Dancairo and Remendado, have an expedition afoot and need Carmen to accompany
them. But she is awaiting the return of the young soldier, -who, as a punishment for allow-
ing her to escape, had gone to prison, and she will not depart until she has seen him. The
arrival of Jose leads to an ardent love scene between the two. Carmen dances her wild gypsy
measures before him ; yet, in the midst of all, he hears the regimental trumpets sounding the
retreat. While Carmen bids him remain and join her, the honor of a soldier urges him to
return. The arrival of his captain, who orders him back, decides Jose. He defies his officer,
who is bound by the smugglers, and Jose deserts his regiment for Carmen.
Ill
The next scene finds Jose with the smugglers in the rocky camp in the mountains. The
career of a bandit, however, is one to which a soldier does not easily succumb. His distaste
offends Carmen, who scornfully bids him return home, she also foreseeing, in gypsy fashion,
with the cards, that they will end their careers tragically together. In the midst of this strained
situation two visitors arrive : Escamillo, the toreador, in the character of a new suitor for
Carmen; and Micaela, with a message from Jose's dying mother. The soldier, frustrated in
his attempt to kill Escamillo, cannot resist the girl's appeal and departs, promising to return
later for his revenge. »••,•
The final act takes place outside the Plaza de Toros, at Seville, the scene of Escamillo 's
triumphs in the ring. Carmen has returned here to witness the prowess of her new lover,
and is informed by her friends that Jose, half crazed with jealousy, is watching, capable of
desperate deeds. They soon meet, and the scene between the maddened soldier and the
gypsy is a short one. The jealous Jose appeals to her to return to him, but she refuses with
scorn, although she knows it means death. In a rage Jose stabs her, and thus the end comes
swiftly, while within the arena the crowd is heard acclaiming the triumph of Escamillo.
40
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
12-inch, $1.25
10-inch, .75
Prelude (Overture)
By La Scala Orchestra
By La Scala Orchestra
The Prelude to Carmen opens with a
quick march in 2-4 time, on the following
theme :
The march is of an exceedingly virile and fiery description and is taken from the music
preceding the bull-fight in the last act. Following this stimulating march comes the
" Toreador's Song," leading to the march theme again. These two sections, complete in
themselves, are now followed by a short move-
ment in triple time indicating the tragic con-
clusion of the drama. Here, the appealing notes
of the brass, heard beneath the tremolo of the
strings, gives poignant expression to the pathos
which lies in the jealous love of the forsaken Jose, and expresses the menace of the future
death of Carmen. This movement breaks off on a sudden detached chord of the diminished
seventh as the curtain rises.
ACT I
SCENE— A Public Square in Seville
The curtain rises on a street in Seville, gay with an animated throng. In the fore-
ground are the military guard stationed in front of their quarters. The cigarette factory
lies to the right, and a bridge
across the river is seen in the
background.
Among the crowd which
throngs the stage a young girl
may be seen searching for a
familiar face. It is Micaela,
the maiden whom Jose has left
behind in his native village.
The soldiers accost her, and
from them she learns of her
lover's absence. She declines
the invitation to remain, and
departs hastily.
The cigarette girls now
emerge from the factory, fill-
ing the air with the smoke of
their cigarettes, and with them
Carmen, who answers the
salutations of her admirers
SETTING OF ACT i among the men by singing the
gay Habanera.
Habanera (Love is Like a Wood-bird)
By Jeanne Gerville-Reache, Contralto (In French) 88278 12-inch. $3.OO
By Emma Calve, Soprano (In French) 88O85 12-inch, 3.00
By Maria Gay, Mezzo-Soprano (In Italian) 92O59 12-inch, 3.OO
This charming " Habanera" has always been a favorite Carmen number, its entrancing
rhythm always being delightful to the ear ; and it does not seem strange that Don Jose found
it irresistible when sung by Carmen.
Though often attributed to Bizet, the air was not original with him, but was taken
from Yradier's "Album des Chansons Espagnoles. " The refrain,
Allegretto quati Andantino.
L'a - mour est en - (ant de Bo - hfime II n'a ja - mais, ja-mais con-nu de . loi.
And Love's a gyp - sy boy to true. He ev • er was a rov-er free as air!
is a particularly fascinating portion of the number.
~* Do^ble-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED CARMEN RECORDS, page 52.
41
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
CARMEN SINGING "HABANERA*" ACT I
HABANERA. -"Love is Like a Wood-Bird Wild."
CARMEN :
Ah! love, thou art a wilful wild bird. Ah, love!
And none may hope thy wings to tame, For love he is the lord of all.
If it please thee to be a rebel. And ne'er law's icy fetters will he wear,
Say, who can try and thee reclaim? If thou me lovest not, I love thee,
Threats and prayers alike unheeding; And if I love thee, now beware!
Oft ardent homage thou'lt refuse, If thou me lovest not, beware!
Whilst he who doth coldly slight thee, But if I love you, if I love you, beware!
Thou for thy master oft thou'lt choose. beware!
To a large number of opera-goers and music-lovers there is but one emotional soprano
— but one exponent of such roles as Carmen and Santuzza. Calv6's Carmen, especially, is almost
universally accepted as the greatest of all impersonations of the role.
Gerville-Reache's Carmen is a fine impersonation, on quite
original lines, her conception being based on a careful study
of Merim6e's story and on the teachings of her Spanish mother.
Carmen, according to Mme. Gerville-R6ache, was a passionate
and fickle woman, but not a vulgar one.
The men invite Carmen to choose a new lover,
and in reply she flings a flower in the face of the sur- ^ Q"^,'
prised Jose and laughingly departs.
Mia madre vedo ancor (My Mother
I Behold)
By Fernando de Lucia, Tenor, and Giuseppina
Huguet, Soprano (Piano ace.)
(In Italian) 92O52 12-inch. $3.OO
Now Micaela returns, and finds the soldier she seeks. Her song
tells of the message of greeting she brings Jose from his mother,
and with it a kiss. The innocence of Micaela is here a foil to
the riper attractions of the gypsy, and the music allotted to the
maiden possesses the same simple charm ; the conclusion of
Micaela's air being a broad sustained melody of much beauty.
Jose takes up the strain, as the memories of his old home crowd
upon him, and the beautiful duet follows.
JOSE: Ah! tell me of her — my mother far away.
MICHAELA: Faithful messenger from her to thee,
I bring a letter.
And some money also;
Because a dragoon has not too much.
And, besides that —
42
COPY'! DUPOtl
CAV AS CARMEN
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
JOSE:
Something else?
MICHAELA:
Indeed, I know not how to say
It is something more —
copyr DUPOur
CALVE AS CARMEN
Micaela leaves him after a tender
farewell, and Jose begins to read his
mother's letter, but is interrupted by a
commotion within the factory. Carmen
has stabbed one of her companions, and
is arrested and placed under the guard
of Don Jose. The soldiers drive away
the crowd, and Carmen, left alone with
Jose, brings her powers of fascination to
bear on the young soldier, partly to facili-
tate her escape, and partly because he
has attracted her attention. Here she
sings the Seguidilla, a form of Spanish
country dance.
Seguidilla ("Near the Walls
of Seville)
By Maria Gay, Mezzo-
Soprano (In Italian)
91085 lO-inch, $2.00
The Seguidilla is one of Spain's most
beloved dances, and its rhythm is most
fascinating. Bizet has given us a brilliant
example in this dainty number, which
he has set to Michael Carre's words.
CARMEN: Near by the ramparts of Seville
There shall I go to find Lillas Pastia.
And the wine-cup we'll share.
We'll dance in the gay seguidille,
There I shall find Lillas Pastia,
JOSE:
Tell me what this may be:
Come, reveal it to me.
MICHAELA:
Yes, I will tell you.
What she has given, I will to thee render.
Your mother with me from the chapel came,
And then, lovingly, she kissed me.
"My daughter," said she, "to the city thou
dost go:
Not long the journey.
When arrived in Seville,
Thou wilt seek out Jose, my beloved son;
Tell him — Thou knowest that thy mother,
By night, by day, thinks of her Jose:
For him she always prays and hopes,
And pardons him, and loves him ever.
And then this kiss, kind one,
Thou wilt to him give for me."
JOSE:
A kiss from my mother?
MICHAELA:
To her son.
Jose, I give it to thee — as I promised.
(Michaela stands on tip-toe and kisses Jose —
a true mother's kiss. — Jose is moved and
regards Michaela tenderly.)
JOSE:
My home in yonder valley,
My mother lov'd shall I e'er see?
Ah fondly in my heart I cherish
Mem'ries so dear yet to me.
MICHAELA:
Thy home in yonder valley,
Thy mother lov'd thou yet wilt see,
'Twill strength and courage give thee.
That one sweet hope,
That yet again thou wilt thy home
And thy dear mother once more see.
THE INN ACT II
Yes, but 'tis folly to go alone;
Where there's not two no love can be,
So, to keep me from being dull,
A handsome lad will come with me!
43
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
THE INN OF PASTIA ACT II
Although Jose says to himself that the girl is only amusing herself, and whiling away
the time with her gypsy songs, the words which fall on his ear — of a meeting-place on the
ramparts of Seville — of a soldier she loves — a common soldier, all these play upon the feel-
ings of Jose and rouse in him a love for the changeful gypsy, who is fated to be the cause
of his downfall.
He unties her hands, and when the soldiers are conducting her to prison she pushes Jose,
who falls, and in the confusion she escapes.
Between Acts I and II is usually played a charming entr'acte,
•which has been rendered for this Carmen series by Mr. Herbert.
Intermezzo (1st Entr'acte)
By Victor Herbert's Orch. 60067 10-inch, $0.75
ACT II
SCENE — A Tavern in the Suburbs of Seville
The second act opens amid the Bohemian surroundings of the
tavern of Lillas Pastia ; the wild tune with which the orchestra leads
off depicting the freedom and gaiety with -which the mixed char-
acters here assembled are wont to take enjoyment and recreation.
Les tringles des sistres (Gypsy Song)
By Emma Calve, Soprano
(In French) 88124 12-inch. *3.OO
Carmen again leads them -with her song, another lively gypsy
tune, in the exulting refrain of which all join, a picture of reck-
less merriment resulting.
Ah ! when of gay guitars the sound
On the air in cadence ringing,
Quickly forth the gipsies springing,
To dance a merry, mazy round.
While tambourines the clang prolong,
In rhythm with the music beating.
And ev'ry voice is heard repeating
The merry burthen of glad song.
Tra la la la, etc.
44
CALVi SINGING THE GYPSY
SONG — ACT U
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BIZET'S CARMEN
But Carmen is thinking of the soldier who went to prison for
her sake and who, now at liberty, will shortly be with her. Her
musings are interrupted by the arrival of a procession in honor
ot Escamillo, whose appearance is followed by the famous
" Toreador Song," the most popular of all Carmen numbers.
Cancion de Toreador (Toreador Song)
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 92065 12-inch, $3.OO
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone, and New York
Opera Chorus (In Spanish) 88178 12-inch, 3.0O
By Pasquale Amato, Baritone
(In Italian) 88327 12-inch, 3.00
By Giuseppe Campanari, Baritone
(In Italian) 85O73 12-inch, 3.00
By Alan Turner, Baritone
(In English) * 16521 lO-inch. .75
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone: Giuseppina
Huguet, Soprano; Inez Salvador, Mezzo-
Soprano ; and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *62618 10-inch, .75
By Carlos Francisco, Baritone
(In Spanish) 4074 10-inch, .60
By Alan Turner, Baritone
(In English) 5376 10-inch, .60
DON JOSE
DON JOSE
No less than seven renditions of this universal favorite are offered
by the Victor for the choice of customers.
After Escamillo 's departure, Carmen 's comrades invite her to de-
part upon a smuggling expedition, but she refuses to stir until she
sees the soldier for whom she is waiting. Their efforts to persuade
her has been put by Bizet into the form of a brilliant quintet.
Quintet -" Nous avons en tete une affaire"
(We Have a Plan)
By Mmes. Lejeune, Soprano; Duchene, Mezzo-
Soprano ; Dumesnil, Soprano ; Mm. Leroux,
Tenor; Carlos Gilibert, Baritone
(In French) 88237 12-inch, $3.00
This is one of the favorite numbers in Bizet's opera, and at the
same time one of the most difficult imaginable. When sung as the
tempo indicates, it goes at break-neck speed, and it is only the most
capable artists who can do it justice.
For the present reproduction, the Victor has assembled a most
competent corps of singers, who were under the direction of the late
Charles Gilibert, himself the most famous of Remendados.
Jose's voice being heard outside, Carmen pushes her compan-
ions from the room and greets him with joy. She then tries her
fascinations on the stolid soldier to induce him to join the band of
smugglers, but without effect, as he is reminded of his duty when he
hears the bugle in the distance summoning him to quarters. " Then
go, I hate you ! " says Carmen, and mocks him, singing
Ah, this is too mortifying!
All to please you, sir, I gaily sang and danced.
(Aside.) Hut now ta ra ta! he hears the trumpet call!
Ta ra ta ra! and then off he flies
Like a guest to a feast!
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED CARMEN RECORDS, fage 52.
45
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
Air de la fleur (Flower Song)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor
(In French) 88208
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 882O9
By Charles Dalmores. Tenor
(In French) 85122
By Fernando De Lucia, Tenor
(In Italian) 760O1
By Evan 'Williams, Tenor
(In English) 74122
By John McCormack, Tenor
(In Italian) 74218
12-inch, $3.0O
12-inch, 3.00
12-inch, 3.00
12-inch, 2.0O
12-inch,
12-inch,
1.5O
1.50
Desperate at the thought of losing her forever, "Don
Jose shows her the flowers she threw him at their first
meeting, and which he had preserved, then sings this
lovely romance, beginning:
Andantina. (J = 69.)
ft eon amort.
BRESSLER-G1ANOLI AS CARMEN
1
r.rr
La fleur que tu ma-vais je - te • e Dans ma pri - son m'e-tait res - 16 - e
Tkit flow" r you gave to me. dt -grad • ed 'Mid pri- son walls I've kept tko' fad • td '
The struggle between love and duty which has been distracting the unfortunate lover is
now seemingly forgotten, and he pours out his heart in this romanza, telling only of his great
passion for the beautiful but heartless gypsy.
DON JOSE:
This flower you gave to me, degraded
'Mid prison walls, I've kept, tho' faded;
Tho' withered quite, the tender bloom
Doth yet retain its sweet perfume.
Night and day in darkness abiding,
I the truth, Carmen, am confiding;
Its loved odor did I inhale,
And wildly called thee without avail.
My love itself I cursed and hated,
Then alone myself I detested,
And naught else this heart interested,
Naught else it felt but one desire,
One sole desire did it retain,
Carmen, beloved, to see thee once again !
O, Carmen, mine! here as thy slave, love
binds me fast,
Carmen, I love thee!
From Sclilrmer score. Cop.v't O. Schirmcr
The number might have been written expressly for
Caruso, so •well does it suit his voice and style. One can
but marvel at the masterful ease of phrasing, and the
warmth of vocal coloring imparted by the singer. The
changing moods of the lover are here indicated with dra-
matic expression — the regret at the havoc Carmen has played
•with his life mingling with the devotion for her he still feels.
This is a remarkable and memorable performance, the •whole
song being lighted up with that rich vocal beauty and artis-
tic genius which belong only to a Caruso.
McCormack also makes a fine impression in this role,
and his singing of this famous Flower Song is always
greeted with enthusiasm. Dalmores' interpretation is a
more vigorous one, his fine voice being shown at its best. Other fine renditions, at varying
prices, in both Italian and English, are also offered.
Carmen then paints the joys of the gypsies' life which might be Jose 's, if he would desert
his regiment and follow her.
46
COPYT OUPOH
DE LUSSAN AS CARMEN
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
JOSE:
Carmen!
CARMEN:
Wilt come with me?
Up yonder, up yonder, thus will we go
Away, if thou lov'st me, together!
Las bas dans la montagne (Away to Yonder Mountains)
By Emma Calve, Soprano, and Carlos Dalmores, Tenor
(In French) 89O19 12-inch, $4.OO
The soldier listens with half-willing ears, his voice joining hers at the close, in a lovely
duet passage.
C ARM EX :
For roof, the sky — a wandering life;
For country, the whole world;
Thy will thy master;
And above all — most prized of all —
Liberty! freedom!
Up yonder, up yonder, if thou lov'st me,
To the mountains, together we'll go.
However, in spite of Carmen's fascinations, Jose is about to return to his duty, when the
appearance of his superior officer Zuniga, who orders him back, decides the matter.
Don Jose resents the overbearing tone his captain uses and defies him. Zuniga is finally
overpowered and bound by the gypsies, and the smugglers all depart on their expedition.
Aragonaise (2d Entr'acte)
By Victor Herbert's Orchestra 7OO67 12-inch, $1.25
By La Scala Orchestra (Double-faced— See page 52) 62102 lO-inch, .75
The retreat in the mountains is musically described by this pastoral intermezzo. A
dreamy melody given to the flute, with a pizzicato accompaniment, is taken up by the other
instruments in turn, the strings joining in the coda.
Atuiantino quasi allegretto.
This is one of the finest records made by the Herbert Orchestra, who have given an
artistic and finished rendering of the interlude.
MICAELA PLEADS WITH JOSE ACT III
47
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
CARD SCENE — ACT III
ACT III
SCENE — A Wild and Rocky Pa*3 'n the Mountains
As the curtain rises, the smugglers are seen entering their rocky lair. Here occurs the
famous sextette, a portion of which is given in the "Gems from Carmen" (page 51).
The smugglers prepare to camp for the night. It is evident that Jose is already repenting
of his folly, and that Carmen is tiring of her latest lover. After a quarrel -with Jose, she joins
Frasquita and M cedes, -who are telling fortunes with cards.
En vain pour eviter (Card Song)
By Jeanne Gerville-Reache, Contralto (In French) 87039 10-inch, $2.OO
By Lavinde Casas, Mezzo-Soprano (Piano ace.) (In Italian) *62617 lO-inch, .75
Carmen tells her own fate by the cards,
reading death, first for herself and then for her
lover. In vain she shuffles and re-tries the
result ; the answer is ever the same.
This highly dramatic air, one of the most
impressive numbers in Bizet's opera, is effect-
ively sung by Mme. Gerville-R6ache.
The neighboring camp being ready, the
smugglers retire, and the stage is once more
deserted.
Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante
(Micaela's Air," I am not Faint-
Hearted")
By Emma Eames. Soprano
(In French) 88O36 12-inch, $3.OO
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
(In French) 88144 12-inch, 3.00
By Alma Cluck, Soprano
(In French) 74245 12-inch, 1.5O
Into this strange and wild scene now enters
Micaela, the peasant sweetheart of Don Jose,
who has forgotten her in his fascination for the
wayward Carmen. Micaela has braved the
dangers of the road to the smugglers' retreat,
whither Don Jose has followed Carmen, to carry
to the soldier a message from his dying mother.
The innocent girl is frightened by the vast and
THE CARDS PREDICT CARMEN'S DEATH
(EMMA CALV£)
* Double-Face d Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED CARMEN RECORDS, page 52.
48
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
lonely mountains, and in her aria appeals to Heaven to protect her,
ingenuously confessing her love for Don Jose and her detestation of the
woman who has led him away from his duty.
MICAELA:
I try not to own that I tremble;
But I know I'm a coward, altho' bold I
appear.
Ah ! how can I ever call up my courage,
While horror and dread chill my sad heart
with fear?
Here, in this savage retreat, sad and weary
am I,
Alone and sore afraid.
Ah! heav'n, to thee I humbly pray,
Protect thou me, and guide and aid!
I shall see the guilty creature.
Who by infernal arts doth sever
From his country, from his duty,
Him I loved — and shall love ever!
I may tremble at her beauty,
But her power affrights me not.
Strong, in my just cause confiding,
Heaven! I trust myself to thee.
Ah! to this poor heart give courage.
Protector! guide and aid now me!
The young girl, hearing a shot fired, runs into a cave in fright.
J<>se, who is guarding the smugglers' effects, has seen a stranger and
fires at him. It proves to be Escamillo, the toreador, who has come
to join Carmen. TRENTINI AS FRASQUITA
Je suis Escamillo (I am Escamillo !)
By Charles Dalmores and Marcel Journet (In French)
By Leon Beyle, Tenor, and Hector Dufranne, Baritone
(Double-faced -See page 52) (In French) 6275O lO-inch, .75
The two men compare notes, and learning that they are rivals, Jose challenges the other
to a duel with knives, which is interrupted by the timely arrival of Carmen herself. This
dialogue, with the fiery duet at the close, well depicts this exciting scene.
The Dalmores-Journet record is of especial interest because of the brilliant success
Mr. Dalmores has achieved in the part of Don Jose. Journet sings Escamillo's music splen-
didly, with that full resonant voice always pleasant to hear. A popular priced rendition
by Beyle and Dufranne, of the Opera, is also listed above.
Finale— kl Mia tu sei" (You Command Me to Leave You)
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor: Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano;
Inez Salvador, and Francesco Cigada (In Italian) 92O35 12-inch, $3.00
A dramatic scene between Carmen and Jose is interrupted by Micaela, who begs Jose to
return to his mother; and Carmen, with fine scorn, echoes her request. Thus to leave his
rival in possession of the field is too much for the soldier, who swears never to be parted
from the gypsy until death.
85114 12-inch, $3.0O
not here;
ee!
CARMEN (to Jose) :
Go, and go quickly; stay not
This way of life is not for th
JOSE (to Carmen) :
To depart thou dost counsel me?
CARMEN:
Yes, thou shouldst go —
J^SE (fiercely):
Yes, that thou mayst follow
Another lover — the toreador!
No, Carmen, I will not depart !
MICHAELA:
Be not deaf to my prayers;
Thy mother waits thee there.
The chain that binds thee, Jose,
Death will break.
JOSE (to Michaela) :
Go from hence ;
I cannot follow thee.
(To Carmen.)
Mine thou art, accursed one!
And I will force thee to know
And submit to the fate
That both our lives unites!
The message from his dying mother, however, decides him ; he will go, but vows to
return. In this wild and tumultuous number the jealous anger of Jose gives rise to some
highly dramatic singing, delivered with extreme intensity and power by Paoli, the tragic
theme at the close being introduced with meaning effect. The Toreador chorus indicates
the triumph of Escamillo in the gypsy's attentions, and this with the orchestral close slowly
sinking to rest brings the powerful act to a finish.
49
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
ACT IV
(A Square in Seville, wilh the Walls of the
Bull Ring shown at the back)
Prelude
By Victor Herbert's Orchestra
7O066 12-inch, $1.25
The fourth act opens with a
momentary brightness. Outside the
Plaza de Toros, in Seville, an animated
crowd awaits the procession about to
enter the ring. This short movement
is a quick bustling one, only the plaint-
ive oboe solo indicating the tragedy
which is soon to occur. The playing
of this striking prelude is on the same
artistic level which marks each of the
renditions by this famous orchestra.
This scene, as the orange sellers,
hawkers of fans, ices and the rest,
press their wares on the waiting crowd,
is extremely gay, and affords welcome
relief from the intensity of the drama.
Escamillo, who has returned to take part in the bull-fight, now enters, and all join in
the refrain of the Toreador Song in his honor.
Se tu m'ami (If You Love Me)
By Inez Salvador, Mezzo-Soprano, and Francesco Cigada. Baritone
(Double-faced— See page 52) (In Italian) 62102 10-inch, $O.75
ILscamillo takes farewell of Carmen before entering the arena. He promises to fight the
better for her presence, and she, half conscious of what is coming, avows her readiness to
die for him. This number is full of lovely melodies and one of the most beautiful records
of the Carmen series.
As the procession passes on, the warning comes to Carmen that Jose is here, to which
she replies that she fears him not.
JOSE PLEADING WITH CARMEN ACT IV
PHOTO B»»o«
THE DEATH OF CARMEN ACT IV
50
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
Duetto e Finale (Duet and Finale)
By Maria Passeri, Mezzo-Soprano ;
Antonio Paoli, Tenor ; and La Scala
Chorus 92O50 12-inch, $3.OO
Jose now enters and makes a last appeal, which is dramatic
in its intensity. It takes the form of a swinging melody to an
insistent triplet accompaniment. To each request of her lover,
Carmen adds her disdainful negative, reckless of the danger which
threatens her.
JOSE (in desperation) :
Now thou refuses! my prayers,
Inhuman girl! For thy sake am I lost!
And then to know thee shameless, infamous!
Laughing, in his arms, at my despair!
No, no! it shall not be, by Heaven!
Carmen, thou must be mine, mine only !
CARMEN (proudly) ;
No, no, never!
JOSE:
Ah ! weary am I of threats.
CARMEN:
Cease then, — or let me pass!
CHORUS (in bull ring) :
Victory ! victory !
Yiv;
JOSE:
3
Viva Escamillo!
MARTIN AS DON JOSE
Again I beseech thee. Carmen,
Wilt thou with me depart?
Carmen's last refusal, as she flings him back his ring, rouses
the soldier's jealousy to madness and he stabs her to the heart.
As she falls the success of the Toreador in the arena is announced by the singing of his well-
known refrain. The last notes of the opera are a few pitiful tones from the stricken Jose
addressed to the mute form of his beloved.
This is another truly powerful record by Paoli, worthy of a climax such as this. The
music is delivered with the realism and earnestness beyond the reach of all but the very
few tenors, and it enables the listener to fully realize the stress and pathos of the moving
dramatic picture which thus concludes the last act of Carmen.
.75
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS CARMEN RECORDS
Carmen Selection By Pryor's Band 31562 12-inch, $1.OO
I Carmen Selection By Sousa's Band\ „,„„._. 10 . k . „,
\ IT • L , r\ r> c » D jJ-35OOO 12-inch, 1.25
I rreiscnutz — Overture By oousa s Dana]
j Carmen Selection By Pryor's Bandj ^575 10-inch
( Manon — Jlh ! fuyez douce image ! By M. T^pcca, Tenor)
The selection begins with the brilliant and animated Prelude, the first part of which is
given, including the refrain of the famous . o ^"^*~* '"*?"' —_^,*__ *i. ^, :••
" Toreador Song." Then is heard (as a cornet L^ £ 'JT^S^TTl^^^^fJ^S^
solo) the quaint "Habanera," ^,'T/?, " '. J 'J^.^li.1* S£."±~.' *". '",&"?'£,.
with its curiously varied rhythm, its chromatic melody and the changes from minor to major
which are so effective. With the last note the full band takes up the rollicking chorus of
street boys from Act I, and after a few measures there , p »t p n»_^y~"' jt T tf r • fr i f
appears suddenly the weird strain from Act IV when W
Carmen hurls at Don Jose her last defiance. «~ ~ ~ •—• •>""•• '
The spirited introductory strain returns, closing the selection. A fine record and splen-
didly played.
Gems from Carmen
By Victor Light Opera Company (In English) 31843 12-inch, $1.OO
Chorus. " Here They Are " — Solo and Chorus. " Hibanera " (Love is Like a Bird) — Duet, "Again
He Sees His Village Home "—Sextette, " Our Chosen Trade " — Solo and Chorus, " Toreador
Song"— Finale.
An amazing number of the most popular bits of Bizet's masterpiece have been crowded
into this attractively arranged potpourri, which shows both the skill of Mr. Rogers and the
remarkable talent of the Opera Company.
51
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B I Z E T ' S CARMEN
Only such an organization as that of the Victor, which stands absolutely alone among
record-making bodies, could successfully cope with the difficulties of Bizet's score. The
record is one of the most striking and brilliant of the series, including as it does the rollick-
ing chorus of boys in Act I ; the favorite Habanera, the lovely Jose-Micaela duet, the Sextette
from the Smuggler Scene, the popular Toreador Song and the brilliant finish to Act 111.
(Habanera (Whistling) By Guido Gialdinil . ,_,„ ._ . .
.. v.» ., /v i L \ D D, i • 5-16752 10-inch, $O.75
I / he Pretty Maiden (Xylophone) tiy r'eter Lewin)
(Toreador Song By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English)}
Trovatore — Tempest of the Heart >16521 lO-inch, .75
By t/llan Turner, Baritone (In English)}
/Prelude (Overture) By La Scala Orchestra) , oO52 i2 • h 1 25
\ Damnation of Faust — Hungarian March By Sousa's Band)
[Prelude (Overture) By La Scala Orchestra]
| Scena delle carte (Card Song) By Lavin de Casas, Mezzo- ^62617 lO-inch, .75
[ Soprano (Piano ace.) (In Italian)}
| Canzone del Toreador (Toreador Song) By F. Cigada, Bari- ]
tone: G. Huguet, Soprano; I. Salvador, Mezzo-Soprano; L-,-,Q ,n- « -t
rat /-«i_ if it i- \ f6261o lO-inch, .75
La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
[ Caoalleria Ruslicana — Intermezzo By Pryor's Orchestra}
{Intermezzo — Acto III By La Scala Orchestral
Se tu m'ami (If You Love Me) By Inez Salvador, Mezzo- ^62102 lO-inch, .75
Soprano ; F. Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) }
{Je suis Escamillo (I Am Escamillo!) By Leon Beyle, Tenor; ]
Hector Dufranne, Baritone (In French) V62750 10-inch, .75
Valse des looses (M£tra) By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano (In French)}
[Preludio, Acto IV By La Scala Orchestral
Norma — Mira o Norma — By Ida Qiacomelli, Soprano; Lina Mileri, 621O1 lO-inch. .75
Contralto (In Italian)}
fCarmen Selection (Xylophone) By Wm. Reitzl 16892 jO inch 75
\ Boheme — Musetla Waltz (Whistling) By Guido Gialdini)
A FAMOUS OPEN-AIR PRODUCTION IN FRANCE
52
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE SETTING
(Italian)
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA
(Cao-al-teh-ree -ah Rus-ti-cah' -nah)
RUSTIC CHIVALRY
OPERA IN ONE ACT
Libretto adapted from the book of Verga by Targioni-Torzetti and Menasci ; music by
Mascagni. First production in Rome, May 17, 1890, the opera having won the first prize
offered by a music publisher for the best one-act work. First London production at the
Shaftesbury Theatre under the direction of Signer Lago, October 19, 1891 ; and at Covent
Garden (under Harris) May 16, 1892. First American production in Philadelphia, September
9, 1891.
Cast
SANTUZZA, (San-toot' -zah) a village girl Soprano
LOLA, (Low -lah) wife of Alfio Mezzo-Soprano
TURIDDU, ( Too-ree -doo) a young soldier Tenor
ALFIO, (Al'-fee-oh) a teamster Baritone
LUCIA, (Loo-chee'-ah) mother of Turiddu Contralto
Chorus of Peasants and Villagers. Chorus behind the scenes.
The scene is laid in a Sicilian village.
Time — The Present.
NOTE — The quotations from text and music of Caoatteria Rusticana are given by kind permission of C. Schirmer.
53
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— C A V ALLERI A RUSTICANA
THE COMPOSER
Pietro Mascagni, son of a baker in Leghorn, was born December 7, 1863. Destined by
his father to succeed him in business, the young man rebelled, and secretly entered the
Cherubini Conservatory. He began composing at an early age, but none of his works at-
tracted attention until 1890, when he entered a contest planned by Sonzogno, the Milan
publisher. Securing a libretto based on a simple Sicilian
tale by Verga, he composed the whole of this opera in
eight days, producing a work full of dramatic fire and
rich in Italian melody, and easily won the prize. Pro-
duced in Rome in 1890, it created a sensation, and in
a short time has become one of the most popular of
operas.
THE STORY
Turiddu, a young Sicilian peasant, returns from the
•war and finds his sweetheart, Lola, has wedded Alfio,
a carter. For consolation he pays court to Santuzza, who
loves him not •wisely but too •well. Tiring of her, he turns
again to Lola, -who seems to encourage him.
Prelude
By La Scala Orchestra *351O4 12-inch, $1.25
By Vessella's Italian Band
31831 12-inch, l.OO
The Prelude takes the form of a fantasia on the
principal themes of the opera. Mascagni's lovely melodies
are played with exquisite tone and expression, while at
the climaxes the entry of the brass is most artistically
managed. This is band playing of a high order, and
certainly the best record of the Prelude we have heard. The
La Scala Orchestra record is also a most interesting one.
During the prelude Turiddu 's voice is heard in the charming Siciliana, in which he tells
of his love for Lola : ,j,u~*
lO-inch, $2.OO
lO-inch, 2.OO
lO-inch, l.OO
10-inch, .75
Siciliana (Thy Lips Like Crimson Berries)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor (Harp ace.) (In Italian) 87O72
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 81O3O
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 612O2
By Carlo Caffetto, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) *62620
It is sung behind the scenes, before the rise of the curtain, making it peculiarly effective.
At the close of the number Turiddu's voice is heard dying away in the distance. This
decrescendo passage is exquisitely sung by Caruso. This delightful serenade, one of the most
popular of the Caruso records, is almost the only bright spot in Mascagni's passionate and
tragic operatic melodrama.
The best of the many translations (Schirmer Edition, copy't 1891) is given here.
TURIDDU:
O Lola, with thy lips like crimson berries,
Eyes with the glow of love deepening in
them,
Cheeks of the hue of wild, blossoming cherries,
Fortunate he who first finds favor to win
them;
A fine rendition in German by Slezak and one by Caffetto in Italian, at a lower price,
are also offered.
SCENE — A Square in a Sicilian Village
After the Siciliana the chorus of villagers is heard, also behind the scenes, and during
this chorus the curtain rises, showing a square in the village, with the church at one side
and the cottage of Turiddu's mother on the other.
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see double-faced list, page 58.
54
Yet tho' I died and found Ileav'n on me
beaming,
Wert thou not there to greet me, grief I
should cherish!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPE R A— CA VALLERI A RUSTICANA
Gli aranci olezzano (Blossoms of Oranges)
By New York Grand Opera Chorus (In Italian) 64048 lO-inch, $1.OO
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *68218 12-inch, 1.25
This beautiful chorus is rendered here both by the famous
organization of La Scala, Milan, and the New York Grand
Opera Chorus.
It is Easter Day and crowds of villagers cross the stage and
enter the church. Santuzza enters, and knocking at Lucia's
door, asks her if she has seen Turiddu. His mother replies
that he is at Francofonte, but the jealous girl refuses to believe
it, and suspects that he is watching for Lola.
The cracking of a whip and shouts of the villagers
announce Alfio, who appears and sings a merry song.
II cavallo scalpita (Gayly Moves the
Tramping Horse)
By Renzo Minolfi, Baritone
(In Italian) *45O03 lO-inch, $1.0O
He is happy and free, his wife Lola loves him and guards
his home while he is gone — this is the burden of his air.
The peasants disperse and Alfio is left with Lucia and
Santuzza. When he says he has just seen Turiddu, Lucia is
surprised, but at a gesture from Santuzza she keeps silent.
After Alfio has entered the church, the Easter music is
heard within and all kneel and join in the singing.
Regina Coeli (Queen of the Heavens)
By La Scala Chorus
(In Italian} *68218 12-inch, $1.25
This great number, given by La Scala Chorus, has been combined with the opening
chorus noted above on one double-faced record.
All go into the church except Lucia and Santuzza, and the agitated girl now sings her
touching romanza, beginning:
AMATO AS ALFIO
lo u - pe te^o mam •
ty yon know. ok. mam •
vat go • inf
This is one of the most
a,^ she pours out her sad history to the sympathetic Mamma Lucia.
powerful numbers in Mascagni's work.
Voi lo sapete (W^ell You Know, Good Mother)
By Emma Calve, Soprano (In Italian) 88O86 12-inch, $3.0O
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano (In Italian) 88136 12-inch, 3.OO
By Emma Eames, Soprano (In Italian) 88037 12-inch, 3.OO
Stung with the remembrance of her great wrong she sings of vengeance, but love over-
powers revenge, and in spite of herself, she cries
[• * '"
E£
Itxitd atmf
tmei Itimt Aft .
Then the thought of her rival, Lola, returns and she gives way to despair, throwing herself
at the feet of the gentle mother of Turiddu, who is powerless to aid her and who can only
pi ay for the wretched woman.
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see double-faced list, page 58
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— CAVALLERI A RUSTICANA
SANTUZZA:
Well do you know, good mother,
Ere to the war he departed
Turiddu plighted to Lola his troth,
Like a man true-hearted.
And then, finding her wedded
Loved me! — I loved him! —
She, coveting what was my only treasure —
Enticed him from me!
She and Turiddu love again!
I weep and I weep and I weep still!
Three fine renditions of this dramatic number, by three famous
sopranos, are offered to music lovers.
Lucia tries to comfort her and passes into the church just as
Turiddu appears. He asks Santuzza why she does not go to mass.
She says she cannot, and accuses him of treachery, -which puts him
in a rage, and he tells her brutally that she is now nothing to him.
This great duet has been recorded in its entirety by two famous
artists of Milan.
Tu qui Santuzza (Thou Here, Santuzza!)
By B. Besalu, Soprano, and G. Ciccolini. Tenor
(In Italian) *55022 12-inch, $1.5O
No, No, Turiddu
GADSKI AS SANTUZZA By B. Besalu. Soprano, and G. Ciccolini, Tenor
(In Italian) *55O22 12-inch, 1.50
This scene is now interrupted by Lola 's voice, heard behind the scenes.
LOLA (behind the scenes):
My king of roses,
Radiant angels stand
In Heav'n in thousands;
None like to him so bright
That land discloses,
My king of roses! —
She enters, and divining the situation, shows her power by taking Turiddu into the
church with her. Frantic with jealousy, Santuzza turns to Alfio, -who now enters, and tells
him that his -wife is false.
Two records are required to present this powerful scene, and of the first part two
versions are offered for a choice.
Turiddu mi tolse (Turiddu
Forsakes Me !)
By B. Besalu. Soprano, and E. Badini,
Baritone
(In Italian) *55021 12-inch. $1.5O
By Clara Joanna, Soprano, and
Renzo Minolfi, Baritone
(In Italian) *45OO2 lO-inch, 1.00
Ad essi non perdono ('Tis They
Who Are Shameful)
By Clara Joanna, Soprano, and
Renzo Minolfi. Baritone
(In Italian) *45O02 lO-inch, $1.OO
Alfio swears vengeance, while Santuzza already
regrets her disclosure, but is powerless to prevent
the consequences of her revelation. They go out,
leaving the stage empty, and the beautiful Inter-
mezzo follows.
Intermezzo
By Pryor's Orchestra
*62618 lO-inch, $0.75
By Victor Orchestra
4184 10-inch, .60
SANTUZZA PLEADING WITH TURIDDU ACT I
(DESTIXN AND CARUSO)
* Double-Face J Record — For tilk of opposite fide see double-faced lisl, page 58
56
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— CAVALLERI A RUSTICANA
After the storm and passion of the first scene, this lovely number comes as a blessed relief.
The curtain does not fall during the playing of the Intermezzo, although the stage is empty.
A casa, a casa ("Now Homeward)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *45014 lO-inch, $1.00
The services being over, the people now come from the church, and Turiddu in a reck-
less mood invites the crowd to drink with him, and sings his spirited Brindisi.
Brindisi (Drinking Song)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) *81O62 lO-inch, $2.0O
In striking contrast to the prevailing tragic tone of Mascagni's opera comes this merry
drinking song, which Turiddu sings as omaa^«. ;r;
gaily as if he had not a care in the world, ,o C 1C' 5 C'SlT'il II » -rft* lft*'g S^£?$\^~ I^L-Lu-T
although at that moment the culminating Iffi I f ' f \ ' I B-\\ > I i f * f I I \\
tragedy of the duel was close at hand. oJlT^JT
Turiddu calls to the crowd about the inn :
£«»»««• (J= 80 To
then sings the
Brindisi, which
has a most fas-
cinating swing:
At the close of the song occurs a C natural, which is taken by Caruso with consummate ease.
TUKIDDU:
Hail the red wine richly flowing, Hail the wine that flows and bubbles,
In the beaker, sparkling, glowing, Kills care, banishes all troubles,
I ike young love, with smiles bestowing, Brings peace, pleasure it redoubles,
Now our holiday 'twill bless. Causes sweet forgetfulness!
Alfio now enters, and when Turiddu offers him a cup
refuses, saying:
Thank you! but wine to drink with you
I fear now,
Poison I might be drinking, ere I was
thinking!
Turiddu throws out the wine, saying carelessly :
Very well! suit your pleasure!
The seriousness of this scene is not lost on the
peasants, who now leave the young men together. The
challenge is quickly given and accepted after the Siciliana
fashion, Turiddu viciously biting Alfio's ear. Turiddu,
sobered by the deadly earnestness of his neighbor, feels
something of remorse, and says to him :
Neighbor Alfio
I own my wrong before you,
But if through you I perish
Poor hapless Santuzza —
Left without her lover —
(.Suddenly changing his tone)
Yet will I drive my dagger in your heart!
ALFIO (.coldly) :
I will await you behind the garden!
Turiddu now calls his mother from the cottage, and
asks for her blessing, bidding her, if he does not return,
to be a mother to Santuzza.
Addio alia madre (TuriddtTs Farewell to His Mother)
By Riccardo Martin. Tenor (In Italian) 88277 12-inch, $3.00
By Gennaro de Tura, Tenor (In Italian) 76O15 12-inch, 2.0O
By G. Ciccolini, Tenor (In Italian) *55O21 12-inch, 1.5O
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 612O5 lO-inch, l.OO
By Giorgio Malesci, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) *6262O 10-inch, .75
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see doable-faced list, page 58.
57
COP 'I OUPONl
TAMAGNO AS TURIDDU
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— CA VALLERI A RUSTICANA
TURIDDU (calling) :
Mother !
(Enter Lucia.)
Exciting surely that wine was.
I must have taken
Too many cups
While we were drinking!
For a stroll I am going,
Hut first, I pray you,
Give your son your blessing
As when I left you
To become a soldier!
And listen, mother! This also!
If I return not, if I return not,
You must not falter.
To Santuzza be a mother!
I have sworn to shield her
And lead her to the altar.
LUCIA:
Why speakest thou so strangely ?
My son, oh, tell me?
TURIDDU (nonchalantly) :
Oh, nothing! the wine
Has filled my brain with vapors!
O pray that God forgive me!
One kiss, dear mother!
And yet another!
Farewell now! If I return not
Be a mother to my Santa.
(He rushes off.)
Finale to the Opera
By Clara Joanna, Soprano : Sra. Rumbelli, Mezzo-
Soprano ; and Chorus (Double-faced — See below) (In Italian) 45O03 10-inch, $1.OO
Lucia is distressed and bewildered, and calls after him despairingly. Confused cries are
now heard and a woman screams " Turiddu is murdered ! " Santuzza and Lucia sink down
senseless, and the curtain slowly falls.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS CAVALLERIA
RUSTICANA RECORDS
Selection— Part I By Victor Orchestra 31O57
Selection— Part II By Victor Orchestra 31 OS 8
Turiddu, mi tolse (Turiddu Forsakes Me !) By
B. Besalu, Soprano, and E. Badini, Baritone (In Italian)
Mamma, quel vino e generoso (Mother ! the \Vine
Cup too Freely Passes) By G. Coccolini, Tenor (In Italian)
Tu qui Santuzza (Thou Here, Santuzza) By B. Besalu,
Soprano, and G. Ciccolini, Tenor (In Italian'
No, No, Turiddu By B. Besalu, Soprano, and
G. Ciccolini, Tenor (In Italian)
(Prelude By La Scala Orchestra]
I Selection By Pryor's Band >35 104
| Opening of Act, "Alfio's Song." "Easter Chorale," "Intermezzo."
/Coro d' Introduzione By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)}
IRegina Coeli By La Scala Chorus (In Italian))
Turiddu. mi tolse 1'onore (Turiddu Forsakes Me !)
By Clara Joanna, Soprano, and Renzo Minolfi,
Baritone (In Italian)
Ad essi io non perdono By Clara Joanna, Soprano,
and Renzo Minolfi, Baritone (In Italian)
Finale dell' Opera By Clara Joanna, Soprano: Sra.
Rumbelli, Mezzo-Soprano ; and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian)
II cavallo scalpita (Gayly Moves the Tramping Horse)
By Renzo Minolfi, Baritone (In Italian)
I A casa. a casa (Now Homeward !)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) [4,5014
Guglielmo Ratcliff — Padre Nostro By A. Mussini, Soprano,
and E. Molinari, Bass (In Italian)]
I Intermezzo By Pryor's Orchestral
Carmen — Toreador (Bizet) By Francesco Cigada, Baritone; >62618
Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano ; Inez Salvador, Mezzo-
Soprano ; and Chorus (In Italian)]
JAddio alia madre (Piano ace.)
\Siciliana (Piano ace.)
12-inch, $ l.OO
12-inch. l.OO
55O21 12-inch, 1.5O
55022 12-inch, 1.5O
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
450O2 lO-inch, 1.00
45O03 10-inch, l.OO
lO-inch, l.OO
10-inch, .75
\**t i i in lit 1 1 J
By Giorgio Malesci, Tenorl,- »,. »„ in ;__t,
n ,-> i /-, ce i-r >o2o2O lO-incn,
By Carlo Cafifetto, TenorJ
.75
58
DAMNATION OF FAUST FOURTH SCENE PARIS OPERA
LA DAMNATION DE FAUST
(Lah Dan-nah-see-on' deh Foulst)
DAMNATION OF FAUST
Hector Berlioz's dramatic legend in four parts ; book based on de Nerval's version of
Goethe's poem, partly by Gandonniere, but completed by Berlioz himself. First performed
December 6, 1846, at the Opera Comique, Paris, in concert form, and in New York under
Dr. Leopold Damrosch in 1880. It was given at Monte Carlo as an opera in 1903. First
American performance of the opera,
Cast
MARGUERITE (Mahr-guer-eet ') Soprano
FAUST (Fowsi) Tenor
MEPHISTOPHELES (W-'»-^/ '-cl-leez) Baritone or Bass
BRANDER . . . . Bass
Place : A German village.
THE COMPOSER
No one to-day doubts the genius of Berlioz, and critics are almost unanimous in praising
his originality, his spontaneous force and immense creative power. Le Damnation de Faust,
his best known work, originally written as an oratorio, but which has since been adapted
for the stage, was first produced in 1846 and met with a cold reception. Ten years after
his death, however, what a change began ! A Berlioz memorial in Paris, at the Hippodrome,
where thousands were turned away; Berlioz monuments erected in Grenoble and other
cities of France; and finally, the production of Damnation of Faust as an opera at Monte Carlo
in 1903, amid scenes of the -wildest enthusiasm.
59
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B E RL I O Z* S FAUST
AUERBACH S BEER CELLAR
In his " Faust " Berlioz has
given us a musical legend which
has all the picturesqueness of
the original work.
Whatever severe critics may
say of its merits in the highest
artistic sense, it is nevertheless
a wonderful work. Strange
eccentricities and rare beauties
are found side by side ; even
the wild orgie of fiends called
" Pandemonium," which almost
transgresses the license of genius,
must be admired for its astound-
ing orchestral effects. On the
other hand, there are melodies
of purest beauty, such as the
numbers for Marguerite. How-
ever, the most striking numbers
in the opera are those written by Berlioz for Mephislopheles, three of which have been
most effectively rendered for the Victor by Planc.on.
THE OPERA
Berlioz, disregarding Goethe's poem, located the opening scene on a plain in Hungary
simply to excuse the interpolation of the Rakoczy March. We quote Berlioz himself
here: "The march on the Hungarian Rakoczy theme, written one night at Vienna,
made such a sensation at Pesth that I introduced it into my Faust score, taking the liberty of
putting my hero in Hungary and making him witness the passage of a Hungarian troop
across the plain where he is wandering in reverie." But Raoul Gunsbourg, who adapted
the cantata for the stage, changed the first scene to a room with open -windows showing the
peasants dancing and the military passing by to the strains of the Hungarian March. Here
Faust soliloquizes on the vanity of all things, while the people make merry outside, and the
march of the soldiers makes an inspiring finish to the scene.
Hungarian (Rakoczy) March
By Sousa's Band 31424 12-inch, $1.00
This is Berlioz's treatment of the famous "Rakoczy March,"
known as a national Hungarian melody for a hundred years. Its
stirring measures so fascinated the composer that, contrary to his
original intention, he laid the scene of his " Faust " legend in Hungary
in order that he might make use of this wild and pulse-quickening
melody. His treatment of it is brilliant in the extreme, and il
remains one of the most effective portions of his "Faust."
In this connection it is interesting to remember that Liszt,
although a warm friend of Berlioz, considered himself aggrieved
and wrote to Mme. Tardieu in 1882: "My transcription of the
Rakoczy March * * is twice as long as the -well-known version
of Berlioz, and it -was -written before his. Delicate sentiments of
friendship for the illustrious Frenchman induced me to -withhold it
from publication until after his death. '' In writing it he
made use of one of my earlier transcriptions, particularly in the
harmony."
Scene II shows Faust alone in his study, as in the Gounod
version. He is about to take poison, when the strains of the
Easter hymn come from the adjoining church and arrest his purpose.
Mephistopheles then appears and suggests that they go forth and
see the world together, to which Faust consents.
In the third scene Faust and Mephistopheles go to a beer cellar in
Leipsic, where students and soldiers are carousing. Brander sings
his song of the rat, which as in the Gounod opera, meets with
60
RENAUD'S STRIKING CON-
CEPTION OF MEPHISTO
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BERLIOZ'S FAUST
but ironical praise from Mephistopheles, and he volunteers his famous "Romance
of the Flea," a curiosity of music as effective as it is difficult
to render.
Chanson de la puce (Song of the Flea)
By Pol Plancon, Bass
(In French) 81O87 10-inch, $2.00
Gounod's Mephisiopheles is mild and innocent by the side
of the strange utterances of the Devil as portrayed by Berlioz.
This is one of the most interesting numbers in the
work, for Berlioz has described, by means of clever forms
in the accompaniment, the skipping of the flea in various
directions. The words are most fantastic —
Once a king, be it noted, had a fine and lusty flea,
And on this flea he doted, cherish'd him tenderly,
So he sent for his tailor, and to the tailor spake:
"Please to measure this youngster, and coat and breeches
make!"
Faust dislikes the scene, and the two vanish from the
g;ize of the astonished students amid a fiery glow.
12-inch, $3.0O
Voici des roses ('Mid Banks of Roses)
By Pol Plan?on, Bass
(In French) 85117
By ^lattio Battistini, Baritone
(In Spanish) 92O23 12-inch, 3.OO
We next discover Faust asleep in a lonely forest on the banks of the Elbe, where the
demon murmurs a softly penetrating melody into his ear, lulling him to slumber with these
s< ductive words —
'Mid banks of roses, softly the light reposes,
On this fair, fragrant bed, rest, O Faust, rest thy head —
Here slumber, while lovely visions haunt thy dream
Of radiant forms, rare lips and eyes that fondly beam!
while the gnomes and sylphs dance through his dreams, and the vision of Marguerite is seen
for the first time.
The next scene corresponds to the Garden Scene of Gounod, and shows a room
in Marguerite's cottage. M»HMT. Beat.
The demon now sum- ,
mons the
will - o*- the-
un the wing* of *ir I
wisps in this evocation: Y« •* • '" <* in ""»""' <"'•
The sprites come flying to Marguerite's door to aid in her enchantment, and the demon
continues :
Ye spirits of caprice and of evil, conspire
To enchant and subdue, and win a maiden soul.
Now dance, ye sons of Evil, dance in the name of the devil,
Will-o'-the-wisp and gnome, dance, or away you go!
Then follows the beautiful dance of the will-o'-the- wisps, after which Mephistopheles sings —
"To this lute, I'll sing a serenade
One that shall please the lady ....
It is moral, her tastes to suit!"
Serenade — Mephistopheles
By Pol Plancon, Bass (In French) 81O34 lO-inch, $2.OO
Mephistopheles then warbles in his scoffing voice this mocking serenade :
in the accompaniment of which Berlioz has reproduced the peculiar effect of the guitar by
pizzicato crescendos for strings.
61
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B E R L I O Z "S FAUST
Ml I'll 1ST) IP II ELES:
Dear (Catherine, why to the
door of thy lover,
Drawest thou nigh?
Why there timidly hover? why
art there?
Oh, sweet maiden, beware;
come away do not enter;
It were folly to venture.
Refrain, nor enter there!
Ah, heed thee well, fair lass.
Lest thy lover betray thee;
Then good night, alas!
From ill-hap what shall stay
thee?
But let thy lover prove the
truth of his advances;
When the ring brightly
glances,
Ah! then only, believe his
love!
Berlioz's Mephistopheles is
a much more sardonic and
less gentlemanly devil than the
one we are accustomed to see in Gounod's opera. Planc.on interprets this difficult character
admirably, and delivers this sneering serenade with great effectiveness.
While the sprites dance Marguerite apparently sleeps, but soon comes from the house in
a kind of trance. She tries to enter the church, but the influence of Mephislopheles prevents,
and she returns to the house and falls into the arms of Faust.
The last act contains four scenes. Scene I shows a moonlit room where the unhappy
Marguerite sings her lament. This changes to a rocky pass -where Mephistopheles informs
Faust that Marguerite is about to be executed for the murder of her mother. Faust demands that
she be saved, but is first required by Mephistopheles to sign the fatal contract which pledges
his soul to the Devil. Summoning the infernal steeds Vortex and Giaour, the wild Ride to
Hell commences, shown by a striking moving panorama, while at the close the angels are
seen hovering above the town to rescue the soul of the pardoned Marguerite.
FOURTH ACT SETTING — DAMNATION
•All OU THMlRE
THE RIDE TO HELL — ACT V
62
DINORAH
(Din-oh' -rah)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Libretto by Barbier and Carre. Music by Giacomo Meyerbeer. First production Paris,
IH59. First London production July 26, 1859. First New York production November 24,
1H64, with Cordier, Brignoli and Amodio.
Cast
HOEL, a goatherd Bass
CORENTINO, bag-piper Tenor
DINORAH, betrothed to Hoel Soprano
HUNTSMAN Bass
Place : Breton village of Ploermel.
Although the name of Meyerbeer is usually as-
sociated with Robert le Diable, Prophete and Huguenots,
his opera, Pardon de Ploermel (afterwards revised and
renamed Dinorah), was at one time a favorite work with
opera-lovers.
The revival of Meyerbeer's sparkling opera during
the last Manhattan season was most welcome, not only
for its tunefulness, but because it was an ideal medium
for the exhibition of Mme. Tetrazzini's marvelous gifts
of vocalism.
Old opera-goers in America will remember the
productions of the past — that arranged for Marie Van
Zandt in 1892; Patti's famous performance a dozen
years before; and the fine impersonations of Gerster,
di Murska and Marimon. But it is safe to say that no
exponent of the part of the wandering Breton shepherd-
ess has ever excelled Mme. Tetrazzini in the role.
The plot is utterly absurd — its demented goat-girl,
seeking a runaway lover; the lover himself, who con-
trary to operatic precedent is a baritone, and who
spends a year chasing an imaginary treasure; a w^ak-
kneed bag-piper. These are the principal characters.
But in the music Meyerbeer has atoned for the
triviality of the libretto, and the audience listens to the
delightful melodies and pays little attention to the plot.
The action is laid in Brittany. Dinorah, a maiden of he
village of Ploermel, is about to be wedded to Hoel, a goat-herd, -when a storm destroys
the house of the bride's father. Hoel resolves to rebuild it, and goes off to seek treasure
in a haunted region, while Dinorah, thinking herself deserted, loses her reason, and wanders
through the country with her faithful goat, seeking the absent Hoel.
As the curtain rises, Dinorah enters in her bridal garments, seeking her pet goat, and
finding the animal asleep, sings this lullaby to him. So lovely an air is worthy of a better
object.
Si, carina caprettina (Yes, My Beloved One)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) *3518O 12-inch, $1.25
Mme. Huguet has sung this pretty air with charming fluency, and the record is one of
the most attractive in her list. The translation follows:
FAURE AS HOEL, 1859
Slumber, darling, sweetly slumber,
Sleep, my belov'd one, sleep!
Soft the evening breeze is playing,
' Veath the cooling shadows here
Mows a streamlet, fresh and clear,
Swift, among the flowers straying.
.'.las! six days has she been away,
Xor yet returns!
1 '(-reliance she has wandered on the hills
* Double-FaceJ Record — On opposite side is the Mad Scene from Hamlet, by Mme. Huguet.
63
Amid the thorns!
Ah! wert thou to be seized by the wolf — fear
not!
I will be there to defend thee — fear not!
Yes, darling sleep in peace,
Sweet little birds your warbling cease,
My beauteous one must sleep.
Awake her not! Yet softer still!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ME YERBEE R'S DINORAH
Corenlino, a bag-piper, enters and is terrified at the sight of Dinorah, believing her to be
an evil fairy about whom he had heard, who causes the runaway traveler to dance till he
dies. Dinorah, in a spirit of mischief, makes him dance until he is exhausted, and runs
away laughing.
Hoel enters, still seeking the treasure, and confides in Corentino, telling him that the
•wizard with whom he had lived for a year had instructed him to seek for a white goat
which would guide him to the gold. The bell of Dinorah's goat is heard, and Hoel pursues
it, dragging with him the terrified Corenlino.
The second act begins with the famous shadow dance, for which Meyerbeer has
furnished some most beautiful music. Dinorah enters, and seeing her shadow in the
moonlight, imagines it is a friend and sings and dances to it.
Ombra leggiera (Shadow Song)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano 88298 12-inch, $3.OO
By Maria Galvany, Soprano 88222 12-inch, 3.OO
Ombra Letftfiera
(Light Flitting Shadow)
Light flitting shadow, companion gay
Go not away!
Play here beside me, dark fears betide me
When thou dost go far from me!
Ah! go not away, go not away!
Each coming morn I thee would find,
Ah prithee stay and dance with me!
If thou wilt stay, nor go away,
Thou thus shall hear me sing.
Know'st thou not that Hoel loves me?
That as his bride he claims me!
Love well hath known
Our two hearts to unite!
(A cloud passes over the moon — the shadow disappears.)
This dance is accompanied by a waltz, which is full
of the most brilliant vocal effects, including a florid cadenza
for voice and flute, as in Lucia.
The act closes •with the rescue of Dinorah by Hoel when
the bridge, on which she was crossing a ravine, gives away.
Act III opens with the famous "Hunter's Song," long a
favorite concert number.
Chant du Chasseur (Hunter's Song)
By Pol Planjon, Bass (Piano ace. )
(In French) 81O65 10-inch, $2.OO
On, on to the hunt!
To follow the trace of beast or bird.
The day is awake.
The mist from the lake
Rising, passes over,
Hoel enters, bearing the form of Dinorah, who is still senseless. Thinking her dead, he
bitterly reproaches himself in the great air, Sei oendicata.
TETRAZZINI AS DINORAH
The fresh morning breeze
Plays light in the trees.
Like a young, a young and happy lover!
Hunting is jolly, when night is over.
Sei vendicata assai (Thou art Avenged !)
By Mario Ancona, Baritone (In Italian) 88169 12-inch, $3.OO
HOKL:
'Twas on this self-same spot — a year ago
When from the tempest an asylum my Dinorah
sought :
Within these arms I pressed her: and now!
Dead! — ah! heaven, I 11 not believe it yet!
(He anxiously watches Dinorah, who gradu-
ally recovers.)
Great heaven! my pray'r hath risen unto thee!
Yes! she breathes again: her eyes she opens!
Rut why thus fixedly they gaze upon me?
O heaven. I had forgotten
That grief of reason had bereft her!
Look up again, dear angel, thy pardon I im-
plore !
Dinorah now opens her eyes and recognizes Hoel, her reason having been restored
by the shock. The reunited lovers go to the village, are greeted by their friends, and the
curtain falls on preparations for the wedding.
64
(Italian)
DON GIOVANNI
(French)
(Don Jee-oh-vahn'-ee)
DON JUAN
(Don Wahri)
OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte. Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. First produced
at Prague, October 29, 1787, and at Vienna, May 7, 1788. First London production April
12. 1817; produced in New York May 29, 1826. Some notable revivals occurred in 1898
with Sembrich, Nordica, Eames and Plancon, and in 1909 with Russ, Donalda, Bonci and
Re-naud.
Cast
DON GIOVANNI, a licentious young nobleman Baritone
DON OCTAVIO, (Oct-tati -vee-oh) betrothed to Donna Anna Tenor
LEPORELLO, (Lep-oh-rel'-loio) servant of Don Giovanni Bass
DON PEDRO, (Pay-dro) the Commandant Bass
DONNA ANNA, his daughter Soprano
MASETTO, (Mas-xl'-to) a peasant Bass
ZERL1NA, (Zer-lee -nah) betrothed to Masetto Soprano
DON ELVIRA, a lady of Burgos Soprano
Peasants, Musicians, Dancers, Demons.
Scene and Period : Seville, in the middle of the seventeenth century.
Mozart's Don Giovanni was written in 1 787 and produced during the same year at
Prague. Da Ponte, the librettist, was a Viennese Court dramatist, who had also -written Le
No.ize di Figaro. The plot of the opera was probably founded upon a play entitled El
Burlador de Sevilla y Convirada de piedra, attributed to Tirso de Molina, a Spanish monk
and prior of a monastery at Madrid. This had also served as a basis for numerous other
"Don Juan" plays and operas by Fabrizzi, Gardi, Raimondi, Carnicer and latterly Dargo-
myszky, the Russian composer.
ACT I
SCENE I — The Courtyard of the Commandant's Palace at
Seville. It is Night
The wicked Don Giovanni, ever pursuing his gay
conquests, attempts to enter Donna Anna 's apartments.
She cries for help and he tries to escape, but is pursued
by the angry girl, who endeavors to penetrate his dis-
guise. Her father comes to the rescue and is mortally
wounded by the Don, who makes his escape, followed
by Leporello, his servant. Donna Anna is overcome with
grief, and charges her betrothed, Don Oclavio, to avenge
her father's death.
SCENE II — An Inn in a Deserted Spot Outside Seville
Don Giovanni and Leporello enter and conceal them-
selves as a lady approaches in a carriage. Hoping for
a new conquest, the Don comes forward, hat in hand,
but is surprised to find that it is Donna Elvira, a young
woman whom he has lately deceived and deserted.
She denounces him for his baseness and he makes his
escape, leaving Leporello to explain as best he can.
Lepo'ello rather enjoys the situation, produces his diary,
and adds to the lady's anger by reading a list of the
mistresses of the Don. This list is recited by Leporello
in the famous // catalogo.
65
COPY'! OUPOHI
SCOTTI AS DON
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MOZART'S DON GIOVANNI
Madamina, il catalogo (Gentle Lady, this List)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In Italian) 64 ISO lO-inch, $1.OO
By Arcangelo Rossi. (Double-faced— See page 69) (Italian) 62623 10-inch. .75
Nella bionda (The Fair One)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In Italian) 74191 12-inch. 1.5O
LEPORELLO :
Ev'ry country, ev'ry township, fully confesses
Those of the sex whom to his rank he presses.
Gentle lady, this my catalogue numbers
All whose charms lent my master beguiling.
'Tis a document of my compiling,
An it please ye, peruse it with me.
In Italia, — six hundred and forty :
Then in Germany. — double fifty seem plenty;
While in old Spain here. — we count thousands
three!
Some you see are country damsels,
\Vaiting-maids and city ma'amselles,
Countess', duchess', baronesses,
Viscount' — ev'ry kind of 'esses.
Womenfolk of all conditions,
Ev'ry form and ev'ry state!
Journet's Leporello is a unique performance
of its kind, and his characterization always stands
forth as an admirable foil to the polished villainies
of the suave and distinguished Don. This great
buffo number, usually called the Catalogue Song,
is full of the broadest humor, and is given by this
artist with all the sly humor, gaiety, irony and
sentiment which it requires.
Donna Elvira is horrified and drives off,
swearing vengeance.
SCENE 111— In the Suburbs of Seville. Don
Giovanni 's Palace Visible on the Right
A rustic wedding party comprising Zerlina, Masetto and a company of peasants are enjoy-
ing an outing. Don Giovanni and Leporello appear, and the Don is charmed at the sight of so
much youthful beauty. He bids Leporello conduct the party to his palace and give them re-
freshments, contriving, however, to detain Zerlina.
Masetto protests, but the Don points significantly to
his sword and the bridegroom follows the peasants.
The Don then proceeds to flatter the young girl
and tells her she is too beautiful for such a clown as
Masetto. She is impressed and coquettes with him in
the melodious duet, La ci darem, the witty phrases and
delicate harmonies of -which make it one of the gems
of Mozart's opera.
La ci darem la mano (Thy Little
Hand, Love !)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano, and
Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italian) 89O15 12-inch, $4.OO
By Emma Eames, Soprano, and Emilio
de Gogorza, Baritone
(In Italian) 89OO5 12-inch. 4-OO
By Graziella Pareto, Soprano, and Titta
Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 925O5 12-inch. 4.OO
By Mattia Battistini, Baritone, and
Emilia Corsi. Soprano
(In Italian) 92024 12-inch, 3.00
LEPORELLO
VAUDYK. LONOOK
NIELSEN AS ZERLINA
66
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MOZART'S DON GIOVANNI
This celebrated number, which has been sung by many
famous artists during the one hundred and twenty years since
its first hearing, is one of the best examples of the many spark-
ling concerted numbers -which Mozart has written. Always
interesting, it is wholly delightful when sung by such artists as
those who have rendered it for the Victor. Not less than four
versions, by famous exponents of the characters of Zerlina and
Don Giovanni, are presented here.
DON GIOVANNI:
Nay, bid me not resign, love, coldly the hand
I press,
Oh! say thou wilt be mine, love, breathe but
that one word "yes."
ZERLINA:
I would and yet I would not, I feel my heart
misgive,
Shouldst thou prove false, I could not, become
thy scorn and live.
DON GIOVANNI:
Come then, oh come then, dearest.
ZERLINA:
Yet should thy fondness alter.
DON GIOVANNI:
Nay, love, in vain thou fearest.
BOTH:
Yes, hand and heart uniting, each other's
cause requiting,
Our joy no bounds shall know!
Miss Farrar's Zerlina is a dainty and fascinating character,
and she sings the music brilliantly. It is hardly necessary to
j :AN DE RESZKE AS DON cio- say anything about Scotti's Don Giovanni, as it is quite familiar to
-A.XNI. HIS DEBUT AS A , . 1_ • 1 . • ..• TU
BARITONE (LONDON 187-) opera-goers, ranking among his best impersonations. 1 he
rendition by Mme. Eames and Mr. de Gogorza is a most delight-
ful one, while two other records by famous European artists are also offered.
Giovanni is about to lead Zerlina away, when Donna Elvira, -who has been -watching,
rescues the young girl and carries her off, to the chagrin
of the Don, Donna Anna now enters with Oclaoio,
who asks the help of his friend Don Giovanni in tracing
the murderer of Donna Anna's father. The Don assures
them of his devotion, and goes to his palace, -while
Dinna Anna tells her lover that she recognizes by his
voice that Don Giovanni is the one -who slew her father.
They depart, and Leporello and the Don enter. ' The serv-
ant tells his master that when Donna Elvira and Zerlina
arrived at the palace, and Elvira attempted to tell the
peasants the truth about the Don, he led her gently out-
side the gate and then locked it. He is complimented
by his master, who bids him prepare for the feast of the
evening. Left alone, the gay Don sings his brilliant
Drinking Song, famous in every land.
Fin ch' han dal vino CWine, Flow a
Fountain)
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone (Piano ace.)
(In Italian) 85O31 12-inch, $3.OO
The scene changes to Don Giovanni 's garden. Zerlina
is endeavoring to make her peace with Masetto, but he
is sulky. She then sings her lovely Batti, batli.
Batti, batti, o bel Masetto (Scold Me,
dear Masetto)
4:.
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
(In Italian) 88126 12-inch, $3.OO
AROTT AND RKNAT-n AS ZERLINA AN"
DON GIOVANNI
By Tvlarcella Sembrich, Soprano
(In Italian) 88O26 12-inch, $3.OO
07
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MOZART'S DON GIOVANNI
This gentle number is in striking contrast to the brilliant
writing in the lighter bits of Zerlina 's music.
MAUREL AS DON GIOVANNI
All! I see, love, you're relenting,
Pardon, kneeling, I implore!
Night and day, to thee, devoted,
Here I vow to err no more.
Masetto is only half appeased, but goes in to dance with
his bride. Donna Anna, Donna Elvira and Don Octavio, disguised
and masked, enter and sing a trio, in which they pledge them-
selves to have revenge on the traitor.
The scene changes to the interior of the palace, where
the ball is in progress. Don Giovanni continues his efforts to
get Zerlina away from her jealous and watchful lover, and
finally succeeds, but Zerlina calls for help and Masetto and the
three conspirators rush to her assistance. They denounce Don
Giovanni, who defies them with drawn sword, and makes his
escape from the palace.
ACT II
SCENE I — A Square in Seville. Donna Elvira's Residence on the
Left. It is a Moonlight Night
Don Giovanni, followed by his servant, enters, wrapped in a mantle and carrying a
mandolin. He has heard of a pretty servant whom Donna Elvira possesses, and is plotting
to get the mistress out of the way. As Elvira sits at her window, he addresses her, pretending
to be repentant, but when she comes out he pushes Leporello forward to impersonate him.
While they are conversing, the Don makes a great outcry and the pair run off in fright.
The coast clear, the Don sings his famous Serenade to the fair waiting maid.
Serenata, "Deh vieni alia finestra "
(Open Thy 'Window, Love)
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italian) 88194 12-inch, $3.OO
By M. Hector Dufranne. Baritone
(In French) *45011 10-inch. l.OO
By Giuseppe de Luca, Baritone (Piano
ace.) (In Italian) *62623 10-inch. .75
DON GIOVANNI:
Ope, ope thy casement, dearest,
Thyself one moment show;
Oh, if my pray'r thou hearest.
Wave but that arm of snow.
Canst thou my ceaseless sighing
With cold indif'rence greet?
gr
Ah! wouldst thou see me dying
Despairing, at thy feet?
Thy lip outvies Hymettian-honied bowers;
Virtue worthy an aneel, thy heart doth
cherish :
Thy sigh were balm amid a heav'n of flowers:
O, for one kiss, one word, this soul would
perish !
Scotti's impersonation of Don Giovanni is admir-
able in every respect. He is the profligate nobleman
and irresistible wooer to the life, and sings the
difficult score with ease. This famous serenade is
given by the baritone with the grace and ease which
never fail him.
* Doublc-Faccd Record— For title of opposite siJe see DOUBLE-FACED DON GIOVANNI RECORDS, page 69.
68
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MOZART'S DON GIOVANNI
His amours are rudely interrupted by Masetto, who appears
•with a company of villagers, all armed with muskets, seeking
the villain. The Don, pretending to be Leporello, offers to put
them on the right track. Then follows a series of amusing
situations, ending with the capture of the supposed Don by the
three conspirators, but it proves to be Leporello, who takes ad-
vantage of the situation to make his escape.
At the close of this scene occurs the beautiful air of Donna
Elvira, in which she reproaches the Don for deserting her.
iDOUARD DE RESZKE AS LEPORELLO
In quali eccessi (Aria of Donna Elvira)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In Italian} 88253 12-inch,
Mme. Gadski has long been recognized as one
foremost exponents of Mozart
in this country. The music of
this master demands singers of
great understanding and feeling,
who must possess not only voice
but intelligence and taste.
That Gadski possesses these
qualifications in ample measure
is fully apparent to all who listen
to this superb reproduction.
The next scene shows the Cathedral Square, with the statue
of the murdered Commandant in the centre. The Don and
Leporello enter, and are discussing the events of the evening,
when the statue speaks to them. Leporello is terrified, but the
Don defies all spirits and boldly invites the statue to supper
at his palace.
The scene changes to the banquet hall in the palace of
the Don. In the midst of the festivities a loud knocking is
heard. The guests flee in terror, the lights go out, and the
irigantic figure of the Commandant appears at the door.
Leporello cowers in terror under the table, but Don Giovanni is
defiant until the ghost seizes his hand, when he feels for the
first time a terrible fear. The statue sinks, flames appear on
all sides, and demons rise and seize the guilty libertine, who
u tiers a fearful cry of agony as he is carried down into the fiery
abyss.
$3.00
of the
LEPORELLO
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS DON GIOVANNI RECORDS
By Victor Dance Orchestra) _,„,„ .« . . 41 »-
n !/•• * r\ /-> L , /35O6O 12-incn, $1.25
By Victor Dance Orchestra)
] Minuet
1 Forward March — Two Step
Serenade By M. Hector Dufranne, Baritone (In French) |
Si j'etais Roi — On regard de ses yeux ! 45O1 1
By Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French) }
Madamina, il catalogo (Gentle Lady, This List)
By Arcangelo Rossi. Bass (In Italian)
Serenata — Deh! vieni alia finestra (Open Thy
\Vindow, Love) By Giuseppe de Luca, Baritone
(Piano ace. ) (In Italian;
lO-inch, l.OO
62623 10-inch, .75
THE GARDEN — ACT III
(Italian)
DON PASQUALE
(Don Pas-kwah' -lay)
COMIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text and music by Gaetano Donizetti. Libretto adapted from the older Italian opera,
Ser Marc' Antonio, by Camerano. First presented at the Theatre des Italiens, Paris, on
January 4, 1843. First London production June 30, 1843. First New York production March
9, 1846.
Recently revived at the Metropolitan with Sembrich, Scotti and Rossi ; and at the Bos-
ton Opera House with Nielsen, Bourrillon, Antonio Pini-Corsi and Fornari.
Characters
DON PASQUALE, an old bachelor Bass
DR. MALATESTA, his friend, a physician Baritone
ERNESTO, nephew of Don Pasquale Tenor
NORINA, beloved of Ernesto Soprano
A NOTARY Baritone
Chorus of Valets and Chambermaids, Majordomo, Dressmaker and Hairdresser.
Scene and Period : Rome ; the beginning of the nineteenth century.
This brightest of genuine lyric comedies always appeals to that class of opera-goers who
find the present-day comic opera or musical comedy to be cheap, gaudy and lacking in
genuine humor. Don Pasquale is pure entertainment, nothing else, the true spirit of comedy
being found in the music as well as the plot; and both are delightful when the opera is
presented by such artists as the Victor has assembled for this series.
70
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S DON PASQUALE
ACT I
SCENE — A Room in Don Pasquale 's House
The Don is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Dr. Malalesta, who has promised to obtain
for him a young and lovely bride.
Son nov'ore CTis Nine O'Clock !)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *68273 12-inch. $1.25
The Doctor enters, declares he has found the bride, and proceeds to describe the
charmer. The Don is overjoyed, and insists on seeing the lady at once. When the Doctor
leaves, Pasquale gives vent to his feelings in an amusing air.
Un foco insolito (A Fire All Unfelt Before)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *62104 10-inch, $0.75
Ah! hasten speedily,
Sweet little bride, to me!
Yes, I am born again! Now for my nephew, —
By playing thus the careless, heedless hair-
brain,
See what it is the wise and wary gain !
(Looking off.)
Ah! here the very man comes, apropos!
PASQUALE:
A lire, all unfelt before,
I'.urns in my heart's core:
I can resist no more —
I'll strive no longer.
Of old age enfeebling me,
Forgot is the misery,
Feeling still young to be —
Than twenty much stronger.
His nephew enters, and is again urged by his uncle to give up Norina, whom the uncle
calls a vain, coquettish widow. Ernesto refuses, and Don Pasquale announces his intention of
marrying and disinheriting his nephew. The young man, at first incredulous, is finally
convinced that his uncle is in earnest and gives way to despair, beginning his first air:
Sogno soave e casto (Fond Dream of Love)
By Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor (In Italian) *62624 10-inch, $0.75
ERNESTO:
Sweet, holy dreams I loved to cherish
Of early youth, adieu! ye vanish!
If I e'er long'd for riches, splendor,
It was but for thee, love;
I>ut now, poor and abandon'd, I,
Reduc'd from my condition high,
Sooner than thee in misery see,
Dearest, I'll renounce thee.
Before leaving his uncle, Ernesto begs him to consult Dr. Malatesta for advice, but Don
Pasquale says it was the Doctor himself who proposed the plan and offered his own sister as
the happy bride. Ernesto is astonished to hear that the Doctor, who he thought was his
friend, had deserted him.
SCENE II— A Room in Norina 's House
Norina is reading a romance, and at the beginning of her air quotes from the book:
Quel guardo (Glances so Soft)
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano (In Italian) 74O87 12-inch. $1.5O
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) *68272 12-inch, 1.25
KORINA:
"Glances so soft revealing
The flame of truest love,
To that sweet maiden kneeling
He swore he'd faithful prove!"
Cavatina — So anch'io la virtu magica (I, Too, Thy Magic
Powers Know)
By Amelia Pollini, Soprano (In Italian) *62103 lO-inch. $0.75
She then declares that she too knows the value of a glance and smile.
VORIXA:
I, too. thy magic virtues know.
Of glance wt-11 tim'd and tender,
A gentle smile, burn l.i be.u-uilc,
I know — an old offender!
A hidden tear, a languor near,
I know the mode, oh, dear.
Of love's bewitching \viU>,
His facile arts and guiles.
To lure with wanton smiles
I know the modes, oh, dear!
Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite siJe see DOUBLE-FACED DON PASQUALE RECORDS, page 75.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S DON PASQUALE
A servant gives her a letter from Ernesto, just as the Doctor enters and informs her that
he has conceived a scheme to force her lover's guardian to consent to the marriage. Norina
declares she will have nothing to do with it, bidding him to read Ernesto's despairing letter,
in which the young man tells her he is disinherited and will leave Rome, bidding her a last
farewell.
The Doctor soothes her, telling her he will induce Ernesto to remain, and then reveals
the details of the plot against Don Pasquale, in -which he proposes to play on the vanity of
the old bachelor, by pretending to find him a young and lovely wife. They decide that
Norina shall play the part of this girl, and go through a mock marriage with Don Pasquale.
Norina is delighted and begins to rehearse her new role. This takes the form of a charming
duet, which ends the first act and -which is always greatly admired. Two records of this
sprightly duet, at widely varying prices, are cataloged here.
Pronta io son (My Part I'll Play)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano, and Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 89O02 12-inch, $4.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *68272 12-inch, 1.25
NORINA: DOCTOR:
My part I'll play, if not offending Uravo, bravo, capital!
Against my lover's repose and quiet; It can't be better — all goes well!
Well the plot with me will fare! NORINA:
DOCTOR: Head turned aside — "Oh fie! oh fie!"
Our plot but tends, you may believe, DOCTOR:
Don Pasquale to deceive. Pursed-up mouth — "Ashamed am I."
NORINA: NORINA:
We're quite agreed, and I'm enlisted. "I'm quite confus'd, my thoughts take wing — '
Would you have me gay or tearful? DOCTOR:
DOCTOR: Oh, clever creature! Just the thing!
Listen, and you'll all be told; — BOTH:
You must play simplicity. Of this old fool, all sense who' spurn'd; —
NORINA: This time the head will be quite turn'd!
I'll lessons give — leave that to me.
"I'm so confused — I'm young, you know —
Thank you — Your servant, — Yes, sir, — Oh!"
The scene is continued in another sprightly duet, which closes the act.
Vado corro (Haste "We !)
By Giuseppina Huguet and Ernesto Badini (Italian) *62O97 lO-inch, $0.75
ACT II
SCENE — A Richly Furnished Hall in Don Pasquale 's House
Don Pasquale, in the most youthful of wedding garments, enters and struts up and
down, admiring himself, until the Doctor arrives with Norina, -who is closely veiled. She
pretends to be shrinking and frightened, and the Doctor, beginning a delightfully humorous
trio, the first of the concerted numbers in this act, begs her to have courage.
The pretended notary now arrives, and another comical scene ensues as the mock
ceremony is performed. Pasquale, so much in love that his judgment is clouded, is not
only induced to sign over one-half his property to his -wife, but agrees that she shall be
absolute mistress of the house. As Norina is signing, Ernesto's voice is heard outside
demanding admittance, having come to bid his uncle fare-well. He is amazed to see Norina
posing as the Doctor's sister and about to be -wedded to his uncle, and tries to interfere, but
is restrained by Malalesla.
The moment Norina affixes her signature to the contract her manner changes, and when
Pasquale attempts to embrace her she coldly asks him not to be so rude. Pasquale is aston-
ished and Ernesto laughs, which enrages the old man so that he orders his nephew from the
room. Norina stops him and says that as Don Pasquale is too old, fat and feeble to attend a
young wife, she must have a young cavalier to attend her, and signifies that Ernesto is her
choice. Don Pasquale is thunderstruck and attempts to protest, but Norina warns him that
if her words are not sufficient to keep him in his place she will beat him ! This is the last
straw, and the bewildered old man stands in a daze, his brain refusing to comprehend -what
has happened !
This tableau is followed by the quartet, E rimasto.
*Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side xe DOUBLE-FACED DON PASQUALE RECORDS, page 75.
72
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S DON PASQUALE
E rimasto la impietrato (He Stands Immovable)
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano; Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone;
Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Agusto Scipioni, Bass
PASQUALE: (In Italian) *16566 10-inch. $O.75
Dream I? Sleep I? What's amiss? To know not if he wakes or dreams!
Kicks — cuffs: good — a fine pretext — He's like a man by lightning struck:
'Tis well she warn'd me now of this — what's No drop of blood runs in his veins.
that mean? MALATESTA:
We shall see what's coming next! Take heart. Pasquale, my old buck,
I, Don Pasquale, she'd think meet Don't be discouraged, use your brains.
To trample underneath her feet! NORINA:
NORTNA AND ERNESTO: Now then, at least, my worthy friend,
He stands petrified, and seems — You must begin to comprehend.
The great finale to Act II then follows, and the curtain always descends amid a gale of
laughter from the audience. Norina rings a bell, summoning the servants, and announces that
she is now sole mistress of the house. She orders new servants engaged, two carriages,
new furniture, etc., planning expenditures on a lavish scale. Don Pasquale attempts to pro-
test, but is silenced, and in a voice choked with rage and astonishment begins the finale.
Son tradito (I Am Betrayed !)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone;
Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Agusto Scipioni, Bass
PASQUALE: (In Italian) *62097 lO-inch, $O.75
I am betray'd, trod down and beat, ALL (pointing to Don Pasquale) :
A laughing stock to all I meet; Don Pasquale, poor, dear wi&ht,
Oh! with mingled rage and spite Is nearly suffocated quite!
I am suffocating quite! MALATESTA (to Pasquale):
NORINA (to Ernesto) : You're a little heated, really —
Now you see, ungrateful heart, Do go to bed, dear Don Pasquale.
How unjust was your suspicion: (To Norina, in a tone of reproof.)
Love, to bring him to submission, On my brother-in-law to play
Counsell'd me to play this part. Thus. I'll not endure, I say!
ERNESTO (to Norina): (To the lovers, who are embracing/ behind Von
You are justified, dear heart; Pasquale' s back.)
Momentary my suspicion. Silly ones, for Heaven's sake, pray,
Love, to bring him to submission, Don't, I beg, yourselves betray!
Counsell'd thee to play this part.
ACT III
(Same as Act I— On the floor and furniture are piled up dresses, bandboxes, furs, etc., in great pro-
fusion. Servants are running to and fro with bustle and excitement)
Don Pasquale is seen amid the confusion, looking with utmost consternation at a huge
pile of bills. He throws them down in despair, and as Norina approaches resolves to make
one last attempt to remain master in his own house.
Signorina in tanta fretta (My Lady, 'Why This Haste ?)
By Emilia Corsi, Soprano, and Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone
(In Italian) *68273 12-inch, $1.25
She is dressed to go out, and is hastening to her carriage when Don Pasquale begins :
(li'ith great heat.)
PASQUA;.E: Why, you impertinent!
Prithee, where are you running in such haste, But there — take what you well deserve, sir!
Young lady, may I beg you will inform me? (Bo.rcs his ears.)
VORINA: PASQUALE:
Oh! that's a thing that very soon is told: Ah!
I'm going to the theatre to divert me. (It is all over with you, Don Pasquale!
PASQUALE: All that now remains for you to do
But the husband, with your leave — excuse me Is quietly to go and drown yourself!)
^ Saying so — may perchance object to it. NORINA:
XORINA: (I must confess, 'tis rather hard a lesson;
The husband sees, and wisely holds his tongue: Yet was required to have its due effect.)
For when he speaks there's no one listens to (To Don Pasquale):
him. I'm going now. then —
PASQUALE (zvitlt rising -warmth): PASQUALE:
Not to put me to the trial, Madame, — Oh, yes, certainly!
It is for your own good that I advise you — But do not take the trouble to return.
You'll to your chamber go, this very instant — NORINA:
Remain content at home — stay in the house. Oh. we shall see each other in the morning.
NORINA (ironically): PASQUALE:
Oh, really! A face of wood — a closed door, you will find.
* Double-Faced Record— For title of oODosite side xe DOUBLE-FACED DON PASQUALE RECORDS, page 75.
73
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S DON PASQUALE
As she goes out she intentionally drops a note which Don Pasquale seizes and peruses.
He is petrified to find that it reads:
"Adored Sophrania —
llct ween the hours of
nine and ten this
evening,
I shall be at the bottom of the garden —
R_y the small grated gate.
shall
Thine to command — thine faithfully; — adieu."
This is too much, and the unhappy man runs in search of Malalesta. Ernesto and the
Doctor enter, discussing the plot, and the young man, after being instructed to be at the
garden rendezvous at nine that evening, goes out.
Pasquale returns, and going solemnly up to the Doctor, exclaims:
PASQUALE:
l!rotlier-in-la\v, in me, alas, you see
A dead man, walking upright!
and tells him of the contents of the note. Malatesta pretends to sympathize and proposes
that they lie in -wait for the guilty lovers that evening and teach them a severe lesson.
Pasquale gloats over his coming triumph, and begins the duet.
Aspetta aspetta cara esposina (^Vait, Wait, Dear Little W^fe)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone, and Giovanni Polese, Baritone
(Double-Faced— See page 75) (In Italian) 62103 lO-inch, $0.75
PASQUALE:
Wait, wait, dear little wife,
I soon reveng'd will be:
E'en now 'tis near, my life.
This night, without delay,
Thou must the reckoning pay!
Thou'lt see what little use
Now will be each excuse —
Useless thy tender smiles.
Sighs, and tears — and wiles —
All I have now at stake,
Concjuer'd, again I'll take!
MALATESTA (aside):
Oh, the poor fellow!
Vengeance he's prating;
Let the dolt bellow —
He knows not what's waiting!
He knows not he is building rare
Castles in the empty air:
He sees not, the simpleton —
That in the trap, poor elf,
He of his own accord
Now goes to throw himself!
(Exit together.)
SCENE II — Don Pasquale' s Garden — // is Night—Ernesto is Discovered Waiting
This scene begins with the beautiful serenade, the most melodious of the airs in
Donizetti's work.
Serenata — Com' e gentil (Soft Beams the Light)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 85048 12-inch, $3.OO
By Aristodemo Giorgini, Tenor, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 7601O 12-inch,
KRNESTO:
Oh! summer night, thy tranquil light
Was made for those who shun the busy day,
Who love too well, yet blush to tell
The hopes that led their hearts astray!
All now is still, on dale, on hill,
2.00
And none are nigh, with curious eye;
Then why, my love, oh, why delay?
Your lattice open to the starry night.
And with your presence make the world more
bright!
Two renditions of this exquisite air are listed here, headed by Caruso's, familiar to
admirers of the great tenor. A fine record by Giorgini, a tenor now much liked in Italy,
follows.
Norina joins Ernesto, and they are reconciled in a duet, Tell Me Again. Pasquale and the
Doctor, with dark lanterns, enter softly and hide behind the trees, but the irate old man can
contain himself no longer and rushes out to denounce the lovers. Ernesto vanishes and
Norina calmly declares there was no one with her, that she had merely come out to get
fresh air. Pasquale is so beside himself with rage and chagrin that Malatesta considers it
time to end the farce, and proposes to rid Pasquale of his bride by marrying her to Ernesto,
revealing that the first marriage was not a real one, and that the lady was not his sister but
Norina. Pasquale is so glad to be rid of such an extravagant termagant that he pardons the
deception, consents to the union, and settles an income on the happy pair.
74
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S DON PASQUALE
DOUBLE-FACED DON PASQUALE RECORDS
Signorina in tanta fretta (My Lady, Why This Haste ?) ]
By Emilia Corsi and Antonio Pini-Corsi (In Italian)
Son nov' ore ('Tis Nine O'clock!)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi and Ernesto Badini (In Italian)}
D'un guardo, un sorrisetto (Glances So Soft) I
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) L a~ ~~
Pronta io son (My Part I'll Play)
By Giuseppina Huguet and Ernesto Badini (In Italian)}
68O1O
62104
J Overture By La Scala Orchestral
I Barbiere di Siviglia — Manca un foglio By La Scala Orchestral
Un foco insolito (A Fire All Unfelt Before)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi and Ernesto Badini (In Italian)
Vado, corro (Haste "We !) By Emilia Corsi, Soprano, and
Ernesto Badini, Baritone (In Italian)
E rimasto la impietrato (He Stands Immovable)
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano ; Antonio Pini-Corsi,
Baritone; Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Sc ip ion i, Bass (In Italian)
Elisir d'amore — Io sonno ricco (I Have Riches) By Passari,
Soprano; A. Pini-Corsi, Baritone; and Chorus (In Italian)
Cavatina — So anch'io Io virtu magica (I, Too, Thy Magic
Virtues Know)
By Amelia Pollini, Soprano (In Italian)
Aspetta aspetta cara esposina ("Wait, "Wait, Dear Little
Wife) By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone, and Giovanni
Polese, Baritone (In Italian]
Sogno soave e casto (Fond Dream of Love)
By Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor (In Italian) ^62624
Faust — Core de soldo Jos (Soldiers ' Chorus) La Scala Chorus
Vado corro (Haste We) By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano,
and Ernesto Badini, Baritone (In Italian)
Son tradito By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Antonio ^62097
Pini-Corsi, Baritone; Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Ernesto
Badini, Baritone (In Italian)}
12-inch, $1.25
12-inch. 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
lO-inch, .75
16566 lO-inch, .75
62103 lO-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
SCENE FOR ACT II AT METROPOLITAN OPERA
75
(Italian)
L'ELISIR D'AMORE
< l.ayl-lccz -cai' dahm-oh' -rail)
THE ELixnTop LOVE
OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Text by Romani. Music by Gaetano Donizetti. First produced in Milan in 1832. First
London production December 10, 1836. First New York production in 1838.
Cast
ADINA a wealthy and independent young woman Soprano
NEMORINO, a young peasant, in love with Adina Tenor
BELLCORE, sergeant of the village garrison Bass
DOCTOR DULCAMARA, a quack doctor Buffo
GlANNETTA, a peasant girl Soprano
A Landlord, a Notary, Peasants, Soldiers, Villagers.
Scene and Period : A little Italian village ; the nineteenth century.
This delightful example of Donizetti's work is a real opera bouffe, and while simple and
unconventional in plot, it has always been a favorite because of the lovely songs with which
it abounds.
Adina, a lively village beauty and heiress, is loved by a young peasant, Nemorino, -who
although handsome and manly, is afraid to press his suit ; but while the beauty treats him
rather coolly she is by no means indifferent to him.
ACT I
SCENE — The Homestead of Adina' s Farm
Adina and her companion are seated under a tree reading. Nemorino is near, pensively
observing his innamoraia, and sings his first Cavatina.
Quant'e bella ! (Ah ! How Lovely)
By Emilio Perea, Tenor (In Italian) *62626 lO-inch, $O.75
NEMORINO:
Ah! how lovely! ah! how dear to me!
While I gaze I adore more deeply;
Ah! what rapture that soft bosom
With a mutual flame to move.
I5ut while reading, studying, improving.
She hath learning and every attainment,
While I can nothing do but love!
Adina then reads to her friends a legend of a cruel lady who coldly treated a knight
who loved her, and only smiled on him when he gave her a love potion. Nemorino •wishes
he could find the receipt for this potent elixir.
Martial music is heard and Be/core, a dashing sergeant stationed near the village,
appears with a bouquet for Adina. She has but few smiles for the military man, which
cheers Nemorino somewhat, and when Be/core departs he renews his suit, but the fair one
tells him that it is useless.
A commotion among the villagers is heard, and Dulcamara, a quack doctor, comes on
the scene, riding in a splendid carriage. He announces his wonderful medicines in a famous
song, Udite, udite o ruslici, the delight of buffos for more than eighty years.
Udite, udite o rustic! (Give Ear, Ye Rustics)
By Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone (In Italian) *68152 12-inch, $1.25
By Emilio Perea, Tenor (In Italian) *62626 lO-inch, .75
* Double-FaceJ RecorJ-For title of oppose side *•<• DOUBLE-FACED ELIXIR OF LOVE RECORDS,
page 78.
76
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — ELIXIR OF LOVE
After the Doctor has recited the wonderful effects of his medicines, saying :
DULCAMARA:
I cure the apoplectical,
The asthmatical, the paralytical,
The dropsical, the diuretical.
Consumption, deafness, too,
The rickets and the scrofula —
All evils are at once upset
By this new and fashionable mode!
Nemorino exclaims, "Heaven itself must have sent this miraculous doctor to our village !"
He draws the quack aside, and asks him if he has an elixir that can awaken love. The
Doctor, of course, says that he is the original inventor of the liquid, and soon has Nemorino 's
last coin in exchange for the coveted potion, which is in reality a bottle of strong wine.
This scene is in the form of an amusing duet, Obbligato.
Obbligato, obbligato (Thank You Kindly)
By Fernando de Lucia, Tenor, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) 91O79 10-inch, $2.0O
As soon as the Doctor has departed Nemorino drinks the elixir, and at once feels a new-
courage in his veins. He begins to sing and dance, and Adina, coming in, is astonished to
see her love-sick swain so merry. Feeling sure that the potion will bring the lady to his feet,
he pays no attention to her, -which piques her so much that when the sergeant arrives and
renews his suit, she consents to wed him in three days. Nemorino laughs loudly at this,
wh ch further enrages the lady, and she sets the -wedding for that very day. This sobers
Nemorino, -who fears that the marriage may take place before the potion works, and he
pie ids for delay. Adina and Be/core laugh at him, and the curtain falls as preparations for
the wedding are begun.
ACT II
SCENE I — Interior of the Farmhouse
The wedding feast is in progress, but the notary has not arrived. Dulcamara is present,
and produces the latest duet from Venice, which he asks Adina to sing -with him.
lo sono ricco e tu sei bella (I Have Riches, Thou Hast Beauty)
By Mme. Passari, Soprano ; Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone ; La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 16566 10-inch, $0.60
This amusing dialogue, supposed to occur between a rich old man and a young girl, is
given here by two -well-known singers of La Scala, supported by the chorus.
The company now goes to an adjoining room to dance ; all but the Doctor, who says he
doesn't know when another free dinner will come his way, and therefore remains at the
feast. Nemorino enters, distracted, and tells the Doctor that the elixir has not yet taken
effect.
"Take another bottle," says the Doctor, "only twenty crowns." Nemorino says he has no
money, so the Doctor promptly pockets the bottle and goes in to the dancers, telling the
unhappy youth to go out and raise the amount.
Be/core, the sergeant, comes in, and learning that Nemorino's distress is caused by lack
of money, suggests that he enlist as a soldier and be richer the fee of twenty crowns.
Nemorino jumps at the chance, signs the articles, runs in search of the Doctor, and drinks
the second bottle !
The peasant girls, having heard that the death of Nemorino's uncle has just made him
rich, begin to pay him attentions. The Doctor tells Nemorino that this popularity is the
result of the elixir he has just sold him. Adina, woman-like, -when she sees her lover in
such demand, promptly regrets having treated him so coldly, and runs out on the verge of
tears. Nemorino, noting her downcast looks, feels compassion for her, and gazing after her
sadly, sings the lovely romanza, famous in every land.
Una furtiva lagrima (Down Her Cheek a Pearly Tear)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 81O27 lO-inch, $2.00
By John McCormack, Tenor (In Italian) 74219 12-inch, 1.5O
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor (In Italian) 74O65 12-inch, 1.5O
By Evan 'Williams. Tenor (In English) 7415O 12-inch, 1.5O
77
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — ELIXIR OF LOVE
Donizetti's delightful little comedy, in spite of the beauty of its music and the oppor-
tunities it offers for a colorature soprano, is really a tenor opera, and requires a great artist
in the role of Nemorino ; and it was the advent of Caruso which made the revival of this
sparkling opera bouffe possible.
Neglected as the opera, as a whole, has been for many years, this lovely romanza, Una
furtioa lagrima, has proved meanwhile an always -welcome contribution to the concert stage,
and as a test for tenors is comparable to the Com e gentil in Don Pasquale. All but four of
Donizetti's fifty operas have lost their popularity, but the song which Nemorino sings to the
tear that stood in his Adina's eye will always keep the opera from being forgotten. This is
one of the most famous of the Caruso records, and his exquisite singing of this beautiful
number is something to be long remembered.
Down her soft cheek a pearly tear
Stole from her eyelids dark,
Telling their gay and festive cheer,
It pained her soul to mark;
Why then her dear presence fly_?
When all her love she is showing?
Could I but feel her beating heart
Pressing against mine own ;
Could I my feeling soft impart, and mingle sigh
with sigh,
But feel her heart against mine own,
Gladly I then would die, all her love knowing!
Mr. McCormack's rendition is also a most attractive one. Very few English singers are
able to sing an Italian aria in a manner that would be acceptable to Italian audiences, but
McCormack is one of these, and his rendering of Donizetti's exquisite air is an example of
this mastery of the old school of vocalization. Other renderings, by Constantino in Italian,
and a fine one in English by Williams, are also offered.
The crafty Dulcamara now suggests to Adini that she try the wonderful elixir in order
to win back her lover, but she says she needs not such aids.
ADINA: ADINA:
With respect to your elixir, With a tender look I'll charm him —
One more potent, sir, have I — With a modest smile invite him —
Through whose virtues Nemorino, With a tear or sigh alarm him —
Leaving all, to me will fly! With a fond caress excite him.
DULCAMARA (aside): Never yet was man so mulish.
Oh! she's far too wise and cunning; That l could n°J make him yield.
These girls know even more than I. Nemorino s fates decided.
When Nemorino has sung his air Adina comes on with the soldier's contract, -which she
has bought back, and tells him that he must not go away. All misunderstandings are now
cleared away, and Be/core arrives to find his bride-to-be embracing another. However,
he is philosophical and saying, " There are other women ! " marches off, while the villagers
tell Adina and Nemorino of the latter's good fortune. The Doctor claims credit for the
reconciliation, and the curtain falls as he is relieving the peasants of their -wages in return for
bottles of his -wonderful Elixir of Love !
DOUBLE-FACED L'ELISIR D'AMORE RECORDS
(Udite. udite o rustici (Give Ear, Rustics!)
By A. Pini-Corsi, Baritone (In Italian)
68152 12-inch, $1.25
j Una furtiva lagrima (A Furtive Tear)
By Emilio Perea, Tenor (In Italian)
I Quant'e bella ! (Ah, How Lovely !)
By Emilio Perea, Tenor (In Italian] [62626 lO-inch, .75
I Udite, udite o rustici — By Arcangelo Rossi, Bass (In Italian) \
lo sono ricco e tu sei bella (I Have Riches, Thou Hast
Beauty) By Maria Passari, Soprano; Pini-Corsi and
Chorus (In Italian) 1 j, -,& iQ-inch 75
Don Pasquale — Quartet, Act I By Linda Brambilla. Soprano : |
Antonio Pini-Corsi, Baritone; Gaetano Pini-Corsi,
Tenor; and Augusto Scipioni. Baritone (In Italian) \
78
ERNANI RESCUES ELVIRA FROM THE KING — ACT I
(Italian) (French)
ERNANI HERNANI
(Er-nah1 -nee) (Her-nah' -nee)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Libretto adapted by Maria Piave ; from Victor Hugo's drama "Hernani;" music by
Giuseppe Verdi. First production in Venice, March 9, 1844. First London production at
Her Majesty's Theatre, March 8, 1845. First New York production, 1846, at the Astor Place.
At its Paris production, January 6, 1846, the libretto was altered at Victor Hugo's request,
the characters being made Italians and the name of the opera changed to // Proscritlo.
Cast of Characters
DON CARLOS, King of Spain Baritone
DON RUY GOMEZ DE SILVA, a Grandee of Spain Bass
ERNANI, a bandit chief Tenor
DON RlCCARDO, an esquire of the King Tenor
lAGO, (Ee-ah'-go) an esquire of Don Silva Bass
ELVIRA, (El-uee'-rah) betrothed to Don Silva Soprano
GlOVANNA, (Gee-oh-vah' -nah) in attendance upon her Mezzo-Soprano
Chorus of mountaineers and bandits, followers of Don Siha, ladies of Elvira, followers of
the King, Spanish and German nobles and ladies, electors and pages.
Scene and Period : Aragon ; about 1519.
79
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
ACT I
SCENE I — The Mountains of AT agon
Elvira, a Spanish lady of rank, is about to be married to the elderly Don Gomez de Siloa,
a Grandee of Spain. Ernani, a bandit chief (in reality John of Aragon, become a brigand
after his estates were confiscated), loves Eloira and resolves to prevent this unwelcome
marriage. The first scene shows a mountain pass where Emani's men are encamped.
Beviam, beviam (Comrades, Let's Drink and Play)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *35168 12-inch, $1.25
The opera opens with this spirited chorus of bandits and mountaineers, who are drinking
and gambling in their stronghold. With reckless satisfaction in their lot they sing :
"What matters to the band't
If hunted and branded
So wine be his share!"
Emani, their chief, appears on a neighboring height with a melancholy brow. His men
remark at his gloomy appearance, and he tells them that he is powerless to prevent the mar-
riage of his betrothed to the aged Siloa on the morrow. He describes the peerless Eloira in
a fine aria, The Sweetest Flow'r.
Come rugiada al cespite (The Sweetest Flow'r)
By Luigi Colazza, Tenor (In Italian) *62627 10-inch, $0.75
The bandits offer their lives, if need be, in the service of their chief, and it is decided to
rescue Eloira that night.
O tu che Talma adora (O Thou, >ly Life's Treasure)
By Martinez Patti, Tenor, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
*16567 lO-inch, $0.75
Ernani, in this passionate aria, sings of the charms of his beloved.
ERNANI :
Oh thou, my life's sole treasure, I love thy starry glances.
Come, come to my arms adoring, Thy smile my heart entrances,
Death at thy feet were pleasure, Most blessed he of mortals .,
The joy of heav'n is mine where'er thou art. To whom thou gav'st thy heart!
Ernani and his men depart in the direction of Siloa's castle
and the scene changes.
SCENE II — Elvira's Apartment in the Castle
Ehira is discovered alone, brooding over the prospect of
the sacrifice, which she seems powerless to prevent.
ELVIRA:
'Tis near the dawning, and Silva yet returns not! Ah! would
he came no more — with odious words of loving, more deeply
confirming my love for Ernani!
Ernani involami (Ernani, Fly with Me)
By Marcella Sembrich 88022 12-inch, $3.OO
By Celestina Boninsegna 91O74 lO-inch, 2.OO
By Maria Grisi *63173 lO-inch, .75
In this beautiful but despairing number she calls on her
lover to save her, singing :
Ernani, fly with me;
Prevent this hated marriage!
With thee, e'en the barren desert
Would seem an Eden of enchantment!
Two brilliant renditions of this famous number are given,
by Mme Sembrich and Mme. Boninsegna; while a popular-
priced record is contributed by Mme. Grisi, of La Scala.
Elvira's ladies-in-waiting now enter, bringing her wedding
gifts, and in the graceful chorus with which this record begins,
congratulate her.
r DUPOm
SEMBRICH AS ELVIRA
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite
tee DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS, page 85.
80
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
THE KING PLEADS HIS LOVE
Quante d'Iberia giovani (Noble His-
pania's Blood;
By Ida Giacomelli and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *16567 10-inch, $0.75
She thanks them, saying : " Each kindly wish awakes
a response in my own heart ;" then sings, aside, a second
number, "Tutto sprezzo che d'Ernani, " in which she tells
of her hope of rescue. The chorus joins in the con-
cluding strain.
Da quel di che t'ho veduta (From
the Day when First Thy Beauty )
By Angela de Angelis, Soprano;
Francesco Cigada. Baritone
(In Italian) *35168 12-inch, $1.25
We come now to one of the greatest scenes in the
opera. Elvira, who has left the room with the ladies,
returns and is amazed to discover in her boudoir the
King, who has been secretly in love with her. She
appeals to his honor, saying :
"In pity, sire, leave me!"
The record begins with the dramatic dialogue
between Carlos and Elvira. Carlos then declares his
love in the aria "Da quel di" leading up to a dramatic
duet, which concludes this sixth number.
Tu se' Ernani ! (Thou Art Ernani!)
By Giacomelli, Martinez-Patti and Pignataro (Italian) *16568 lO-inch, $O.75
The King, maddened by Elvira 's resistance, is about to carry her away by force. She
snatches a dagger from Carlos' belt and cries : "Go, or with this dagger I will slay us both !"
Tlie King is about to summon his guard, when suddenly a secret panel door opens and
Ernani appears. Carlos recognizes him and exclaims : " Thou art Ernani, the assassin and
bandit," and in the spirited trio which follows the rivals declare their hatred, while Elvira,
almost distracted, endeavors to protect her lover.
Infelice e tu credevi (Unhappy One !)
By Marcel Journet, Bass (In Italian) 74O08 12-inch. $1.5O
By Perello de Segurola, Bass (In Italian) 55O07 12-inch, 1.5O
By Marcel Journet, Bass (In Italian) 64077 lO-inch. l.OO
By Aristodemo Sillich, Bass (In Italian) *63421 10-inch, .75
In the midst of this thrilling tableau now appears Silva, who does not recognize the
King and who is naturally astounded to find two rivals in the apartments of his future
bride, quarreling for her possession. He summons his squires and soldiers, then addresses
himself to Elvira and reproaches her in this well-known and impressive Infelice, one of the
most beautiful of bass arias. Four records of this favorite number are available — by
Journet (in both 10 and 12-inch), by de Segurola and by Sillich.
The editor regrets that he is unable to give satisfactory English translations for the ma-
jority of the Ernani airs, but most of the available translations of Ernani are so distorted as
to Ije almost meaningless. The few extracts which are given have been revised and made
somewhat intelligible. "Opera in English," about which we hear so much nowadays,
would be simply impossible without new translations for some of the older works. For in-
stance, here is a specimen translation of the text of this very air of Infelice.
Ah, to win, to win back summer's blossom Far congealing unto the core.
In^my breast were tho't too gainless, Winter lords it in this bosom.
VA inter lords it within this my bosom. Far congealing, far congealing to the core,
Far congealing, far congealing to the core, Unto the core, congealing unto the core!
Fir congealing unto the core,
•' Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite tide see DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS. f>a:e 85.
81
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
Now anyone who can tell just what this means is certainly a highly gifted individual!
In this connection, however, it should be stated that several American music publishers
are entitled to praise for their efforts to improve opera translations, especially G. Schirmer,
with many beautiful new editions of the older operas and collections of opera airs ; and Oliver
Ditson Company, whose Musicians' Library, a splendid piece of music typography, contains
many new translations. The editor of this catalogue is indebted to both these firms for
permission to quote from their new translations.
Vedi come il buon vegliardo (Well I Knew My Trusty Vassal)
By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Carlo Ottoboni. Bass; Remo Sangiorgi. Tenor;
and Giuseppi Sala, Baritone (In Italian) *35169 12-inch, $1.25
Having reproached his bride for her supposed treachery, Silva thinks of vengeance, and
calling for his armor and a sword, demands that the intruders follow him to combat.
Before they can reply, the King's squires enter and salute their sovereign. The astounded
Siloa, though secretly enraged, kneels to his King, saying : " Duty to my King cancels all
offences." The great finale then begins with Carlos' solo, sung aside to his squires:
"Well I knew my trusty vassal Would his wrath and love surrender
Fierce in hate, in passion tender In the presence of his King."
This is one of the most impressive records of the Ernani series.
Finale, Act I
By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Carlo Ottoboni, Bass; Remo Sangiorgi. Tenor;
and Giuseppi Sala, Baritone (In Italian) *16568 lO-inch. IO.75
The finale to Act I is continued in this record. The situation at the close of the act
may be understood by these quotations from the words the librettist has given to the various
characters :
CARLOS (to Ernani): CARLOS:
1 will save thee! Power, dominion and love's delights,
(Aloud to Sili-a) : All these are mine — all my will must obey!
Let this trusty friend depart. SILVA:
ERNANI. From my eyes a veil has fallen . . .
I thy friend? Never! unto death my ven- I can scarce believe my senses!
geance will pursue thee! COURTIERS:
ELVIRA: Well doth Silva hide his anger
Fly, Ernani, let love teach thee prudence! l>ut within it still doth smolder!
Ernani yields to Elvira 's pleadings and in the confusion makes his escape. The curtain
falls on an impressive tableau.
ACT II
SCENE— A Hall in Siloa's Castle
After his escape from the castle, nothing has been seen of Ernani. Elvira believes the
rumors of his death and despairingly consents to wed Don Siloa.
Esultiam (Day of Gladness)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *16569 lO-inch. $O.75
The first scene of Act II occurs in a magnificent hall in the castle. The company of
knights and pages of Silva, and ladies in attendance on Elvira sing the opening chorus in
praise of the noble Silva and his peerless bride.
Oro quant' oro (I am the Bandit Ernani)
By Maria Bernacchi. Soprano; Luisi Colazza. Tenor ; and Torres de Luna.
Bass (In Italian) *16569 lO-inch, $O.75
Siloa, attired as a Grandee, enters. His squire, Jago, announces a holy man, who craves
the hospitality of the castle. Ernani, disguised as a pilgrim, enters, then throws off his disguise
and exclaims, beginning this fine trio :
"I am the bandit Ernani . . . My men are dead or in chains . . . My
enemies are without the castle . . . Seize me and deliver me up, for I am
weary of life!"
Siloa, however, refuses to betray one whom he has received as a guest. The trio,
•which is one of the great scenes of the opera, then follows.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS, pages 84 and 85.
82
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
La vedremo, o veglio audace (I W^ill Prove, Audacious
Greybeard)
By Mattia Battistini, Baritone, and Aristodemo Sillich, Bass
(In Italian) 920O7 12-inch, $3.00
By Ernesto Caronna, Baritone, and Torres de Luna, Bass
(In Italian) *1657O 10-inch, .75
The retainers bring news that the King and his warriors are without the castle. Silva
hides Ernani in a secret passage and orders that the King be admitted. Don Carlos inquires,
with irony, why Silva's castle is so well guarded, and demands that he surrender Ernani or
lose his own life. Silva refuses. The soldiers are ordered to search the castle. This duet
then occurs, beginning:
CARLOS: I will prove, audacious greybeard,
If thou'rt loyal to thy King!
In my wrath I will destroy thee!
SILVA: Oh King, be just; I cannot yield!
Vieni meco (Come, Thou Dearest Maiden)
By Emilia Corsi, Soprano; Mattia Battistini, Baritone: and La Scala
Chorus (In Italian) 920O8 12-inch, $3.00
By Maria Grisi, Soprano ; Francesco Cigada, Baritone; Carlo Ottoboni,
Bass; and La Scala Chorus (Inltalian) *1657O lO-inch, .75
This record begins with a chorus of soldiers, who have explored the castle but have found
no trace of Ernani. The King is about to torture Silva into revealing the secret, when Elvira
rushes in and begs the mercy of his Majesty. Carlos turns to her, and sings consolingly of
the bright future before her as his Queen, and in the great trio which follows the con-
flicting emotions of those in the scene are expressed in Verdi's fiery music.
A te scegli, seguimi (Choose Thy Sword, and Follow!)
By Luigi Colazza. Tenor, and Torres de Luna, Bass
(Inltalian) *35169 12-inch. $1.25
The King, his followers, and the Lady Elvira having retired, Silva exclaims : " Hell cannot
hate with the hatred I bear thee, vile King!" He then takes down two swords from the
armory, and releasing Ernani from his hiding place, challenges him to
combat. Ernani refuses, saying that his life belongs to Silva, who has
saved it. Silva taunts him with cowardice and Emani consents to
fight, but asks for one look at Elvira. Silva replies that the King has
taken her away. "Fool!" cries Ernani to the astonished Grandee,
" the King is our rival ! " and agrees to combine with Silva against
their mutual foe. Once their revenge is accomplished, Ernani agrees
to yield his life at Silva's call, and gives him a hunting horn whichj
shall be the signal for his (Ernani's) death. For this magnificent num-
ber Verdi has written some of his most dramatic music.
In arcion, cavalieri (To Horse, Ye "Warriors)
By Giuseppi Sala, Tenor; Cesare Preve, Baritone;
and La Scala Chorus (Italian) *16571 lO-inch, $O.75
The act closes with the spirited duet and chorus by Ernani, Silva
and the warriors of the Don, who prepare to pursue the King to the
death.
ACT III
SCENE — A Vault in Aix-la-Chapelle Cemetery
O de' verd' anni miei (Oh Bright and Fleeting
Shadows)
By Giuseppi Campanari, Baritone
(In Italian) 85087 12-inch, $3.OO
By Mario Ancona, Baritone (Italian) 88O62 12-inch, 3.OO
* Doable-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS, pages 84 and 85.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
The third act occurs in the Tomb of Charlemagne at Aix-la-Chapelle. Carlos con-
ceals himself in the tomb of his ancestor to witness the meeting of the conspirators who
are plotting against him. He is depressed and melancholy, and sings this famous O de verd,
in which he pledges himself to better deeds should the Electors, then in session, proclaim
him Emperor.
Si ridesti il Icon di Castiglia (Rouse the Lion of Castile)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *16571 10-inch, $O.75
The conspirators, among whom are Ernani and Siloa, assemble at the tomb. Ernani is
chosen to assassinate Carlos, and greets the decision with joy, exclaiming that his dead father
will at last be avenged. The great ensemble then follows.
O sornrno Carlo (Oh Noble Carlos)
By Mattia Battistini. Baritone; Emilia Corsi, Soprano; Luigi Colazza,
Tenor; Aristodemo Sillich. Bass; and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 92046 12-inch, $3.0O
By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Rerno Sangiorgi, Tenor; Francesco Cigada.
Baritone; and La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *3517O 12-inch, 1.25
The booming of cannon having announced that Carlos is proclaimed Emperor, he comes
from the tomb and surprises the conspirators. At the same time the Electors and the King's
courtiers enter from a secret door. Carlos condemns the plotters to death, when Elvira rushes
to him and asks for mercy. The Emperor heeds her, pardons them all, and unites Elvira
and Ernani. In this great finale all glorify the Emperor except Siloa, who still secretly cries
for vengeance.
ACT IV
SCENE — Terrace of a Palace in Aragon
Festa da hallo (Hail, Bright Hour of Gladness)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *16572 10-inch. $O 75
The lovers are now happily united, and this scene shows them at Ernani' 's palace, which,
•with his estates, has been restored to him. A chorus of ladies, masks and pages greets the
happy pair.
Ferna crudel, estinguere (Stay Thee, My Lord !)
By Maria Bernacchi, Soprano ; Luigi Colazza, Tenor: and Torres de Luna,
Baritone (In Italian) *3517O 12-inch, $1.25
Elvira and Ernani are alone on the terrace, oblivious to all but each other, when a blast
from a horn is heard. Ernani awakes from his dream of bliss and recognizes the sound of
his own hunting horn, which he had given to Siloa as a pledge to die when the revengeful
Don should demand his life. The distracted Eloira pleads with Siloa for her husband, but
in vain. After an affecting farewell Ernani fulfills his vow, stabs himself and dies, while
Eloira falls lifeless on his body. The curtain falls as the cruel and remorseless Siloa is gloat-
ing over his terrible revenge.
DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS
JInfelice e tu credevi By Perello de Segurola, Bassl ,-oo_ . 2-inch $1 5O
I Puritani—Sorgea la nolle By Perelld de Segurola, Bass (In Italian) \
Ferna. crudel By Maria Bernacchi, Soprano; Luigi
Colazza. Tenor; and Torres de Luna, Bass (In Italian) _, . _,, . _ .•__!, 17*
/-v /-« i ¥» •* *•/-••• o r» c • • 3517O 12-incn, I.ZD
CJ sornmo Carlo By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Remo dangiorgi.
Tenor; Francesco Cigada. Baritone; and Chorus (Italian)
Ernani Selection By Pryor's Band\ „, i i i 1 2-inch 1.23
Meister singer — Prize Song By Victor Sorlin, 'Cellist I
A te scegli. seguimi By Luigi Colazza. Tenor, and 1
Torres de Luna. Bass (In Italian)
Vedi come il buon vegliardo By Maria Grisi, 35169 12-inch. 1.25
Soprano; Remo Sangiorgi, Tenor ; GiuseppiSala. Tenor;
and Carlo Ottoboni, Bass (In Italian)]
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite ,iJe xe DOUBLE-FACED ERNANI RECORDS, page, 84 and 85.
84
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— V ERDI'S ERNANI
)
Beviam, beviam By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)}
Da quel di che t'ho veduta By Angela de Angelis, J35168
Soprano, and Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) j
O tu che Talma adora By Martinez-Patti, Tenor,
and Chorus (In Italian)
Quante d'Iberia giovani By Ida Giacomclli, Soprano,
and Chorus (In Italian)
Finale. Act I By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Carlo Ottoboni,
Bass; Remo Sangiorgi, Tenor; and Giuseppi Sala, Tenor) . ,,,,,,
Tu se' Ernani By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano ; Martinez-
Patti.Tenor; and Enrico Pignataro, Baritone (In Italian))
Esultiam ! By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) I
oprano;
Luigi Colazza, Tenor ; and Torres de Luna, Bass (In Italian) \
La vedremo By Ernesto Caronna, Baritone, and
Torres de Luna, Bass (In Italian}
Vieni meco By Maria Grisi, Soprano; Francesco Cigada,
Baritone ; Carlo Ottoboni, Bass ; and Chorus (In Italian)
In arcion, cavalieri ! By Giuseppi Sala, Tenor; ]
Cesare Preve, Bass ; and Chorus (In Italian) \
Si ridesti il Icon di Castiglia By La Scala Chorus (Italian) j
Fcsta da ballo "O come felici" By La Scala Chorus }
(In
Hamlet — O vin, discaccia la trislezza
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone, and Chorus
Ernani involami (Ernani, Fly -with Me)
By Maria Grisi, Soprano
Ballo in Maschera — O Figlio d' Inghilterra
By Huguet, Salvador, Cigada, Sillich, and Chorus
Infelice e tu credevi (Unhappy One!)
By Aristodemo Sillich, Bass
Manon — Oh, Manon, sempre la stressa
By Giorgio Malesci, Tenor
Come rugiada al cespite By Luigi Colazza
O tu che 1'alma adora
By Martinez-Patti, Tenor, and Chorus
12-inch, $1.25
16567 lO-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
By Maria Bernacchi, Soprano; il6569 10-inch, .75
16570 lO-inch, .75
16571 lO-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
(In Italian)
'
(In Italian)
63173 lO-inch, .75
(In Italian)
'
•
(In Italian)
63421 lO-inch, .75
(In Italian)
(In Italian) 1
62627 10-inch, .75
(In Italian)]
VERDI'S BIRTHPLACE (OCTOBER 10, 1813), RONCOLE, DUCHY OF PARMA
85
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Words by Barbier and Carre, founded upon
Goethe's tragedy. Music by Charles Gounod.
First produced at the Theatre Lyrique, Paris,
March 19, 1859. First performance in London
June II, 1863; in New York November 26,
1863, at the Academy of Music, with Kellogg,
Mazzoleni, Biachi and Yppolito.
Some famous American productions
were in 1883, with Nilsson, Scalchi, and
Campanini ; and the same year with Nor-
dica (debut) as Marguerite; in 1892 with
Eames, the de Reszkes and Lasalle ;
and recently with Caruso and Farrar.
Characters
FAUST (Fount) Tenor
MEPH1STOPHELES (Mef-ia-tof1 -el.lccz) Bass
VALENTINE (Vat -en-teen) Baritone
BRANDER, or WAGNER Baritone
SlEBEL (See' -bet) Mezzo-Soprano
MARGUERITE (Mahr-guer*et') .... Soprano
MARTHA Contralto
Students, Soldiers, Villagers,
Sorcerers, Spirits.
The action takes place in Germany.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — GOUNOD'S FAUST
TH. IMPERIAL DE L OPERA
MUST
»- NILSSOH
IT MAODDIT
FAUST
Fifty-two years have elapsed since the first production
of this masterpiece by Gounod ; and it is to-day sung
throughout the world more than any other five operas
combined. At the Paris Opera alone it has been given
more than 1500 times, and the new setting recently pro-
vided for it there cost not less than 150,000 francs, a sum
which would not be risked on any other opera whatever.
It seems strange now, in view of the overwhelming
success of Faust, to recall that it was received with indif-
ference in Paris, and all but failed in Milan. The London
production, however, with Titiens, Giuglini, Trebelli,
Gassier and Santley, was quite successful; and in the
following June Patti sang Marguerite for the first time, the
opera receiving a tremendous ovation.
The story is familiar to almost every one and will be
but briefly sketched here. The libretto by Barbier and
Carre does not attempt to follow the Goethe drama, but
merely makes use of the Faust- Marguerite incident. This
is sufficient, however, to provide an intensely interesting
-RI CRAM OF A FAMOUS REVIVAL ( 1 869) subject for Gounod's lovely music.
Prelude
By L'Orchestre Symphonique, Paris 58016 12-inch, $1.OO
The prelude to Faust is a short one, merely giving a clue to the drama which is to
follow. The fateful single note of the full
orchestra with which it opens and the mysteri-
ous chromatic chords stealing in from the
strings form a fitting introduction to a drama
of such unusual portent.
The tempo is then accelerated and a pas-
sage suggesting Faust's mental struggles leads |
to the lovely melody in F major ( Dio possente) .
. .»!,»/. J. llarkir
. M. rii. <;oi MHI
UM»ugm«nM» <!•• \< /
•A FIOBETT1. FOHTAD/""EnOClA
MABODET BARATTE MERAN |
''tn"i,^v"s:''" FAUST I
f pp
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£^^£d
The prelude closes with sustained chords, solemn and impressive.
This number is rarely heard apart from the opera, and so excellent a reproduction as
this one by the orchestra will be highly appreciated.
ACT I — The Compact
The first act reveals the studio of Faust, an aged philosopher and alchemist, who is
se<;n surrounded by musty parchment rolls and the rude scientific apparatus of the fifteenth
century. The fitful light of the expiring lamp is a symbol of the despair in the heart of the
aged Faust, as after a lifetime spent in the pursuit of learning, he realizes that he knows
but little of true knowledge. Tired of the struggle, he resolves to end it with a poisonous
dr.-iught, and raises the goblet to his lips; but pauses as the songs of the happy peasants
float through the open window. He goes to the window, and filled with rage at the sight
of human happiness, he curses all earthly things and calls on Satan to aid him.
This scene is given in a most impressive record by De Tura and the La Scala Chorus.
La vaga pupilla
By Gennaro De Tura and La Scala Chorus (In Italian) 76O19 12-inch, $2.OO
CHORUS OF PEASANT GIRLS (passing without the
window): CHORUS OF REAPERS (without):
Cometh forth, ye reapers, young and hoary !
The earth is proud with harvest glory!
Rejoice and pray.
FAUST:
If I pray there is none to hear —
To give me back my love.
Its believing and its glow.
Accurst be all ye thoughts of earthly pleasure!
Fond dreams of hope! ambitions high,
And their fulfillment so rare!
Accurst, my vaunted learning,
And forgiveness and prayer!
Infernal kin?, appear!
(Mephistopheles appears.)
All ! careless, idle maiden,
Wherefore dreaming still?
Day with roses laden
Cometh o'er the hill.
I5rooks and bees and flowers
Warble to the grove.
Who has time for sadness?
Awake to love!
I'AUST:
Foolish echoes of human gladness,
Go by, pass on your way !
(His hand trembles.)
Goblet so often drained by my father's hand
so steady.
Why now dost thou tremble in mine?
87
P'lHTED tr KOtUHC
The Aged Philosopher Wearies of Life
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
Mephistopheles, attired in the dress
of a gallant, promptly appears in re-
sponse to the call and proposes that
the good Doctor shall enter into a com-
pact with him. In return for riches,
glory, power, anything he desires, Fausl
shall merely give up his soul. The
aged philosopher, spurning gold or
power, cries out for youth, only youth !
lo voglio il piacer (The
Pleasures of Youth)
By Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor ;
Aristodemo Sillich, Bass
(In Italian) *63174 lO-in., $0.75
The bargain is soon agreed upon
and Faust is about to pledge his soul
in return for youth and love, but as he
still hesitates, Mephisio says, " S~e how
fair youth invites you! Look!"
O merveille (Heavenly
Vision)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor;
Marcel Journet, Bass
(In French) 89O39 12-in., $4.OO
Then follows the delicate passage
for strings which accompanies the vis-
ion. Faust, gazing rapturously on the
beautiful Marguerite, sings :
FAUST DREAMS OF YOUTH AND BEAUTY
The scroll is signed in letters of fire, Faust
drains the magic potion and is transformed
into a youth. The spirited duet which follows,
ending the first act, is sung with fine effect;
both of the Victor renditions being most
atti active ones.
ACT II— The Fair
( The scene shows a fair in progress in the public square of a German town)
A motley crowd of students, soldiers, old men, young women and matrons are disport-
ing themselves — drinking, talking, flirting, quarreling; and this animated chorus, with which
the Kermesse Scene begins, graphically pictures the whole.
(In Italian) 74213
(In Italian) *6816O
12-inch, $1.50
12-inch, 1.25
Kermesse Scene
By New York Grand Opera Chorus
By La Scala Chorus
Each group delivers its quota in distinctive fashion, the soldiers' sturdy declaration con-
trasting with the laughing, chattering passages allotted to the women ; the high-pitched
falsetto of the gossiping old men always proving a favorite portion of this number. At the
close the different groups combine into a chorus of six parts. This wonderful piece of
choral writing is reproduced in a striking manner, and gives a most realistic picture of the
Kermesse.
'Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED FAUST RECORDS, page 107.
89
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
SOLDI KRS:
Red and white liquor, coarse or fine.
What can it matter, so we have wine?
OLD MEN:
Each new feast-day brings the old story,
Danger gone by, how we enjoy it!
\Vhile to-day each hot-headed boy
Fights for to-day's little glory!
GIRLS:
Only look how they do eye us,
Yonder fellows gay!
Howsoever they defy us.
Never run away!
STUDENTS:
How those merry girls do eye us
We know what it means —
To despise us, to decoy us,
Like so many queens!
MATRONS:
Only see the brazen creatures
With the men at play;
Had the latter choice in features,
They would turn this way!
SOLDIERS:
Long live the soldier,
The soldier gay!
Be it ancient city, be it maiden pretty,
Both must fall our prey!
Here Valentine, the brother of Marguerite, is found among the crowd of soldiers just
about to depart for the war, and he sings the noble Dio possente, a farewell to his sister
and his home.
PHOTO BY»0»
MEETING OF MARGUERITE AND FAUST ACT II
88203
88174
92043
68275
12-inch. $3.OO
12-inch. 3.OO
12-inch, 3.OO
12-inch. 1.25
Dio possente (Even the Bravest Heart)
By Antonio Scott i. Baritone (In Italian)
By Emilio de Gogorza. Baritone (In Italian)
By Titta Ruffo. Baritone (In Italian)
By Francesco Cigada (Double-faced — See page 107) (Italian)
In the preceding recitative he speaks of his fears in leaving his sister Marguerite alone,
and contemplates with affection the amulet she has given him to bring good fortune.
VALENTINE:
Dear gift of my sister.
Made more holy by her pray'r.
However great the danger.
There's naught can do me harm,
Protected by this charm!
The familiar "Cavatina" then follows:
Even bravest heart may swell,
In the moment of farewell.
Loving smile of sister kind.
Quiet home I leave behind;
Oft shall I think of you.
Whene'er the wine-cup passes 'round.
When alone my watch I keep
And my comrades lie asleep
90
Upon the tented battleground.
But when danger to glory shall call me,
I still will be first in the fray.
As blithe as a knight in his bridal array,
Careless what fate may befall me,
When glory shall call me.
Oft shall I sadly think of you
When far away, far away.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
This Dio possente was not in the original production of the opera,
but was written by Gounod especially for Santley in the English
production at Her Majesty's Theatre, 1864.
The Victor offers a wide choice to buyers of this fine " Cavatina."
Scotti's Valentine is always a revelation in dramatic possibilities. This
role, too often allotted to a mediocre artist, is filled by him with
dignity ; and he makes a serious and soldierly Valentine, singing the
music with admirable richness of tone and beauty of expression.
Although Mr. de Gogorza has not sung the number in opera, it is
frequently seen on his concert programs, and he sings it superbly.
Other fine renditions in Italian are the ones by Ruffo and Cigada, two
famous European baritones, who have not yet visited America.
Le veau d'or (The Calf of Gold)
By Pol Plancon, Bass (In French) 81O38 lO-inch, $2.OO
By Marcel Journet, Bass (In French) 64O36 lO-inch, l.OO
We are now in the full bustle of the Fair Scene, where in front
of an inn a crowd of drinkers are listening to one of their number,
Wagner, singing a some what coarse ditty concerning a rat. Mephisto-
pheles breaks in upon the revelers, and offers to sing a song of his
own, "The Song of the Golden Calf." After the diabolically sug-
gestive introduction by the orchestra, with its semi-quavers and
descending chromatics, we hear the bold opening passage of this
anthem in praise of Mammon, of which the calf is symbolic.
URNET AS MEPHISTO
M PHISTOPHELES:
Calf of Goldl aye in all the world
'."o your mightiness they proffer,
I ncense at your fane they offer
lrrom end to end of all the world.
And in honor of the idol
Kings and peoples everywhere
To the sound of jingling coins
Dance with zeal in festive circle,
Round about the pedestal,
Satan, he conducts the ball !
('alf of Gold, strongest god below!
To his temple overflowing
Crowds before his vile shape bowing,
As they strive in abject toil.
As with souls debased they circle
Hound about the pedestal.
Satan, he conducts the ball !
Two renditions of this effective bass
song are offered by the Victor. Plancon's
rendition is a spirited one, the number
always being sung by him with a full
appreciation of its caustic raillery. Jour-
net's record is also a splendid one in
many respects, and shows the magnificent
voice of this artist to great advantage.
Mephistopheles now proceeds to aston-
ish the company by his feats of magic,
first reading their palms and then draw-
ing wine from the barrel of Bacchus — the
inn sign perched up aloft — each man
drawing the wine he likes the best.
The scene which follows, a most
dramatic one, is given in a splendid
record by Amato, Journet and the Metro-
politan Chorus.
MEPHISTOPHELES AND
91
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-GOUNOD'S FAUST
Faust— Scene des Epees (Scene of the Swords)
By Pasquale Amato, Baritone; Marcel Journet, Bass; and
Metropolitan Opera Chorus
(Giulio Setti. Director)
(In French) 89O55 12-inch, $4.OO
The record begins with the invocation to Bacchus.
M EPII 1 STOP II ELES :
I drink to you all!
(Throwing it out with a wry face.)
Bah ! what rubbishy wine.
Let me see if I cannot find you better!
(Striking the image of Bacchus with his
sword.)
What ho, Bacchus! up there! some liquors!
Come while you can,
And each one drink the wine he likes the best!
He then affronts Valentine by proposing the health of Marguerite,
and the soldier draws his sword, only to find that some unforeseen
force has made it powerless in his hand.
MKPHISTOPHELES:
I propose the health of the dearest of all
dears,
Our Margarita!
VALENTINE:
Enough !
Bridle thy tongue, or thou diest by my hand!
MEPHISTOPHELES:
Come on ! (Both draw)
CHORUS:
Come on !
MEPHISTOPHELES (mocking):
So soon afraid, who so lately defied me? corrr u.
^IwoVd! O disgrace! In my hand is SAMMARCO AS VALENTINE
powerless!
Valentine, however, turns the handle upwards, thus making the Sign of the Cross, the
soldiers doing likewise, and they now face the Tempter with confidence.
VALENTINE AND SOLDIERS:
'Gainst the powers of evil our arms assailing, SOLDIERS (imitating him):
Strongest earthly might must be unavailing. Look hither!
VALENTINE: ALL:
But know thou art powerless to harm us! Whilst this blest sign we wear
VALENTINE: Thou canst not harm us!
Look hither! Whilst this blest sign we wear
(Holds up his su'ord to form a cross.) Thou canst not harm us!
Mephistopheles is discomfited, and cowers in terror as the soldiers sing the choral, with its
striking unison passage for male voices, alternated with bursts of harmony.
This is a remarkably fine reproduction, the men's voices being rich and sonorous, and
the dramatic feeling intense.
The delightful waltz, which has been a model of its kind ever since the first per-
formance of Faust, now begins.
"Waltz from Kermesse Scene
By Pryor's Band (Double-Faced—See page 1 07) 16552 lO-inch. $O.75
This favorite number is played by the band with the absolute precision and daintiness
which are indispensable to its proper performance.
Faust now observes Marguerite and approaching her, greets her respectfully, offering
his escort.
FAUST :
High-born and lovely maid,
Forgive my humble duty.
Let me, your willing slave,
Attend you home to-day?
She modestly declines, saying :
MARGUERITE:
No, my lord, not a lady am I, FAUST (gasing after her):
Nor yet a beauty; By my youth! what a charm!
And do not need an arm, She knows not of her beauty.
To help me on my way. Oh! darling child, I love thee!
The waltz now re-commences and the act ends in a wild and exciting dance, in which
all join — students, soldiers and •women.
92
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — GOUNOD'S FAUST
ACT III — The Garden Scene
The Garden Scene of Faust is undoubtedly Gounod's finest inspiration; and the sensuous
beauty of the music with which the composer has surrounded the story of Marguerite's
innocence and trust betrayed, has held many millions in rapt attention during the fifty
years since it was first heard.
Flower Song — Le parlate d'amor (In the Language of Love)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In Italian) 87O75 lO-inch, $2.OO
By Corinne Morgan, Contralto (In English) *35086 12-inch, 1.25
By Rita Fornia, Soprano (In French) 64162 10-inch, 1.00
By Corinne Morgan, Contralto (In English) 3127O 12-inch, l.OO
By Emma Zaccaria, Mezzo-Soprano (In Italian) *62O85 lO-inch, .75
This fresh and dainty song of Siebel ushers in the act. The gentle boy enters Marguerite's
garden, thinking of the dark prophecy of Mephistopheles, who had told him (in Act 11) :
"Each flower that you touch,
Every beauty you dote on
Shall rot and shall wither!"
Siebel now thinks to put this curse to a test, and prepares to send a message of love to
Marguerite by means of a flower, singing
"In the language of love, oh gentle flow'r,
Say to her I adore her."
Then gath- Andante. Seeit.
ertng a bios- , fl ., . „ ,-^.S; -srr-l — -^-*— I * • wia
EE
som he ex-
claims, as
he sees it
fade :
=*==»=
Son viz - zi, ahi - mS lo stre-go ma - le del • to met di - ce - va_pr
' TUs vjiih-er'd! A-las.' that dark slran-gerfore • told me What my fate must
or. ...
be. . , .
But the happy thought occurs to him to dip his fingers in the font of holy water by the
side of the cottage. He does so, and is delighted to find the spell broken. The first strain
then reappears, closing the aria.
This popular number is offered in Italian by Homer and Zaccaria, in French by
Fornia and in English by Miss Morgan.
Salut demeure (All Hail, Thou Dwelling)
By Enrico Caruso (In French) 88003 12-inch, $3.OO
By John McCormack (In Italian) 7422O 12-inch, 3.OO
By George Hamlin (In English) 74139 12-inch, 1.50
Mephistopheles and Faust, -who have been secretly watching
Siebel, now appear; the Tempter being in high spirits at the appar-
ent success of his schemes, while Faust gazes in rapture at the
garden where his beloved one is wont to walk, and sings his lovely
cavatina. He thus rhapsodizes the modest dwelling of Marguerite „•
All hail, thou dwelling pure and lowly!
Home of an angel fair and holy,
What wealth is here, what wealth outbidding gold,
Of peace and love, and innocence untold!
ISotinteous Nature!
'Twas here by day thy love was taught her,
Here thou didst with care overshadow thy daughter
In her dream of the night!
Here, waving tree and flower
Made her an Eden-bower of beauty and delight.
The Caruso record of this number — already familiar to the
public — is one of the finest in his entire list ; while other renditions
are an Italian one by McCormack and an English version by
Hamlin.
While Faust is singing his apostrophe to Marguerite's dwelling,
Mephistopheles, with an eye to more practical things, has replaced
Siebel's humble nosegay with a splendid bouquet, a more fitting accompaniment to the
casket of jewels with which Marguerite is to be tempted.
> Double-FaceJ Record— For {Hie of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED FAUST RECORDS, page 107.
93
VT BURR M'lHTOSH
CARUSO AS FAUST
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
Marguerite enters the garden, pen-
sively dreaming of the handsome stran-
ger she had met in the market place.
Her entrance is announced on the clari-
nets and violins in a lovely strain sug-
gesting the coming song.
She seats herself at the spinning
wheel and murmurs dreamily :
I wish I could but know who was he that
addressed me:
If he was noble — or at least what his
name is. ...
Le Roi de Thule (Ballad of
the King of Thule)
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano
(French) 88229 12-in., $3.00
By Emma Eames, Soprano
(French) 88O45 12-in.,
3.00
AND MEPHISTOPHELES ENTERING
MARGUERITE'S GARDEN
Then rebuking herself for her idle
fancies, she applies herself to her spin-
ning and begins this plaintive chanson :
"Once there was a king in Thule
Who was until death always faithful,
And in memory of his loved one
Caused a cup of gold to be made."
Then her thoughts return to Faust,
and breaking off the song, she sings as
if to herself:
Adagio.
*T r
II • - vait ton ne gra ce, 4 ce - qu'il me sem -
Ht mat so fen • tie in tear • ing his voice was so kind.
Again impatient with her wandering mind, she finishes the ballad.
Miss Farrar sings this beautiful folk-song with surpassing loveliness of voice, and in
the dreamy sentimental style which it requires, while Mme. Eames' rendition is a fine
example of the consummate art of this singer — vocally perfect and sung with exquisite
feeling.
Finding herself in no humor to spin. Marguerite moves toward the house and sees
the flowers, which she stops to admire, thinking them from Siebel. The box of jewels
then catches her eye, and after some misgivings she opens it. Then follows the bright
and sparkling "Jewel Song," or Air des bijoux, in which childish glee and virginal coquet-
tishness are so happily expressed.
"Oh Heav'n! what brilliant gems!
Can they be real ?
Oh never in my sleep did I dream of aught
so lovely!"
exclaims the delighted Marguerite.
Air des bijoux (Jewel Song)
By Nellie Melba. Soprano (In French)
By Marcella Sembrich. Soprano (In French)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In French)
By Giuseppina Huguet (Double-faced— See page 107) (Italian)
94
88O66
88024
88147
oHloO
12-inch. $3.00
12-inch, 3.OO
12-inch,
12-inch,
3.OO
1.25
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
FARRAR AS MARGUERITE
No less than four fine records of this -well-
known and popular air are presented for the choice
of Victor opera lovers.
Melba's rendition is a most delightful one, her
voice exhibiting the most entrancing smoothness ;
in its loveliness, flexibility and brilliancy it seems
absolutely without a flaw.
Sembrich's Marguerite was always a fine imper-
sonation, and her delivery of the number is exceed-
ingly artistic, being one of the cleanest and most
finished bits of colorature singing ever heard in
opera.
Miss Farrar's brilliant Marguerite has been much
admired during the past few seasons, and this
number shows well the loveliness and flexibility of
her voice. A fine record at a lower price is con-
tributed by Mme. Huguet, doubled with the Ker-
messe record described in Act II.
Quartet — Seigneur Dieu ! (Saints
Above, "What Lovely Gems !)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano ; Enrico
Caruso, Tenor: Marcel Journet, Bass;
and Mme. Gilibert, Mezzo-Soprano
(In French) 95204 12-inch, $5.00
The first of the great quartet records begins with the entrance of Martha, a susceptible
matron who is companion to the motherless girl. The duenna is struck with astonishment
at the sight of the jewels, and begins to question Marguerite, when she is interrupted by
Mephistopheles, who appears with Faust ; and to excuse his entrance tells Martha that her
husisand is dead. This announcement is received with cries of grief and sympathy from
the women, and the impressive pause which ensues is followed by the beautiful quartet, in
which Gounod expresses the various emotions of the characters.
Mephistopheles then begins to flatter the vain matron and pay her mock attentions, so
that Faust may have an opportunity to plead his cause without interruption. This dialogue
with the susceptible duenna furnishes the only touch of comedy in the opera.
MEVHISTOPHELES: Happy will be the man
Whom you choose for your next!
I trust he may be worthy !
Faust urges the timid girl to take his arm, at which she demurs, while the crafty
Tempter continues his flattering attentions to Martha. The second quartet bit then follows,
closing the record.
Quartet— Eh quoi toujours seule ? (But Why So Lonely ?)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano: Enrico Caruso, Tenor; Marcel Journet,
Bass ; and Mme. Gilibert, Mezzo-Soprano
(In French) 95205 12-inch, $5.0O
The second part of the scene begins with the beautiful dialogue between Marguerite
and Faust. She confides to him her loneliness, and in an exquisite passage speaks of her
dead sister.
MARGUERITE: My mother is gone;
At the war is my brother;
One dear little sister I had.
But the darling, too, is dead!
j"aust is tender and sympathetic, and the impressionable girl's heart turns more and
more toward the handsome stranger, who seems all that a lover should be.
The record closes with the final quartet passage, by far the most effective bit of con-
certed writing in the opera. It is magnificently sung here, the balance of the voices
bein^.; absolutely perfect.
95
Marguerite's Surrender
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
The recording of so complex and varied a
piece of concerted music as is contained in these
two records is a marvelous piece of work, and
one of the most amazing achievements in the
reproduction of operatic music yet heard. The
solo, duet, and quartet parts which constitute it,
the short pieces of dialogue between various
persons, not forgetting the important orchestral
interludes — all these are portrayed with the utmost
fidelity, making a marvelous musical picture of
one of the most interesting pages of Gounod's
charming score.
Mephistopheles has succeeded in getting rid of
Martha, who vainly looks for him in the garden,
and he now watches with satisfaction the lovers,
who are wandering among the trees in the moon-
light.
The Tempter now sings the famous Incanta-
tion, in which he calls upon night and the
flowers to aid him in his diabolical plot against
the soul of Marguerite.
Invocation Mephistopheles (Oh
Night, Draw Thy Curtain !)
By Marcel Journet, Bass
(In French) 64119 10-inch, $1.OO
Stretching out his arms, he invokes the powers of Night, that its mysterious scents and
seductive charms may aid him in his work of the lovers* undoing. In this stately passage
the singer drops for a time the satirical vein of the previous quartet, and gives the invo-
cation with befitting solemnity and grandeur.
QUARTET ACT III
MEPHISTOPHELES:
It was high time —
See, 'neath the balmy linden.
Our lovers devoted approaching; 'tis well!
Better leave them alone.
With the flow'rs and the moon.
O night! draw around them thy curtain!
Let naught waken alarm, or misgivings ev r!
Ye flowers, aid the enchanting charm,
Her senses to bewilder; till she knows not
Whether she be not already in Heaven!
This is the most impressive passage in the whole part of Mephistopheles, and it is mag-
nificently sung by Journet.
The lovers appear again, and Mephistopheles discreetly retires from view. The first part
of the exquisite duet then follows.
Tardi si fa ! (The Hour is Late !)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In French) 89032 12-inch, $4.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Fernando de Lucia, Tenor
Piano Ace. (In Italian) 92O53 12-inch, 3.00
Marguerite, finding herself alone with Faust, looks in vain for Martha, and not seeing
her, endeavors to bid farewell to her lover.
Bright and tender, lingers o'er me!
To love thy beauty too!
MARGUERITE:
Oh! how strange, like a spell,
Does the evening bind me!
And a deep languid charm
I feel without alarm,
With its melody enwind me,
And all my heart subdue!
lovely Sempre amar, in which Marguerite
MARGUERITE:
The hour is late!
Farewell!
' FAUST:
Oh, never leave me, now, I pray thee!
Why not enjoy this lovely night a little longer?
Let me gaze on the form before me!
While from yonder ether blue
Look how the star of eve,
The second part of the duet begins with the
and Faust pledge their love.
97
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
Dam mi an cor (Let Me Gaze on Thy Beauty)
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano, and Florencio Constantino, Tenor
(In Italian) 74O76 12-inch. $1.5O
Eternelle (Forever Thine)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In French) 89O31 12-inch, $4.0O
And now the lovers plight their troth in the fateful word " Eternelle," which, with the
solemn chords in the wood wind, sounds like a true lover's sigh.
Faust, in an exquisite strain, calls on Heaven, the moon and stars to witness that his
love is true.
FAUST :
0 tender moon, O starry Heav'n
Silent above thee where angels are enthron'd,
Hear me swear how dearly do I love thee!
(Struck with a sudden fear, the timid girl begs
Faust to depart) :
MARGUERITE:
Ah! begone! I dare not hear!
Ah! how I falter! I faint with fear!
Pity, and spare the heart of one so lonely!
FAUST (tenderly protesting):
Oh, dear one, let me remain and cheer thee,
Nor drive me hence with brow severe!
Marguerite, I implore thee!
MARGUERITE:
By that tender vow that we have sworn,
By that secret torn from me,
1 entreat you only in mercy to be gone!
FAUST:
Oh, fair and tender child!
Angel, so holy, thou shalt control me.
I obey — but at morn ?
MARGUERITE (eagerly):
Yes, at morn, very early!
At morn, all day!
FAUST:
One word at parting! Thou lov'st me?
(She hastens to-vard the house, but stops at the
door and wafts a kiss to Faust) I love thee!
FAUST (in rapture):
Were it already morn! Now away!
Elle ouvre sa fenetre (See ! She Opens the Window !)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano, and Marcel Journet, Bass
(In French) 89O4O 12-inch, I4.OO
Ei m'ama (He Loves Me !)
By Celestina Boninsegna. Soprano (In Italian) 88256 12-inch, 3.0O
(This is the same selection as 89040 with the short dialogue between Faust and
Mephistopheles omitted)
Hurrying away full of thoughts of the morrow, when he will see his Marguerite again,
Faust is confronted by the sneering Mephistopheles, who bars his way.
COPVT M1SHKIH
CONSTANTINO AS FAUST
MEPHISTOPHELES (contemptuously) :
Thou dreamer!
FAUST:
Thou hast overheard?
MEPHISTOPHELES:
I have. Your parting with its modest word!
Go back, on the spot, to your school again!
FAUST:
Let me pass!
MEPHISTOPHELES:
Not a step; you shall stay and overhear
That which she telleth the stars!
See! She opens the window!
Marguerite had entered the house, but returns to the window, looks out at the night and
stars, and pours forth her soul in song.
MARGUERITE (leaning out in the moonlight): And more than Heaven above! The air is
He lores me! He loves me! balmy
Repeat it again, bird that callest! With the very breath of love!
Soft wind that tallest! How the bows embrace and murmur!
He loves me! Ah, our world is glorious, Ah, speed, thou night, away!
98
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
One of the most original and
beautiful of the Faust melodies, this
makes a fitting termination of the ex-
quisitely beautiful Garden Scene. A
lovely melody in 98 time, divided
between flute and clarionet, forms the
basis of the movement, and in this
the soprano joins in short dreamy
phrases.
Her longing for the passing of
night and the return of Faust, ex-
pressed in the last ecstatic phrase, is
answered by the cry of her lover, and
Mephistofkeles, who has been holding
Faust back, now releases him.
FAUST (rustling to the window) :
Marguerite!
MARGUERITE:
Ah! (she faints in his arms).
MEPHISTOPHELES (with sardonic laughter):
There! Ha, ha. ha! ha!
(The curtain slowly falls.)
Fantasie from Garden
Scene
By Mischa Elrnan, Violinist
(Piano ace.)
64122 10-inch, $1.0O
For those -who wish to enjoy some
of the exquisite melodies of this act in
an instrumental form only, the potpourri
by Elman is included here.
In this record the young artist
does not show us feats of execution, but brings out all the sensuous beauty of the music
which Gounod composed for this immortal scene. It is one of the loveliest bits of violin
pliying imaginable.
ACT IV— The Desertion
Quando a te lieta (When All 'Was Young)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In Italian) 8820O 12-inch, $3.00
The opening of the fourth scene shows the unhappy Marguerite seated at her spinning
wheel, brooding over the sorrows which have overtaken her young life. Siebel, her faithful
friend, enters and talks of vengeance against the absent Faust, but Marguerite defends him
an \ sadly goes into the house. Left alone, Siebel, t_^ '***"* ,. n ,
with gentle melancholy, sings this exquisite ro- Iffi '' J f* * I •'"..J' r — 5 i~~ i 5 I * ^~
mance, beginning:
MARGUERITE LONGS FOR FAUST S RETURN
This song has long been a favorite number with many famous contraltos, and its lovely
melody is frequently used in our churches as a setting to "Come Unto Me," and other
sacred words.
SIEBEL:
When all was young and pleasant May was
blooming,
I, thy poor friend, took part with thee in
play ;
Now that the cloud of Autumn dark is
glooming,
Now is for me, too, mournful the day!
The scene abruptly changes to the square in front of the cathedral, with the house of
Marguerite shown at one side. The victorious soldiers, returning from the war, enter,
accompanied by delighted wives and sweethearts, and sing their famous Soldiers' Chorus,
a jubilant inspiring number, and one of the finest marches ever composed.
99
Hope and delight have pass'd from life away!
We were not born with true love to trifle!
Nor born to part because the wind blows cold:
What tho' storm the summer garden rifle,
O Marguerite! Still on the bough is left a
leaf of gold!
From Ditson libretto, copv'11896.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A - G O U N O D ' S FAUST
Deponiam il brando (Soldiers' Chorus)
By New York Grand Opera Chorus (In Italian) 74214 12-inch, $1.5O
By Pryor's Band 165O2 10-inch, .75
By La Scala Chorus (Douhlc-Faced— See page 107) (Italian) 62624 10-inch, .75
By Mountain Ash Party of Wales (In English) 5689 10-inch. .60
SOLDIERS' CHORU
This number was written for a previous opera by Gounod, but was taken bodily and
added to Faust, a happy thought which added another splendid touch to a successful work.
Several renditions of this great chorus are offered, both vocal and instrumental, and a
complete translation of the words is given.
Fold the flag, my brothers,
Fold the flag, my brothers,
Lay by the spear!
We come from the battle once more;
Our pale praying mothers,
Our wives and sisters dear,
Our loss need not deplore,
Yes! 'tis a joy for men victorious.
To the children by the fire, trembling in our
arms.
To old age of old time glorious,
To talk of war's alarms!
Glory and love to the men of old.
Their sons may copy their virtues bold.
Courage in heart and sword in hand.
Ready to fight or ready to die. for Fatherland!
Who needs bidding to dare, by a trumpet
blown?
Who lacks pity to spare, when the field is
won?
Who would fly from a foe, if alone, or last?
And boast he was true, as cowards might do
When peril is past?
Glory and love to the men of old, etc.
Now to home again we come.
The long and fiery strife of battle over;
Rest is pleasant after toil as hard as ours
Beneath a stranger sun.
Many a maiden fair is waiting here
To greet her truant soldier lover.
And many a heart will fail and brow grow
pale.
To hear the tale of peril he has run !
Glory and love to the men of old, etc.
The unhappy Marguerite, shunned by her companions and deserted by all save the
faithful Siebel, is brooding within the cottage, fearing to meet her brother, who has just
returned from the war. Mephittopheles, not content with the evil he has already wrought,
returns to taunt the maiden with her fault, and sings this insulting and literally infernal
song, each verse of which ends with a mocking laugh.
Serenade — "Mephistopheles
By Pol Plancon, Bass
By Pol Plancon. Bass
By Marcel Journet, Bass
By Marcel Journet, Bass
(In French) 851OO 12-inch. $3.OO
(In French) 81O4O lO-inch, 2.OO
(In French) 74O36 12-inch, 1.5O
(In French) 64137 lO-inch, l.OO
100
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— G OUNOD'S FAUST
After the second verse occurs this famous passage
ad lib.
MKPHISTO. f &
J J
Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!
with its beginning on a high G and its octave jumps to the low G, concluding with a peal of
Mephistophelean laughter.
Two versions, by two famous exponents of the part of Mephistopheles, are offered
lor your choice.
MEPHISTOPHELES:
Thou who here art soundly sleeping,
Close not thus thy heatt,
Close not thus thy heart!
Caterina! wake thee! wake thee!
Caterina! wake! 'tis thy lover near!
Hearken to my love-lorn pleading;
Let thy heart be interceding,
Awake, love, and hear!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!
Don't come down until, my dear,
The nuptial ring appear
On thy finger sparkling clearly —
The wedding-ring — the ring shineth clear.
Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! etc.
Caterina! cruel, cruel!
Cruel to deny to him who loves thee —
And for thee doth mourn and sigh —
A single kiss from thy rosy lips.
Thus to slight a faithful lover,
Who so long hath been a rover,
Too bad, I declare!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Not a single kiss, my dear,.
Unless the ring appear!
Ha, ha, ha, ha! etc.
Plancon's Mephistopheles was invariably a finished performance —
•witty, elegant, debonaire and sonorous. It is a polished Devil that
he pictured ; yet beneath the polish we could see the sinister Satan
ever present. In his record of this mocking serenade he is at his best,
and it is sung with the brilliancy and vocal
..AMMARCO AS VALENTINE finish to be expected of this fine artist.
Journet's impersonation has also been highly praised, and he
sings the music superbly, acting with freedom and with an ele-
gance that exhibits the Prince of Darkness as a gentleman,
though we never lose sight of his inner nature. The famous
serenade is given with much spirit by this artist.
Que voulez-vous, messieurs? (What is
Your Will?) (Duel Scene)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor: Antonio Scotti,
Baritone; and Marcel Journet. Bass
(In French) 952O6 12-inch, $5.00
By Ellison Van Hoose. Tenor; Marcel Journet,
Bass; and Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone
(In French) 74OO4 12-inch. 1.5O
Valentine, smarting with shame of his sister's disgrace, comes
from the house and exclaims, " What is your will with me ? "
Afephislopheles replies in his most mocking voice that their
"serenade" was not meant for him. "For my sister, then!"
cries Valentine in a rage, and draws his sword. The great trio
then follows, leading up to a splendid climax.
This thrilling trio forms one of the most effective scenes in
the opera, and is closely followed by the duel, in which Valen-
tine is wounded.
101
MELBA AS MARGUERITE
CHURCH SCENE
The Death of Valentine
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — G O U N O D ' S FAUST
Morte di Valentino < Death
of Valentine)
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone, and
Grand Opera Chorus
(InFrench) 88282 12-inch, $3.OO
Leaving the wounded Valentine on
the ground, the assailants rapidly de-
part, and the crowd of soldiers and
women assemble around the dying
soldier, the chorus here crying out in
accents of pity, in which Marguerite joins.
Valentine, seeing his sister, utters curses
upon her, the solemnity of which is
enhanced by the sustained trumpet
tones in the accompaniment. The
throng endeavor to mitigate the dying
man's anger, and Marguerite begs for-
giveness, but Valentine dies with the
curse upon his lips.
This dramatic scene is vividly pic-
tured in the wonderful painting by
Kreling, reproduced on the opposite
page.
Scene de L'Eglise (I)
(Church Scene, Part I)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano, and
Marcel Journet. Bass
(InFrench) 89035 12-inch, $4.0O
We now come to the impressive
and almost terrible scene outside the
church.
Marguerite, cursed by her dying brother, abandoned by all but the faithful Siebel, is
kneeling at a small altar. Fearing to enter, and endeavoring to seek consolation in prayer,
slie supplicates Heaven to accept her repentance.
MARGUERITE:
< >h, Thou who on Thy throne
liiv'st an ear for repentance!
Here, before Thy feet, let me pray!
M i I'M ISTOPHELES (invisible) :
No! them shalt pray no more!
I.'t her know ere she prayeth.
1 lemons of ill, what is in 'store!
("HURTS OF DEMONS:
Marguerite!
MARGUERITE (faintly) :
Who calls me?
DEMONS:
Marguerite!
MARGUERITE (terrified) :
MKFJIISTOFHELES (taunting her):
Recollect the old time, when the angels,
caressing.
Did teach thee to pray.
Recollect how thou earnest to ask for a
blessing
At the dawn of the day!
When thy feet did fall back, and thy breath
it did falter
As though to ask for aid;
Recollect thou wast then of the rite and the
altar
In thine innocence afraid!
And now be glad and hear
Thy playmates do claim thee from below, to
their home!
The worm to welcome thee, the fire to warm
thee,
Wait but till thou shalt come!
I falter — afraid
Oh! save me from myself!
Has even now the hour of torture begun
As this terrible prophecy is heard from the invisible Evil Spirit, Marguerite is overcome
with terror and sinks down almost fainting.
Scene de L'Eglise (II) (Church Scene, Part II)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano; Marcel Journet, Bass; and
Metropolitan Opera Chorus (In French) 89O37 12-inch, $4.0O
The unhappy girl, beside herself with terror, cries out wildly :
Ah ! what sound in the gloom,
Is beneath me, around me?
Ant-els of wrath? is this your sentence of
cri'el doom ?
103
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— G OUNOD'S FAUST
Then as the chorale is heard
from within the church, she endeavors
to break the encircling Satanic spell
and kneels again in prayer.
CHOIR (within the church) :
When the book shall be unseaied,
When the future be revealed,
What frail mortal shall not yield?
MARGUERITE:
And I, the frailest of the frail.
Have most need of Thy forgiveness!
MEPHISTOPHELES:
No! Let them pray, let them weep!
Hut thy sin is deep, too deep,
To hope forgiveness! No!
CHOIR:
Where shall human sinner be,
Mow lie hid in earth and sea,
To escape eternity?
MARGUERITE (tvilJIy) :
Ah, the hymn is around and above me,
It bindeth a cord 'round my brow!
MEPHISTOPHELES:
Farewell, thy friends who love thee!
And thy guardians above thee!
The past is done! the payment now!
MARGUERITE AND CHOIR:
O Thou! on Thy throne, who dost
hear me,
Let a tear of mercy fall near me,
To pity and save!
MEPHISTOPHELES :
Marguerite! Mine art thou !
MARGUERITE: Ah!
Tormented beyond further en-
durance, the unhappy girl's reason
gives way, and with a terrible cry she
falls lifeless before the church.
Words are pitiful things in de-
scribing such a scene as this, given
as these two artists render it. The conflict in the soul of Marguerite, the taunting apos-
trophe of Mephistopheles as he strives to prevent his victim from praying, while the sombre
strains of the Dies irae issue from the church, form a musical picture which cannot be
adequately described.
The two records on which this great scene have been impressed are among the most
effective in the Faust series. ^ WALpuRGIS NIGHT
At the period of the first production of Faust, a ballet was an absolutely essential part
of an opera, if it were to be given at the Paris Opera, though to-day it is seldom performed.
Gounod placed his ballet between the death of Valentine and the Prison Scene ; called
it a Walpurgis Night, set it in a mountain fastness amid ruins, and called to the scene the
classic queens, Helen, Phryne and Cleopatra, who danced to weird and distorted versions of
melodies from the opera.
Ballet Music (Part I— Valse, "Les Nubiennes ")
By L'Orchestre Symphonique. Paris 58015 12-inch. $1.OO
The first part, which in the opera ac-
companies the dance of the Nubian Slaves, /
is a most striking portion, beginning with
introductory chords, followed by the violins
in this delicious melody :
afterward repeated with bassoon obbligato.
Ballet Music No. 2— Adagio (Cleopatra and the Golden Cup)
By L'Orchestre Symphonique, Paris 58O18 12-inch, $1.OO
The second part is the adagio movement accompanying the scene in which the
Nubian Slaves drink from golden cups the poisons of Cleopatra, who herself moistens her
lips from a vase in which she has dissolved her most precious pearls.
104
MARGUERITE AND THE TEMPTER
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — GOUNOD'S FAUST
Ballet Music Nos. 5 and 6 (Les Troyennes et Variation)
By L'Orchestre Symphonique, Paris 5802O 12-inch, $1.OO
These two parts are heard during the appearance of the goddess Phryne, who rises, a
veiled apparition, and commands the dance to recommence.
Ballet Music — Finale, ** Danse de Phryne "
By L'Orchestre Symphonique. Paris 58O21 12-inch, $1.OO
The tinale is brisk in movement, rising to a wild climax and ending suddenly with
a crashing chord. It is a most effective and exciting bit of ballet composition, and accom-
panies the dance of Phryne, who surpasses all her rivals and wins the favor of Faust, arousing
the anger and jealousy of the courtesans — Helen, Cleopatra, Aspasia and Lais — and the dance
develops into a bacchanalian frenzy, graphically pictured in Gounod's music.
ACT V
SCENE— The Prison Cell of Marguerite
The short final act of Faust is truly one of the grandest of operatic compositions,
Goethe's story giving Gounod ample opportunity for some most dramatic writing.
Marguerite's reason is gone — grief and remorse have driven her insane, and in a frenzy she
has destroyed her child. Condemned to death, she lies in prison, into which Mephistopheles
and Faust, defying bolts and bars, have entered.
"Mon coeur est penetre d'epouvante ! " My Heart is Torn
•with Grief )
By Geraldine Farrar and Enrico Caruso (In French) 89033 12-inch, I4.OO
Gazing at the unhappy girl, who is sleep-
ing on a pallet of straw, Faust cries :
and, as the full measure of his own guilt comes to him, continues :
FAUST: MARGUERITE (aivaking) :
Oh, what anguish! She lies there at my feet Ah, do I hear once again, the song of time
A young and lovely being, imprisoned here gone by —
As if herself, not I, were guilty! 'Twas not the cry of the demons —
No wonder that her fright has reason ta'en 'Tis his own voice I hear!
away!
Marguerite! Marguerite!
She forgets all but that her loved one is before her, and sings in a transport of love :
MARGUERITE: FAUST (supporting her tenderly):
Ah! I love thee only! Yes, I love thee only!
Since thou cam'st to find me Let who will, now goad
No tears more shall blind me! Or mock me, or upbraid.
Take me up to Heaven, Earth will grow as Heaven.
To Heaven by thy aid! By thy beauty made!
Attends ! voici la rue (This is the Fair)
By Geraldine Farrar and Enrico Caruso (In French) 89O34 12-inch, $4-OO
Marguerite's mind wandering, she sings dreamily of the Fair, where first Faust appeared
to her: "fis the Fair!
Where I was seen by you, in happy days
Cone by.
The day your eye did not dare
To meet my eye!
Marguerite now rehearses the first meeting with Faust, his respectful greeting, and her
modest and dignified reply:
"High born and lovely maid, forgive my hum- Every flower is incense breathing,
ble duty; And through the still evening air
Let me your willing slave, attend you home A cloud of dew, with perfume wreathing;
to-day?" Hark! how the nightingale above
"No my lord! not a lady am I, nor yet a To every glowing crimson rose
beauty, Fondly murmurs thy love!
Not a lady, not a beauty, FAUST (urging her):
And do not need an arm to help me on Yes! but come! They shall not harm thee!
my way!" Come away!
FAUST (in despair): There is yet time to save thee!
Come away! If thou lov'st me! Marguerite! Thou shalt not perish!
MARGUERITE (dreamily, her thoughts in the MARGUERITE (listlessly) :
past): 'Tis all too late! Here let me die!
How my garden is fresh and fair! Farewell! My memory live to cherish!
105
The Redemption of Marguerite
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-GOUNOD'S FAUST
The impassioned duet then follows, Faust endeavoring to persuade her to escape ; but
the poor weak mind cannot grasp the idea of safety. The duet is interrupted by the im-
patient Mephistopheles, whose brutal "Alerle " begins the final trio.
Trio — Alerte ! ou vous etes perdus ! (Then Leave Her !)
By Farrar, Caruso and Journet (In French) 952O3 12-inch, $5.0O
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Pietro Lara, Tenor: and Torres
De Luna. Baritone (Double-faced— See below) (In Italian) 62085 lO-inch, .75
Mephistopheles, fearing the coming of the jailers, and uncertain of his own power, cries out :
Then leave her, then leave her, or remain to What does he here! He who forbade me to
your shame; pray!
If it please you to stay, mine is no more the MKPII ISTOPHELES (to Faust):
game! Let us go, ere with dawn
MARGUERITE (in horror, recognizing the Evil Doth justice come on;
One. tin' cause <>f all her woes) : Hark! the horses panting in the courtyard
Who is there! Who is there! below.
Dost thou see, there in the shadow To bear us away!
With an eye like a coal of fire! Come, ere 'tis day; or stay and behold her
undone!
As he sings, the tramping and neighing of horses are heard in the accompaniment.
M.\Ri;ri'.RiTi-: <<t'i'//i fresh courage, defying him):
Away, for I will pray ! (in rapture)
Holy Angels, in Heaven bless'd
My spirit longs with thee to rest!
FUST: Come, mine own,
Ere 'tis too late to save thce!
The inspiring trio, perhaps the most thrilling and moving of all operatic compositions,
then commences; Marguerite continuing her prayer, Faust urging her to follow him, while
Mephistopheles, in desperation, repeats his warning to Faust.
\li i> ii ISTOPHELES: MARGUERITE:
Let us leave her! Come or be lost, for the Holy angels, in Heaven bless'd,
day is near! My spirit longs with thee to re-i !
Come away! the dawn is grey, (Ireat Heaven, pardon grant. I implore thee,
Come, ere they claim thee! For soon shall I appear before thee!
FAUST: O save me! ere I perish forever;
Come with me! Come, wilt thou not hear? To my despair give ear. I pray thee!
Lean on my breast. The early dawn is grey. Holy angels, in Heaven bless'd.
O come! I'm here to save thee! My spirit longs with thee to rest! (She dies.)
At the close of the trio, Mephistopheles is about to triumph over the soul of his victim,
when a company of angels appear and announce that Marguerite is saved. The Evil One,
diagging Faust with him, disappears in a fiery abyss.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS FAUST RECORDS
Selection from Faust By Sousa's Band 311O4 12-inch, $1.OO
(Selection from Faust By Victor Band U,_. , ._ . . . ,,„.
( Crown Diamonds Overture By Victor Bam/(35°16 12-'nch' 1'25
(Flower Song By Corinne Morgan (In English}} ,
\ Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes By Harry Macdonoughf3^ mch' 1-25
(Aria dei gioielli (Jewel Song) By Huguet (In Italian)}, (
ILa Kermesse (Kermesse Scene) By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)^
(Dio possente By Francesco Cigada (In Italian)}, 0~-~ , -, i , ~,
\ Fanrita—Quando le soglie By Mileri and Minolfi (In Italian I bt
(Alerte! ou vous etes perdus! Huguet, Lara and De Luna\,or.e, . _ . , _,
\I,e parlate d'amor (Flower Song) By Emma Zaccaria/b'
/Deponiam il brando (Soldiers' Chorus) By La Scala Choi ,_,_- . , _-
I Don Pasquale—Sogno soave e caslo By Acerbi, Tenor (In Italian I ° '
/Io voglio il piacer By Pini-Corsi and Sillich (In Italian)}, 3l . IQ inch 75
\ Forza del Destino — Solenne in quest' ora Colazza and Caronnaf
/Soldiers' Chorus Pryor's BandK ,,,,
\ Devil's March (von Suppe) Pryor's Band! 165°2
(Waltz from Kermesse Scene Pryor's Band) , ,
\ In Happy Moments (from Maritana) jllan Turner(lt>552 l°~inch'
107
(German) (Italian)
DIE FAVORITIN LA FAVORITA
(Dee Fah-oe-ree' -tin) (Lah Fah-oo-rce'-tah)
(English)
THE FAVORITE
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text by Alphonse Royer and Gustave Waez, adapted from a drama of Baculard-
Darnaud, " Le Comle dt Comminges." Music by Gaetano Donizetti. In its present form it
was first produced at the Academic, Paris, December 2, 1840. First London production Feb-
ruary 16, 1847. Produced in America July 29, 1853.
Cast
ALPHONSO XI, King of Castile Baritone
FERDINAND, a young novice of the Convent of St. James of Compostella,
afterwards an officer Tenor
DON CASPAR, the King's Minister Tenor
BALTHAZAR, Superior of the Convent of St. James Bass
LEONORA Dl GUSMANN, the King's favorite Soprano
INEZ, her confidante Soprano
Courtiers, Guards, Monks, Attendants, etc.
Scene and Period: The action is supposed to tal^e place in Castile, about the year 1 340.
Favorita so abounds with charming airs, fine music and striking dramatic situations that
it is difficult to account for the neglect of it in America. The opera was revived, it is true,
in 1905, with Caruso, Walker, Scotti and Plancon, but has not since been given.
However, for the consolation of those who admire Verdi's beautiful work, the Victor
has rendered all the best airs and several of the stirring concerted numbers, so that the
opera, given by famous artists, may be enjoyed in the comfort and seclusion of the home.
ACT I
SCENE — The Monastery of St. James
The rise of the curtain discloses a Spanish cloister with its secluded garden and weather-
stained wall, while in the distance is a glimse of the tiled roofs of the city. Ferdinand, a
novice in the monastery, confesses to the Prior, Balthazar, that he has seen a beautiful
•woman and has fallen in love with her. He describes his meeting with the fair one in a
lovely song, Una oergine.
Una vergine (Like An Angel)
By Florencio Constantino. Tenor (In Italian) 64090 lO-inch, $1.00
The good Prior is horrified and urges him to confess and repent.
Non sai tu che cTun giusto (Know'st Thou)
By Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor, and Cesare Preve. Bass
(Double-FaccJ— See page 1 12) (In Italian) 62635 10-inch. $O.75
BALTHAZAR:
Ah, my son, my life's latest solace, FERDINAND (MI rapture):
May thy innocence rescue thee still! Yes, ador'd one! this heart's dearest idol!
Thou, thou who shouldst be my successor, For thee I will break ev'ry1 tie!
And all my solemn duties fill. To thet- all my soul I surrender —
FERDINAND: At thy dear feet content to die!
Ah, father, I love her! Forgive me! Father, I go!
BALTHAZAR: BALTHAZAR:
This woman, wretched one! oh, knowest thou Hence, audacious! away in madness!
\Yho has lur'd thee thus to shame? I'll not curse thee! no— depart!
Knowest thou her, for whom thy holiest vow If Heaven spare thee, soon in sadness,
Is forfeit? Her rank — her name? Thou'lt hither bring a broken heart!
FERDINAND: FERDINAND:
I know her not; but I love her! Ah, dear Idol! this heart so enchaining,
BALTHAZAR: In vain thy spell I strive to break!
Begone! too profane! Fly these cloisters To thee only my truth maintaining,
Far, far from hence! — avoid my sight. My cloister I forsake!
108
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA LA FAVORITA
The Prior's pleading fails to restore Ferdinand to his duty,
and he leaves the convent to search for the beautiful unknown.
As he goes he turns and stretches out his arms toward
Balthazar, who averts his head.
The scene changes to the Island of Leon, where Inez,
an attendant of Leonora, and a chorus of maidens are gather-
ing flowers. They sing a melodious chorus,
Bei raggi lucenti (Ye Beams of Gold)
By Ida Roselli, Soprano, and La Scala
Chorus (In Italian) *62635 lO-inch, $0.75
which tells of the love which their mistress feels for a hand-
some youth whom she has seen but once, and who is now
on his way to the Isle at Leonora's request.
Ferdinand, who, shortly after his departure from the
monastery, had received a note bidding him come to the
Isle of Leon, now arrives in a boat, blindfolded, is assisted
to land by the maidens, and the bandage removed. He
gazes around him wonderingly, and asks Inez the name of
the unknown lady -who has sent for him. She smilingly
refuses, and tells him only her mistress may reveal the secret.
Leonora now appears, and the maidens depart. A tender love
scene follows, but the Favorite is anxious, fearing that Ferdi-
nand will learn that she is the King's mistress. She shows
him a parchment which she says will insure his future, and
then bids him leave her forever.
Fia vero ! lasciarti ! (Fly From Thee!)
By Clotilde Esposito and Sig. Martinez-Patti *683O9 12-inch. $1.25
Ferdinand, beginning the duet, indignantly refuses, saying :
rt DUPONT
CARUSO AS FERDINAND
FBXOIMAXD:
Fly from thce! Oh, never!
'Twere madness to try
From thee to sever;
'Twere better to die!
LEONOKA:
Farewell! Go; forget me!
Thy vows and thy love!
No longer regret uu —
Mine image remove.
The rose tho' she fair be,
A canker that wears,
("an never restor'd be
I'.y anguish or tears!
Inez enters and whispers to Leonora that the King has arrived at the villa. Leonora gives
Ferdinand the parchment and exits hastily. He reads it and is delighted to find that it is a
c \ptain's commission, and declares that he will win great honors to lay at the feet of his love.
ACT II
SCENE — Gardens of the Alcazar Palace
The King enters and admires the beauty of the palace, which he has just acquired from
the Moors by the victory of his army, led by the young captain, Ferdinand. A message comes
from Balthazar, the King's father-in-law, who is at the head of the powerful Church party,
aiid Alfonso is threatened with the wrath of the Church if he does not give up Leonora. In a
fi ic air he declares he will not submit.
Vien Leonora (Leonora, Thou Alone)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) *68O61 12-inch. $1.25
Leonora enters and the King tenderly asks the cause of her melancholy. She tells him
h<;r position is intolerable, and asks that she be allowed to leave the Court. She begins
the duet, QuanJo le soglie.
Quando le soglie (From My Father's Halls)
By Lina Mileri, Contralto, and Renzo Minolfi. Baritone
(In Italian) *68275 12-inch. $1.25
Leonora recalls the circumstances connected with her departure from her father's home.
*Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LA FA VOR1TA RECORDS, page 1 12.
109
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA^LA FAVORITA
the halls of my father you
LEONORA:
When from
bore me.
A poor simple maiden, betray'd. deceived.
Alas! within these walls 1 hop'd. fulfilled
Would he those vows so sworn, and so
beliey'd!
KING (with tender remorse):
No more! No more!
LEONORA:
Silent and alone, shunned by the world,
Live I in the dark: the mistress of the King.
Vainly glitter these jewels.
Vainly bloom these flowers around me.
(lod knows my afflictions!
E'en if the lip may smile, the heart is
weeping !
KING:
Hut tell me the first cause of your grief.
LEONORA:
Ah! ask not to know it.
Permit me, sir, to leave this court!
KINO:
No man can love thee more than I;
Thou shall see how my heart adores thee!
LEONORA:
_ I dare not look so high as thee.
KING (aside) :
Oh, love! soft love! her bosom filling.
With sweet response each fibre thrilling.
Inspire her heart!
LKONORA (aside):
Oh, love, alas! this bosom filling.
With secret woe each fibre thrilling!
Pope.
Disperse this gloom; enjoy the feasts
Spread 'round thee by my tender love!
They are interrupted by the entrance of Balthazar, who brings the mandate from the
The King defies him, saying :
KIM.: This lady I shall wed. and whoever
My will is sacred! On my brow Doubts my right shall feel
Rests the royal diadem! The anger of a monarch!
Balthazar then begins the great finale, one of the most impressive of the concerted
numbers.
Ah! paventa il furore (The 'Wrath of Heaven)
By Amelia Codolini, Mezzo-Soprano ; Francesco Cigada, Baritone :
Aristodemo Sillich. Bass ; La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *16536 10-inch.
$0.75
BALTHAZAR:
Do not call the wrath of God,
Avenging upon thee;
For it visiteth terribly
Those who do not bow to His will.
Hasten, pacify Heaven
Before the curse descendeth !
LEONORA:
I tremble with fear
In my inmost heart.
Lest this terrible blow
Should crush my fondest hopes.
KING:
Still this sudden tempest
Shall not bend me nor break me;
Calm thee, my Leonora,
, Bright is thy destiny.
CHORUS:
We tremble with fear
In our inmost hearts.
Lest he call down upon himself
The wrath of Heaven!
BALTHAZAR (denouncing Leonora):
All ye that hear me
Shun the adultress;
Avoid the outcast,
Accurs'd of Heaven is she!
The curtain falls on a dramatic tableau, — Leonora weeping with shame, the King hesita-
ting between love and ambition, while the terrible Balthazar thunders the papal curse down
upon the guilty pair.
ACT III
SCENE— A Room in the Palace
Ferdinand is received by the King, who praises him for his great victories, and asks him
to name his own reward. The young captain asks for the hand of a noble lady to whom
he owes all his renown, and when the King asks her name he points to Leonora. Alfonso
gazes at her coldly and sternly and sings his ironical air.
A tanto amor (Thou FlowV Beloved)
By Mario Ancona, Baritone
By Mattia Battistini, Baritone
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian} 88O63
(In Italian) 92O45
(In Italian) * 16536
12-inch. $3.OO
12-inch. 300
10-inch, .75
ALFONSO: Both night and morn:
Thou flow'r belov'd, Fad'st from my breast.
And in hope's garden cherish'd. Thine ev'ry beauty perished.
With sighs and tears refresh'd, And in thy stead alone have left a thorn!
He consents to the marriage, however, and announcing that they must prepare to wed in
an hour, goes out -with Ferdinand. Leonora is distracted with the knowledge that she must
tell her secret to her lover. She calls Inez, and bidding her seek out Ferdinand and reveal
all, goes to her apartments to prepare for the wedding. Inez prepares to obey, but on her
way is arrested by the order of the King.
* Double-Faced Record— For titk of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LA FA VORITA RECORDS, page 1 12.
110
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA F AV O R I TA
The King enters with Ferdinand, to whom he gives the title of Count of Zamora. Leonora
appears and is overjoyed to see Ferdinand still looking at her lovingly, not knowing that Inez
\ as failed in her mission, and that he is yet ignorant of her secret.
The ceremony is performed and the pair are presented to the Court, but are met with
cold and averted looks. Ferdinand, although not aware of the cause, resents this and is about
to draw his sword when Balthazar enters and demands peace.
When he learns of the wedding he is horrified, and tells Ferdinand he has married the
King's mistress. Ferdinand is furious and denounces the King, who, seized with sudden
rjmorse, begins the great finale to Act III.
Orsu, Fernando (Stay! Hear Me, Ferdinand!)
By Maria Cappiello, Mezzo-Soprano: Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor;
Francesco Cigada, Baritone (Jn Italian) *62659 10-inch, $0.75
Ferdinand hurls at the King's feet his badge of honor and his broken sword and leaves
the Court, followed by Balthazar. Leonora faints as the curtain falls.
ACT IV
SCENE — The Cloisters of the Monastery
The opening number in this act is the impressive Splendon piu belle, considered by many
c "itics to be the finest of the Favorita numbers. The scene represents the cloister at the
Convent of St. James of Compostella, illumined by the rays of the rising sun. The monks
have assembled to welcome back the prodigal Ferdinand, who, heartbroken at the falseness
o- Leonora, is returning to renew his vows. The ceremonies are conducted by Balthazar, who
bjgins this great number.
Splendon piu belle in ciel le stelle (In Heavenly Splendor)
By Marcel Journet and Metropolitan Chorus 74273 12-in.. $1.50
By Torres de Luna, Bass, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *68O61 12-in.. 1.25
By Perello de Segurola. Bass, and La Scala Chorus (Italian) *16551 lO-in.. .75
Balthazar entreats him to lift his eyes from earthly things and contemplate the stars,
\\ hich typify a forgiving Heaven.
CHORUS (to Ferdinand) :
Turn thou to Heaven, where there is no grief!
BALTHAZAR AND CHORUS:
Look at the stars' heavenly splendor above!
Up to them the penitent prayers
Of a purified soul ascend.
And carry back peace and happiness!
The monks now go into the chapel to prepare for the final rites, and Ferdinand, left alone,
c; sts a look behind him to the world he has left forever, and sings his lovely Spirto gentil.
Spirto gentil (Spirit So Fair)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 88O04 12-inch, $3.00
By Gennaro de Tura, Tenor (In Italian) 76O12 12-inch, 2.OO
By Evan Williams, Tenor (In English) 74141 12-inch. 1.5O
Caruso's Spirto gentil, which was the gem of the recent Metropolitan revival, is given
w.th dazzling brilliancy and with that luscious quality of voice so satisfying to the ear. The
re ;ord is a supremely beautiful one, while the accompaniment is most delicate and pleasing.
•"KRDINAND: In thee delighting, all else scorning,
Spirit so fair, brightly descending. A father's warning, my country, my fame!
Then like a dream all sadly ending. Ah. faithless dame, a passion inviting.
Hence from my heart, vision deceiving. Fair honor blighting, branding my name.
Phantom of love, grief only leaving, Grief alone thou leav st, phantom of love!
Signor de Tura furnishes a lower priced Italian version, while Mr. Williams' rendering
is also one of beauty and power.
The monks now lead Ferdinand to the chapel. Leonora, who has come hither disguised
as a novice to entreat forgiveness of her lover, hears him take the final vows and despair-
ingly falls at the altar. Ferdinand comes from the chapel, and seeing a poor novice, assists
him to rise. He is at first horrified to recognize Leonora, and bids her begone, but she
pl<;ads for mercy.
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite ,ide xe DOUBLE-FACED LA FA VORITA RECORDS, page 1 12.
lit
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA FAVORITA
LEONORA: (Impetuously.)
Ah, heavenlike, thy mercy showing, I love thee!
Turn not thy heart away from me, Co'ne, ah, come, 'tis vain restraining
Whose bitter tears ne'er ceas'd from flowing Passion's torrent onward that dashes,
When parted, dear, from thee. O'er my bosom still art thou reigning
FERDINAND (his lore returning): And we together will live and die!
From tears thy words persuasion borrow, One thought on me like lightning flashes,
Like a spell their softness impart, One voice hear I in thunder speaking.
Those sighs, the hope of some bright morrow Fly we hence, some calm shelter seeking,
Waken once more in my heart! Loving share we life's care and joy!
Pietoso al par d'un Nurne (As Merciful as God)
By Clotilde Esposito, Soprano, and Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(Double-faced— See below) (In Italian) 62659 lO-inch. $0.75
Again gently reminding him of his vows, she falls from weakness and privation.
LEONORA: LEONORA (feebly):
No, no! Heav'n forgive me, now I'm dying,
'Tis Heaven calls thee! Ferdinand, I am happy,
FERDINAND (recklessly) : We shall hereafter meet no more to be parted,
Yet more power hath love; Farewell, now, farewell!
Come, could I possess thee (She dies.)
There's naught I would not brave,
Aye, here and hereafter!
(Curtain)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS FAVORITA RECORDS
Quando le soglie (From My Father's Halls) By Lina
Mileri, Contralto, and Renzo Minolfi, Baritone
(In Italian)\to827S 12-inch, $1.25
Faust — Dio possente (Gounod) By Francesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian))
Fiavero! lasciarti! (Fly From Thee!) By Clotilde ]
Esposito, Soprano, and Sig. Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(In Italian) 683O9 12-inch, 1.25
Norma — In mia mono alfin tu set By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano,
and Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor (In Italian))
Vien Leonora (Leonora, Thou Alone) By Francesco 1
Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) Lan<-, , <•> .--.i, i ->*
01 « • i «i • i i 1 1 i «j i i \ TI i oouoi iz-incn, i.zj
Splendon piu belle in ciel (In Heavenly Splendor) By
Torres de Luna, Bass, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian) \
A tanto amor (Thou Flow'r Beloved)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian)
Ah! paventa il furore (The "Wrath of Heaven) By [l6536 lO-inch, .75
Amelia Codolini, Mezzo-Soprano: Francesco Cigada.
Baritone; Aristodemo Sillich, Bass (In Italian)}
Non sai tu che d'un giusto (Know'st Thou) By Gino
Martinez-Patti, Tenor, and Cesare Preve, Bass
(In Italian)
Bei raggi lucenti (Ye Beams of Gold) By Ida Roselli,
Soprano, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Orsu, Fernando (Stay ! Hear Me, Fernando !) By Maria
Cappiello, Mezzo-Soprano; Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor;
Francesco Cigada. Baritone (In Italian) L,,£-Q ,n :_-u
r»- *. i _»» -VT /A -VT -t 1 i-* j n 62659 lO-inch,
Pietoso al par d un Nume (As Merciful as God; By
Clotilde Esposito, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti,
Tenor (In Italian)
Splendon piu belle in ciel le stelle (In Heavenly Splendor) 1
By Perello de Segurola, Bass, and Chorus (In Italian) |1&55! iQ-inch .75
Manon — Et je sais Ootre nom (If I Knew But Your Name)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French)}
112
62635 10-inch, .75
BEETHOVEN
(German)
FIDELIO
(.Fee-Jay1 -lee-o)
or, CONJUGAL LOVE
GRAND OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Words adapted by Joseph Sonnleithner from Bouilly's Leonore, oa V Amour Conjugal
(Leonora, or Conjugal Love). Music by Ludwig von Beethoven. First produced at the
Theatre an o'er Wein, Vienna, November 20, 1805, in three acts, the cast including Weinkoff,
Meier, Demmer, Milder and Rothe. A revised version was given in 1806 and a third
production in 1814. Produced in London, at the King's Theatre, May 18, 1832. In English
at Covent Garden, June 12, 1835. In Italian at Her Majesty's, May 20, 1851. In Paris at
the Theatre Lyrique, translated by Barbier and Carre, and in three acts, May 5, 1860.
First American performance in New York, September 9, 1839, with Giubilei, Manvers and
Poole. Other notable productions were in 1857, •with Johannsen, Weinlich and Oehrlein ; in
1858, with Mme. Caradori and Karl Formes; in 1868, with Mme. Rotter, Habelmann and
Formes ; the Damrosch production of 1884, with Mme. Brandt, Mile. Belz and Herr Koegel ;
and in 1901, with Ternina as Leonore.
Characters
DON FERNANDO, Minister Baritone
DON PlZARRO, Governor of the State Prison Baritone
FLORESTAN. a prisoner Tenor
LEONORE, his wife, known as Fidelio Soprano
ROCCO, jailor Bass
MARZELLJNE, his daughter Soprano
JAQUINO, gatekeeper Tenor
CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD Bass
LIEUTENANT Bass
Soldiers, Prisoners, People, etc.
Place : A Spanish State prison in the vicinity of Seville.
113
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BEETHOVEN'S FIDELIO
Fidelia must ever be regarded with great interest as being the only opera written by one
of the greatest composers. Originally given as Fidelia, it was rewritten and condensed into
two acts by Breuning, still a third revision being made in 1814 by Treitschke. At the time
of the second production in 1806 the title was changed to Leonore, Beethoven writing a new
overture, now known as Leonore No. 3. A portion of this splen-
did number has been played here by Pryor's Band.
Leonore Overture No. 3
By Arthur Pryor's Band (Double-faced — See 4e/on>)
35181 12-inch. $1.25
The action of the opera occurs in a fortress near Seville.
Don Florestan, a Spanish nobleman, has been imprisoned here for
life, and to make his fate certain his mortal enemy, Don Pizarro,
Governor of the prison, has announced his death, meanwhile
putting the unfortunate man in the lowest dungeon, where he is
expected to die by gradual starvation, thus rendering unnecessary
a resort to violent means.
One of the best numbers in the opera is this fine air in D
minor, which has been sung for the Victor by Mr. Goritz.
BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Fateful Moment)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German) 64165 lO-inch, $1.OO
In this the wicked Governor unfolds his hatred and his malignant intentions toward
Florestan.
GOVERNOR:
Fateful moment! My revenge is near!
Long I've waited for this hour,
Fearful lest he should escape me!
Over my enemy I triumph;
He who would my life have taken!
Oh, fateful moment!
Ah, what a day is this!
My vengeance shall be sated,
And thou, thy doom is fated.
Once in the dust I trembled
Beneath thy conquering steel.
But fortune's wheel is turning
In torments thou art burning
The victim of my hate!
An extremely pleasant and agreeable person this Spanish Governor must have been !
Goritz, whose Pizarro is one of his greatest impersonations, sings this striking air in a
highly effective manner, fairly exuding the spirit of revenge.
Don Florestan, however, has a devoted wife who refuses to believe the report of his
death. Disguising herself as a servant, and assuming the name of Fidelia, she secures
employment with Rocco, the head jailor. Rocco's daughter falls in love with the supposed
handsome youth, and he is soon in such high favor that he is permitted to accompany
Rocco on his visits to the prisoner.
Hearing that the Minister of the Interior is coming to the prison to investigate the sup-
posed death of Florestan, the Governor decides to murder him, and asks Rocco 's help. Fidelia
overhears the conversation and gets Rocco to allow her to dig the grave. Just as Don Pizarro
is about to strike the fatal blow, Fidelia rushes forward, proclaims herself the wife of the
prisoner and shields him. The Governor is astonished for a moment, but recovers himself
and is about to sacrifice both, when a flourish of trumpets announces the coming of the
Minister, and Don Pizarro is soon disgraced, while Florestan is pardoned and given back to
his faithful wife.
DOUBLE-FACED FIDELIO RECORD
/Leonore Overture No. 3
\ Attila Selection
Arthur Pryor's
Arthur Pryor's Bandf
12-inch. $1.25
114
THE PHANTOM SHIP
(German)
DER FLIEGENDE HOLLANDER
(Dehr-gen-dih Hot-lan-der)
FLYING DUTCHMAN
I1' 3?or(lf(funfl ira pimtn W'omirmfnt.
at;, Nil 2. .Jnnuar 1843.
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Dei r»n
T.u*» w*wrr«n 9)^4*^. - - f-:t 7i'(..
1*1 11 1< S M*' Jnli >i* Ki to Ixilwtn iititliuuri
M^nlw!' fltfDMijnii'tttVnfn «ti>fHiVllallttn fd'JituiwI >
urn 5 Ubr. Slmnug urn 6 Utr.
i&nN qujrn 9 llbt.
(Italian)
II Vascello Fantasma
(£e/ Vau-xl-low Fahn-tahz -mah)
A ROMANTIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text and score by Richard Wagner. First
produced at the Royal Opera in Dresden, January
2, 1843, with a Paris production the following
year under the title of Le Vaisseau Fantdme. First
London production July 23, 1870; and in English
by Carl Rosa in 1876; first New York production,
in English, January 26, 1877; in German, March
12. 1877.
Cast
DALAND, a Norwegian sea captain Bass
SENTA, his daughter Soprano
ERIC, a huntsman Tenor
MARY, Senta's nurse Contralto
DALAND'S STEERSMAN Tenor
THE DUTCHMAN Baritone
Sailors, Maidens, Hunters, etc.
ORIGINAL PROGRAM DRESDEN, 1843
Place : On the coast of Norway
115
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — FLYING DUTCHMAN
THE STORY
One of the most melodious of Wagner's operas, and the most popular in Germany
to-day, Fliegende Hollander is also the one which was most promptly condemned by the
critics after its production. Its present vogue is a notable example of the change in
musical taste since 1843.
Wagner was led to write the Flying Dutchman after reading Heine's legend of the
unhappy mariner, •who, after trying long in vain to pass the Cape of Good Hope, had
sworn that he would not desist if he had to sail on the ocean to eternity. To punish his
blasphemy he is condemned to the fate of the Wandering Jew, his only hope of salvation
lying in his release through the devotion unto death of a woman ; and to find such a
maiden he is allowed every seven years to go on shore.
Flying Dutchman Overture
By Pryor's Band 31787 12-inch, $1.0O
The overture is a complete miniature drama, em-
bodying the events of the opera to follow. Driven by
the gale, the Phantom Ship approaches the shore, while
amid the fury of the tempest is heard the theme of The
Curse :
The storm increases and reaches its height in a won-
derful piece of writing. No composer ever succeeded
in portraying a raging storm with such vivid effect.
Amid a lull in the tempest, we hear the melancholy
complaint of the Dutchman from the great air in the first CAST OF THE OPERA IN WAGNER'S
act, "Wie oft . . . Mein Grab, es schloss sich nicht ? " HANDWRITING
(My grave — I find it not I) A gleam of hope appears in the Redemption theme, and a joyous
strain is heard from the sailors of Daland "s ship, which is safe in the harbor.
Thus the various events of the drama are presented in miniature ; and the overture is
in fact a complete resume of the opera, summarizing the leading motifs. It is superbly
played by Mr. Pryor's fine organization.
ACT I
SCENE — The Coast of Norway
The curtain rises showing a rocky sea coast in Norway, with the ship of Daland anchored
near the shore. As the crew furl the sails, Daland goes ashore, and climbing the cliff,
sees that he is only seven miles from home, but as he must wait for a change in the wind,
bids the crew go below and rest.
The Steersman remains on watch, and to keep awake sings a sailor ballad :
STEERSMAN:
From the shores of the south, in far-off lands,
I oft on thee have thought;
Through thunder and waves from Moorish strands,
A gift I thee have brought.
My maiden, praise the sweet south wind —
I bring thee a golden ring.
O fair south wind, to me be kind!
My maiden doth spin and sing.
Ho-yo-ho! Hallo-ho!
He soon falls asleep, however, and fails to see the Flying Dutchman, which now appears,
with blood-red sails and black masts, for one of her periodical visits.
Wie oft in Meeres tiefsten Schlund (In Ocean's Deepest Wave)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German) 7423O 12-inch, I1.5O
The spectral crew furl the blood-red sails and drop the rusty anchor. The Dutchman
stands on the deck, and delivers his great soliloquy. He gloomily gazes at the land, and
sings his preliminary recitative:
116
Through thunder and wars of distant seas,
My maiden, come I near!
Over towering waves, with southern breeze,
My maiden am I here!
My maiden, were there no south wind,
I never could come to thee;
O fair south wind, to me be kind!
My maiden, she longs for me!
Ilo-yo-ho! Hallo-ho!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — FLYING DUTCHMAN
VAN ROOY AS THE DUTCHMAN
The term is past, and once again are ended the seven long years;
The weary si a east-- me upon the land.
I la! ha UK lit y ocean!
A little while and thou ngain wilt bear me!
Though thou art changeful, unchanging is my doom!
< . which on the land I seek for,
Never shall I meet with!
True, thou heaving ocean, am I to thee
Until thy latest billow shall break,
I'ntil at last thou art no more!
An introduction in 6-8 allegro molto leads to the aria:
DUTCHMAN :
Kngulf'd in ocean's deepest wave,
Oft have I long'd to find a grave;
But ah! a grave, I found it not!
I oft have blindly rushed along,
To find my death sharp rocks among;
But ah! my death, I found it not.
And oft, the pirate boldly daring.
My death I've courted from the sword,
Here, cried I, work thy deeds unsparing.
My ship with gold is richly stor'd!
/ las, the sea's rapacious son,
1 ut sign'd the cross, and straight was gone
> owhere a grave, no way of death !
Mine is a curse of living breath.
T hee do I pray
1 rij.'ht angel sent from Heaven.
\.as there a fruitless hope to mock me given,
Daland comes on deck
arid is astonished to see the
s- range ship. He wakes the
Steersman and they hail the
s' ranger, who asks Daland to
g.ve him shelter in his home,
o Bering him treasure from his
s'uip. On hearing that Daland
has a daughter, he proposes
marriage. The simple Nor-
wegian is dazzled by such an
honor from a man apparently
so wealthy, and freely con-
sents, providing his daughter
is pleased with the stranger.
The wind changes and
Daland sails for his home, the
Dutchman promising to follow
a:: once.
ACT II
SCENE — A Room in Daland' s
Home
Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano (In German)
When thou didst tell me how to gain release?
A single hope with me remaineth,
A single hope still standeth fast;
When all the dead are raised again.
Destruction then I shall attain.
Ye worlds, your curse continue not!
Endless destruction be my lot!
FIRST ACT SETTING L'SEU IN MUNICH
88116 12-inch. *3.OO
The maidens are busily spinning — all but Senta, Daland's daughter, who is idly dream-
ir g, with her eyes fixed on the fanciful portrait of the Flying Dutchman which hangs on the
vail.
The legend of the unhappy Hollander has made a strong impression on the young girl,
and he seems almost a reality to her. The maidens ridicule her, saying that her lover,
Eric, will be jealous of the Dutchman. Senta rouses herself and commences the ballad,
•which begins with the motive of The Curse. With growing enthusiasm she goes on,
dsscribing the unhappy lot of the man «.i««.j> = ioo ^~~
condemned to sail forever on the sea un- \Jjjp r • p * \r _!* ~£—* Jl I s J* r fT |l* Sff*\
">««-«*-»l*»lv,\^ w oall BMVWfl *_*!» UUV Ot«» Ull- \-jO^
less redeemed by the love of a woman. *»
Then with emotion she cries:
117
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — FLYING DUTCHMAN
This is the theme of Redemption by Woman 's Love, and
a i Sen/a sings the beautifully tender and melodious phrase,
she runs toward the portrait with outstretched arms, hardly
conscious of the now alarmed maidens.
S ; s i \ :
Yo-ho-hoe !
Yi>-lu>-hoi-! Yii-h.i-hiH-! Yo-ho-hoe!
Saw ye tin- ship on the rating deep
I:; lied tlu- canva>, black tin- ina.-t ?
On hoard unccasin.; watch doth k< -i '\>
Tlu- vessel's master pale and jjlia^t'
Hui! How roars tin- wind! Yo-ho-hoe! Yo-ho-hoe!
Ilui! How bends the mast! Yo-hn-hoe! Yo-ho-hoe!
Hui! I. ike an arrow she Hies
\\'ithout aim, without goal, without rest!
(.V/H- (/uses ill the portrait i^'itli yruwiinj excitement)
Yet can tile spectre seair.an
1'e freed from the curse infernal.
Find he a woman on eaith
\\'ho'll pit-due him her love eternal.
Ah! that the unhappy man may find her
Pray, that llea\eii may >oon
In pity grant him this boon:
Mme. Gadski, whose Senta is always a fine impersona-
tiDn, sings this dramatic number most expressively. The
d.fficult attack on the high G, which occurs several times,
is beautifully taken and perfectly recorded.
The maidens are so alarmed at Senta's outburst of passion that they run out and
call Eric, who meets them at the door with news of the Dutchman's arrival. They
run to the shore while Eric remains and reproaches
Senta. She refuses to listen and the distracted lover
runs out.
Suddenly the door opens and the Dutchman appears.
Senta is transfixed with surprise as she involuntarily com-
pares the portrait with the living man. A long silence fol-
lows. The Dutchman, his eyes fixed on the glowing face
of the maiden, advances toward her. Daland soon observes
that the others pay no attention to him, and well satisfied
with the apparent understanding between the stranger and
his daughter, leaves them together.
The Hollander sees in Senta the angel of whom he had
dreamed and who is to banish the curse, and she sees the
original of the portrait on which the sympathy of her
girlish and romantic heart had been lavished. The Hol-
lander asks Senta if she agrees with her father's choice of a
husband. She gladly consents, and a long love duet follows,
the final theme of -which is "faith above all."
Daland re-enters and is delighted to find such a com-
plete understanding between the two. He invites the Dutch-
man to the fete that evening in celebration of the safe arrival
of the Norwegian ship. Senta repeats her vow unto death,
DESTINN AS SENTA and a magnificent trio closes the act.
ACT III
SCENE— Daland 's Harbor
This scene shows the ships anchored in the bay near Daland's home. Daland's vessel
is gay with lanterns, in contrast to the gloom and silence which marks the Dutchman's
ship. A gay Norwegian chorus is followed by a spirited hornpipe with a most peculiar
rl ythm. Bits of these numbers are to be heard in the Pryor's Band records of the Overture
and Fantasia.
The maidens now appear with baskets of eatables, and are joyfully received by the
sailors. Having supplied the wants of their own countrymen, they approach the Dutchman's
si ip and call to the sailors, but only a ghostly silence rewards them. Piqued at this neglect,
they turn their remaining baskets over to the Norwegian sailors and return home.
Suddenly the sea around the Dutchman begins to rise, and a weird glow lights the ship.
119
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — FLYING DUTCHMAN
The crew appear and begin a sepulchral chant, which causes the gay Norwegians to cease
singing and cross themselves in terror, and finally to go below. With mocking laughter, the
crew of the Dutchman also disappear and the ship is in darkness.
Senta and Eric appear and a stormy scene ensues. He has heard of her engagement to
the strange captain, and is beside himself. He kneels and begs her to have pity on him.
Suddenly the Hollander comes upon the scene and is horror-stricken at the tableau.
Believing Senta to be false, he cries, "All is lost; Senta, farewell!"
The crews of both ships appear and the townsmen rush to the scene. The Dutch-
man reveals his identity and
declares himself cursed for-
ever. He springs upon his
ship — the crimson sails ex-
pand as if by magic and the
ship departs, -with the crew
chanting their weird re-
frain.
Senta, in wild exaltation,
rushes to the highest rock,
calling to the departing vessel,
"I am faithful unto death,"
and throws herself into the
sea. The Flying Dutchman
sinks beneath the water, and
rising from the wreck can
be seen the forms of Senta
and the Dutchman clasped
in each other's arms. The
curse has been banished —
true love has triumphed! SENTA IS FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH
MISCELLANEOUS FLYING DUTCHMAN RECORDS
/Flying Dutchman Fantasia
( Pagliacci — Prologue
By Pryor's Band \
By Pryor's Band }
35158 12-inch. $1.25
This brilliant selection contains some of the finest music of this wonderful masterpiece,
in which Wagner has portrayed the story of the Dutchman condemned to sail forever on the
stormy sea unless redeemed by the love of a woman.
Two variations of the exquisite theme representing Redemption by Woman's Love are
given. We first hear the magnificent strain played by the orchestra in Act III when Senta
plunges into the sea, after the Dutchman, believing her false, has sailed away; then follows
the theme first heard in Senta 's ballad, one of the finest numbers in the opera. Then appears
the second of the two principal themes : the Flying Dutchman motive :
JT7T
a weird melody representing the restless wanderer. In strong contrast comes the rollick-
ing chorus of Daland's sailors, "Steersman, Leave the Watch," and the fantastic dance
which follows:
Junute. M ~»
•*">•• ^
The Fantasia is brought to an effective close with a portion of the great duet between
Senta and the Dutchman, leading up to a splendid climax.
120
(Italian)
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
(La Forf-zah del Dei-tee
THE FORCE^'OF DESTINY
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Book by Piave; music by Giuseppe Verdi. First produced at St. Petersburg, Novem-
ber II, 1862; and in London at Her Majesty's Theatre, June 22, 1867. First New York
production February 2, 1865, with Carozzi-Zucchi, Massimilliani and Bellini.
CHARACTERS
MARQUIS OF CALATRAVA. (KaUhiraK -oah) Bass
DONNA LEONORA.I , /Soprano
DON CARLO. / Hl8 Chlldren iBaritone
DON ALVARO, (Aht-oah'.roh) Tenor
ABBOT OF THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS Bass
MEUTONE, a friar Baritone
CURRA, Leonora's maid
TRABUCO, muleteer, afterwards a peddler Tenor
A SPANISH MILITARY SURGEON Tenor
AN ALCADE Bass
Muleteers, Spanish and Italian Peasants and Soldiers,
Friars of the Order of St. Francis, etc.
Scene and Period : Spain and Italy ; about the middle of the eighteenth century.
Verdi's opera of La Forza del Destino was never a great success ; its story, which is
taken from a drama of the Duke of Rivas, entitled Don Alvaro o la Fuerzer del Sino, being
doleful and so crowded with horrors that not even the beautiful music could atone for the
gloomy plot. Old opera-goers well remember the last production of the opera at the
Academy in 1881, with Annie Louise Gary, Campanini, Galassi and Del Puente in the cast.
The only production in America subsequent to that time was that of the Lombardi
Opera Company in San Francisco several years ago.
The overture is a most interesting and rather elaborate one.
/Overture, Parti La Scala Orchestral ,flnno . 0 . , «, -,<
r, . TT i c i <"v t. , o8OO9 12-inch. $1.25
(Overture, Part II La Scala OrchestraJ
It opens with a trumpet blast which sufficiently foreshadows the tragic character of the
opera, this being followed by an air in the minor, leading up to a striking theme which steals
in softly from the strings.
This is the beautiful subject of the Madre Pietosa, afterwards heard with such mag-
nificent effect in the opera.
Part II opens with a light and pretty pastoral melody quite in the Italian vein. A
notably brilliant passage for strings brings us again to the Madre Pietosa melody, this time
delivered in a triumphant fortissimo, after which the overture works up to a truly animated
and powerful finale.
121
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
ACT I
SCENE — Drawing Room in the House of the Marquis of Calatraoa
Don Aloaro, a noble youth from India, becomes enamored with Donna Leonora, the
daughter of the Marquis of Calatrava, who is strongly opposed to the alliance. Leonora,
knowing her father's aversion, determines to make her escape with Alvaro, aided by Curra,
her confidant.
She is in the act of eloping when her father appears, and is accidentally slain by her
lover. Leonora, horror-stricken, rushes to her father, who curses her with his dying breath.
ACT II
SCENE I — An Inn at Hornacuelos
The second act begins in a village inn, where Don Carlo, son of the murdered Marquis,
is disguised as a student in order to better avenge his father. Leonora, who is traveling in
male attire, arrives at the inn, and is horror-stricken at seeing her brother, who has sworn
to kill her lover Alvaro and herself. She flees to the convent of Hornacuelos, arriving at
night.
SCENE II — The Concent of Hornacuelos
Kneeling in the moonlight, she prays to the Virgin to protect her. This beautiful
prayer is splendidly sung here by Mme. Boninsegna, accompanied by the chorus of La Scala.
Madre, pietosa Vergine (Holy Mother, Have Mercy)
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 92031 12-inch, $3.00
The effect produced by the solo voice with the background of male voices singing the
Venite in the chapel is powerful and thrilling, and forms one of the finest of the Victor
reproductions of Verdi's scenes.
LEONORA: LEONORA:
Oh, Holy Virgin, O sublime song,
Have mercy on my sins! Which like incense,
Send help from Heaven Ascends heavenward.
To erase from my heart It gives faith, comfort,
That ungrateful, one. And quiet to my soul.
{The friars are heard in their morning hymn.) I -will go to the holy sanctuary.
THE FRIARS: The pious father cannot refuse to receive me.
Vcnite, adoremns et procelamus O Lord! Have mercy on me,
An te Deinn, ploremus, ploremus Nor abandon me.
Corain Domino, corain Domino qui fecit nos. (She rings the bell of the convent.)
Leonora is admitted to the convent by the Abbot, to whom she confesses. He procures
her a nun's robe and directs her to a cave, assuring her that a curse •will rest upon anyone
who seeks to know her name or to enter her abode. In her gratitude she sings the second
great air.
La Vergine degli angeli (May Angels Guard Thee)
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 91O75 10-inch, $2.OO
Again we have the effect of the solemn chant of the priests blending with the prayer of
Leonora.
THE FRIARS: LEONORA:
La Vergine degli Angeli Let the Holy Virgin
Vi copra del sito manto, Cover you with her mantle,
/: roi protegga vigile And the angels of God
Di Dio I' Angela santo. Watch over you!
(Leonora kisses the hand of the Abbot and
goes to her retreat. The monks return to
the church.)
ACT III
SCENE — A Military Camp near Vellelri
In Act III we are transported to Italy, where we meet Aloaro, who has enlisted in the
Spanish army. In a sad but beautiful air he recounts his misfortunes, and appeals to heaven
for pity.
O tu che in seno agli Angeli (Thou Heavenly One)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 88207 12-inch, $3.OO
122
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
ALVARO: pri-on. . . . The desert educated me; nn-
l.ife is a misery ... In vain I seek known is my royal descent! My ancestors
death. . . . Seville! . . . Leonora! aspired to a throne. Alas! They were bc-
Oh, memories! Oh, night! Thou headed! Oh, when will my misfortune cease?
ha^-t taken from me all my happiness! I Thou who hast ascended in heaven, all beau-
shall ever be unhappy. ... So it is writ- tiful and pure from mortal sins, do not for-
ten. . . . My father tried to make his get to look on me, a poor sufferer, who with-
country free, and to wear a crown by marry- out hope fights eagerly for death against
ing the only daughter of Ineas. He was destiny! Leonora, help me and have mercy
foiled in his design. ... I was born in on my sufferings!
In the next scene he saves the life of Don Carlo, whose •wanderings in search of ven-
geance have led him to this region. Both having assumed fictitious names, they do not know
<-ach other, and swear eternal friendship.
Shortly afterward, during an engagement, Don Aloaro, wounded, is brought in on a
stretcher by his soldiers. Thinking himself dying, he sends away the soldiers and requests
that he be left alone with Don Carlo. The great duet, the finest number in the opera, then
occurs.
Solenne in quest'ora (Swear in This Hour)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italian) 89OO1 12-inch. *4.00
By Carlo Barrera, Tenor, and Giuseppe Maggi, Baritone
(In Italian) *68213 12-inch, 1.25
By Luigi Colazza. Tenor, and Ernesto Caronna, Baritone
(In Italian) *63174 10-inch, .75
The wounded man confides a case of letters to his friend Don Carlo to be destroyed,
making him swear that he will not look at the contents. Carlo swears, and the friends bid
each other a last farewell.
ALVARO:
My friend . . . swear that you will grant with me .... when I am dead destroy
my last wish. the letters.
CARLO: I swear! ALVARO: Look at my breast. CARLO:
CARLO: A key! So be it.
ALVARO: ALVARO (feebly):
Open this case and you will find a sealed Now I die happy .... let me embrace
parcel. ... I trust it to your honor you .... farewell !
It contains a mystery which must die CARLO: Put thy trust in heaven! I'OTII : Adieu!
The Caruso and Scotti rendition of this number is considered by many to be one of the
most perfect and beautiful of all the Red Seal Records. It is certainly the most wonder-
fully lifelike reproduction of these two great voices which could be imagined.
Just at this point it may be well to settle a controversy -which has been raging ever since
the issue of this record in 1906. This argument concerns the identity of the voices in the
opening measures, and is the natural result of a remarkable similarity between Caruso's
lower register and the medium tones of Scotti's voice. The Victor Catalogue Editor now
appoints himself a court of final appeal, and declares that contrary to the usual impression
it is Caruso, not Scotti, who begins the record. Here are the opening measures just as sung
by the artists :
Dow ALVARO (CABUSO).
mi do • ve • te Fv
milk lo grant me. So
DON CABLOS (Scorn)
'=*rB5iBi
Double-FaceJ Record — For titie of opposite side see the double-faced list on page 1 25.
123
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
Aloaro, however, does not die, and in the next scene his identity becomes known to
Don Carlo, who challenges him. They fight, and Aloaro, thinking he has killed his enemy,
resolves to end his days in a monastery.
ACT IV
SCENE— Same as Act II, Scene II
Five years have now elapsed and the last act reveals again the cloister of Hornacuelos,
•where Aloaro, now Father Raphael, is discovered by Don Carlo, who with a persistence rival-
ing that of a Kentucky mountaineer, revives the feud and tries to force him to renew the
combat. Aloaro finally consents, and they agree to fight in a deserted spot near by. This
agreement is expressed in a fiery duet.
Invano Alvaro ! (In Vain, Alvaro !)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Pasquale Amato, Baritone
(In Italian) 89O52 12-inch, $4.0O
The host of Victor opera-lovers •who are familiar with the wonderful duet from Act HI,
by Caruso and Scotti, will note with delight the issue of another famous duet from this
opera, sung by Caruso and Amato.
This great scene has been recorded in two parts. Carlo demands that Aloaro renew the
feud, but the priest refuses, saying that vengeance is with God. Don Carlo taunts him with
a terrible persistence, until the monk, goaded past endurance, consents to fight to the death.
CARLOS:
In vain, Alvaro,
Thou hast hid from the world,
And concealed thy coward heart
With the habit of a monk!
My hate and desire for vengeance
Have enabled me to persist
Until I have discovered your retreat!
In this lonely spot
We shall not be disturbed.
And your blood shall wipe out
The stain upon iny honor;
That I swear before God!
ALVARO (recognizing him) :
Don Carlos! Thou livest!
CARLOS:
Yes! and for long years
I have sought and now find thee.
By thy hand I fell,
But God restored my strength
That I may avenge thy crimes!
Here are two swords,
Thy choice now make!
ALVARO :
Leave me! By this holy habit
Thou niay'st see my repentance!
CARLOS (in fury) :
Coward!
Thou shalt not hide behind thy robes!
ALVARO (agitated):
Coward! Oh, God
Give me strength to forgive thee!
Le minaccie, i fieri accenti (Thy Menaces "Wild !) Part II
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Pasquale Amato, Baritone
(In Italian) 89O53 12-inch. $4.OO
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone, and Emanuele Ischierdo, Tenor
(In Italian) 92504 12-inch,
By Carlo Barrera, Tenor, and Giuseppe Maggi, Baritone
(Double-faced— See page 125) (In Italian) 68213 12-inch,
Aloaro recovers his poise and endeavors to appeal to the reason of his enemy, showing
him the futility of reopening the feud. Part II begins as follows :
4.00
1.25
ALVARO (firmly) :
Thy menaces wild
Be heard only by the winds,
I cannot listen !
Brother, let us submit to fate
And the will of God!
CARLOS:
Thou hast left me
A sister deserted and dishonored!
ALVARO:
No! I swear it!
I adore her with a holy love.
CARLOS (furiously) :
Thy cowardly pleadings
Cannot move me to pity.
Take thy sword and fight!
ALVARO:
Brother, let me kneel to thee.
(He kneels.)
CARLOS:
Ah, by such an act
Thou showest thy base origin!
ALVARO (rising, unable to control himself ):
My lineage is brighter than a jewel —
CARLOS (sneeringly) :
A jewel flaw'd and discolored!
ALVARO (in fury) :
Thou liest!
Give me a sword. Lead on !
CARLOS :
At last!
ALVARO (recovering himself) :
No, Satan shall not thus triumph.
(Throws down his sword.)
CARLOS :
Then coward. I brand thee with dishonor!
(Strikes him.)
ALVARO:
Oh, God, no more!
(To Don Carlos)
Defend thyself!
BOTH:
We both must die,
Our hatred will be appeased
And Satan will claim us for his own!
124
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
ACT V
SCENE— A Wild Spot Near Homacuelos
The scene changes to the vicinity of Leonora's cave. Pale and worn, the unhappy
\\oman comes from the cave, and in another great air implores Heaven to let her die, as
she is unable to forget her lover.
Pace mio Dio (Mercy, O My Lord)
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano (In Italian) 92O27 12-inch, $3.OO
LEONORA:
Mercy, oh Lord!
My sorrows are too great to bear.
This fatal love has been my undoing,
But still do I love him,
Nor can I blot his image from my heart;
Yet 'tis Heaven's decree that I shall see him
no more!
Oh Lord, let me die.
Since death alone can give me peace!
A storm now breaks, and Leonora retires within the cave just as Alvaro and Carlo ap-
pear for the final combat. Alvaro recognizes the spot as an accursed one, but declares
that it is a fitting place for the ending of so deadly a feud.
Don Carlo falls mortally wounded, and desiring to repent his sins asks Alvaro, who is
known as Father Raphael, to confess him, but the monk is under the curse of the cave and
c mnot. He goes to call the friar who dwells in the cave ; Leonora rushes forth, sees her
brother wounded and embraces him, but true to his vow made in Act 1 he makes a dying
e^ort and stabs her to the heart.
This dramatic scene has been put by Verdi into the form of a trio.
Non imprecare, umiliati (Swear Not, Be Humble)
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano; Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor; Cesare Preve,
Bass (Double-faced — See below) (In Italian) 68026 12-inch, $1.25
Don Alvaro then completes the catalogue of horrors by throwing himself from a cliff
just as the monks arrive singing the Miserere. The curtain then falls, evidently because, as
one critic has said, every member of the cast being dead, there seems to be no reasonable
excuse for keeping it up any longer!
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS FORZA DEL DESTINO RECORDS
(Overture, Part I By La Scala Orchestral, Rftno ,~ • «
I Overture, Part II By La Scala Orchestra f 6
Le minaccie. i fieri accenti (Let Your Menaces)
By Carlo Barrera, Tenor, and Giuseppe Maggi, Baritone
(7n//a//an)[68213 12-inch. 1.25
Solenne in quest'ora (Swear in This Hour) By Carlo
I Barrera, Tenor, and Giuseppe Maggi. Baritone (In Italian)}
Non imprecare, umiliati By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano ;
Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor; Cesare Preve. Bass
(In Italian) anoft ,, ;
Ballo in Maschera—Ah I qual soave brMdo ( Thy Words, Like Dew) fb<
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano, and Gino Martinez- Patti, Tenor
(In Italian)
Solenne in quest'ora (Swear in This Hour) By Luigi
Colazza. Tenor, and Ernesto Caronna. Baritone (Italian) I ,
n- ;. ., . ,TL DI r \s . D >63174 lO-inch. .75
raust — lo voglio il piacer (I he Pleasures of Youth) By
G. Pini-Corsi, Tenor, and Aristodemo Sillich, Baritone (Italian))
125
THE WOLF S C.LEN SCENE
(German)
(English)
THE FREESHOOTER
DER FREISCHUTZ
(Der Fry' -shoots)
ROMANTIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Words by Friedrich Kind ; music by Carl Maria von Weber (his eighth opera) ; com-
pleted as Die Jagarsbraut, May 13, 1820. Produced at Berlin, June 18, 1821 ; in Paris, (as
Robin des Bois, with new libretto by Blaze and Sauvage, and many changes) at the Oddon,
December 7, 1824. Another new version, with accurate translation by Pacini, and recita-
tives by Berlioz, at the Academic Royale, June 7, 1841, under the title of Le Franc Archer.
In London as Der Freischutz or The Seventh Bullet, with many ballads inserted, July 23,
1824; In Italian, as // Franco Arciero, at Covent Garden, March 16, 1850 (recitatives by
Costa) in German, at King's Theatre, May 9, 1832. It was revived at Astley's Theatre with
a new libretto by Oxenford, April 2, 1866. First New York production, in English,
March 12, 1825.
Cast
PRINCE OTTOKAR, Duke of Bohemia Baritone
CUNO, head ranger Bass
MAX, K c , , . j Tenor
CASPAR, ) tw° young foresters servin8 under him • ' { Bass
KlLJAN, a rich peasant Tenor
A HERMIT Bass
ZAMIEL, the fiend huntsman • . . . . Speaking Part
AGNES, Cuno's daughter Soprano
ANNIE, her cousin Soprano
Chorus of Hunters, Peasants, Bridesmaids, and invisible Spirits.
Scene and Period : The scene is laid in Bohemia, shortly after the Seven Years ' War.
The word freischutz, probably better translated as " free marksman," means a Schiitz or
marksman who uses "free bullets," or charmed bullets which do not depend on the aim of
the shooter.
126
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DER FREISCHUTZ
Overture
By Sousa's Band * 3500O 12-inch. $1.25
By La Scala Orchestra * 62636 lO-inch, .75
The overture presents the story of the opera in a condensed form.
L An introduction with a tender horn passage leads us into the forest,
^•u Night is falling and mysterious sounds are heard. The allegro, represent-
~^L ing the doubts of the good but vacillating young hunter, begins, and the
^^ sound of the magic bullets can be heard as they drop in the melting pot.
Next a beautiful melody, portraying love and happiness, appears, but
^^- this in turn is succeeded by another mood of distress. At length the
triumphant strain indicative of the final victory is sounded, leading up to
a splendid climax.
Sousa's Band has given a stirring performance of this brilliant over-
ture, -while the rendition by La Scala Orchestra •will please those who
prefer orchestral music.
The story of the opera is founded on a German tradition, told among
huntsmen, that whoever will sell his soul to Zamiel, the Demon Hunter,
may receive seven magic bullets, which will always hit the mark. For
each victim whom he succeeds in securing for the Demon, his own life
is extended, and he receives a fresh supply of the charmed missiles.
Cuno, head ranger to Ottokar, a Bohemian prince, has two assistants,
Max and Caspar, both excellent marksmen. Max is in love with
Agnes, Cuno's daughter, who has promised to be his bride only on con-
dition that he proves himself the best shot at a forthcoming contest. This
contest, however, is -won by Kilian, a peasant. Max, in a dramatic air,
bitterly bewails his bad luck.
MAX Durch die Walder (Thro* the Forest)
By Daniel Beddoe, Tenor (In English) 74244 12-inch, $1.5O
He believes he is cursed by an evil spirit which causes his hand to fail at the critical
moment.
MAX: O, I can bear my fate no longer!
E'en hope is banished from my soul !
What unknown grief thus haunts my spirit,
And o'er me works its dark control?
Thro' the forests, thro' the meadows,
Joy was wont with me to stray,
While my rifle, never failing,
Made each bird and beast my prey.
When at length from chase returning,
Ere home rose before my sight,
Agnes, smiling met me,
Cloth'd in beauty's heavenly light.
But now am I by Heaven forsaken
And left — the power of chance to know?
Will hope's long slumber ever waken,
Or am I doomed to endless woe?
Now, methinks, beside her lattice,
I my lovely fair one sic :
While her ear seems fondly list'ning,
Every coming sound for me:
See, she fondly waves a welcome, —
Fancy's eye her lover sees;
But her signal gains no answer.
Save the sigh of whispering trees!
What dark'ning power is ruling o'er me?
My anxious bosom fear hath riven, —
Despair hath spread her snares before me:
Does fate rule blindly?
Aid me, Heaven!
Caspar, who has already put himself in the power of Zamiel, sees
here an opportunity to extend his own days of grace, and advises PHOTO »oit*
Mix to seek the magician and secure some of the magic bullets. CASPAR
' ~Doubk-Faced Record-Far title of ophite side see DOUBLE-FA CED DER FREISCHUTZ RECORDS, page 128.
127
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DER FREISCHUTZ
In the meantime Agnes is anxiously awaiting her lover and is much alarmed at his non-
appearance. Annie, her cousin, endeavors to cheer her by singing a gay air, Comes a Gallant
Youth.
Annie's Air, '* Conies a Gallant Youth "
By Marie A. Michailowa, Soprano
(In Russian) 61134 10-inch, $1.0O
She describes playfully the attitude a shy maiden should assume when the right young
man happens along.
ANNIE:
Comes a gallant youth towards me,
Be he golden hair'd or dark,
Eyes that flash as he regards me,
Him my captive I will mark!
Eyes bent down to earth for shyness,
As befits a modest maid,
With a stolen look of slyness
Yet may ev'rything be said!
And if swift emotion rushes,
Shot from answ'ring lip and eye,
Nothing worse than maiden blushes
Need the gallant stranger spy!
Annie begs Agnes to retire, but the young girl says
she will wait for her lover. Left alone, she draws the
curtains aside, revealing a starlight night. She ex-
claims at the beauty of the night, and folding her
hands in prayer she delivers the lovely air which is
the gem of the opera.
Preghiera di Agatha (Agatha's
Prayer) (Double-faced— See below)
By Emilia Corsi, Soprano (Piano ace.)
(In Italian) * 62636 10-inch, $O.75
She prays for the safety of her lover, and asks
Heaven to watch over them both.
Earth has lull'd her care to rest;
Why delays my loitering love?
Fondly beats my anxious breast:
Where, my Rudolph, dost thou rove?
Scarce the breeze among the boughs
Wakes a murmur thro' the silence,
Save the nightingale lamenting,
Not a sound disturbs the night!
PHOTO BOYER
AGATHA AND ANNA
AGNES:
Softly sighing, day is dying,
Soar my prayer heay'nward flying!
Starry splendor shining yonder,
Pour on us thy radiance tender!
How the golden stars are burning
Thro* yon vault of ether blue,
Rut lo, gath'ring o'er the mountains
Is a cloud, foreboding storm,
Max arrives, followed by Annie, but seems embarrassed and says he must go to bring
in a stag he has shot near the Wolf's Glen. Agnes begs him not to go near that haunted spot,
but he disregards her warning and goes out.
The scene changes to the Wolf's Glen, where Max meets Caspar, and the magic bul-
lets are cast amid scenes of horror, while the demon Zamiel hovers near awaiting his prey.
Max is returning with his prize when he meets the Prince, who asks him to shoot a dove.
The hunter complies, just missing Agnes, who has come to the wood in search of her lover.
Caspar is wounded by the very bullet which he had intended should slay Agnes at the hands
of Max. Zamiel rises and carries off his victim, while Max is forgiven and all ends
happily.
DOUBLE-FACED FREISCHUTZ RECORDS
By Sousa's Band
fOverture By Sousa's Band!
I Carmen Selection By Sousa's Band)
fOverture By La Scala Orchestral
j Preghiera di Agatha (Agatha's Prayer) f 62636
[ By Emilia Corsi, Soprano (Piano ace.) (In Italian)}
128
350OO 12-inch, 11.25
10-inch, .75
(CARUSO, DESTJNN AND AMATO)
(Italian)
GERMANIA
(Jer-man' -ce-ah)
A Lyric Drama in a Prologue, Two Scenes and Epilogue
Text by Luigi Illica. Music by Alberto Franchetti. First production at Milan in 1902
First American production. New York, January 22, 1910, with Caruso, Destinn and Amato.
Cast of Characters
GIOVANNI FILJPPO PALM Bass
FEDERICO LCEWE) Tenor
CARLO WORMS [Students Baritone
CRISOGONO Baritone
RlCKE Soprano
JANE, her sister Mezzo-Soprano
LENE ARMUTH, an aged beggar-woman Mezzo-Soprano
JEBBEL, her nephew Soprano
STAFFS, Protestant Priest Bass
LUIGI ADOLFO GUGUELMO LUTZOW Bass
CARLO TEODORO KORNER Tenor
SIGNORA HEDVIGE Mezzo-Soprano
PETERS, a herdsman Bass
Chief of German Police Bass
Historical Personages, Students, Soldiers, Police officers, Members and
Associates of the "Tugendbund," "Louise-Bund"
and " Black Knights " ; Forest Girls.
Time: 1813.
The opera is the work of an Italian nobleman, who, although a very wealthy man, is
ambitious and makes the writing of operas his hobby. Cermania is a picturesque and in-
teresting opera, full of local color, describing the Germany of the time of Napoleon, with its
many conspiracies ; and for this the Baron has written much effective and agreeable music.
The action takes place in 1813, at the time of the battle of Leipzig.
129
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — FRANCHETTI 'S GERMANIA
PROLOGUE
SCENE — -An Abandoned Mill near Nuremberg
A company of students, under the leadership of Giovanni Palm, have occupied an old
mill, and are shipping sacks of grain, which really contain political documents intended to
rouse the people to revolt. Prominent among the students is Worms, who previously had
a love affair with Rict^e, a young girl who is now betrothed to Loewe, the poet and warm
friend of Worms. Loewe is expected to arrive at any moment, and Ric^e dreads his coming,
as she has made up her mind to tell him her guilty secret. Worms, however, divines her
purpose and bids her keep silent, as in the duel which was sure to occur Loewe would
likely be the one to die.
Loewe arrives and is joyfully greeted by the conspirators. He encourages them to fresh
efforts in his noble aria.
Studenti, udite ! (Students, Hear Me !)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 87O53 10-inch, $2.OO
Caruso delivers this inspiring number with splendid effect, showing well the beauty and
power of his marvelous voice.
The enthusiasm which follows Loewe' s great address is rudely interrupted by the ar-
rival of the police, who seize Palm and take him away to his death.
ACT I
SCENE— A Cottage in the Black Forest
Seven years have elapsed. Hither Loette has come after the disastrous campaign of
1806, which followed the plotting in the old mill. He lives in this hut with his aged mother
and the two girls, Ric^e and her sister Jane. Worms has disappeared and is supposed to
be dead.
Loewe is about to be married to Ric^e, and the bridesmaids now arrive to deck the
cottage with flowers. Rict^e, thinking of her past, is melancholy, but the marriage ceremony
is performed and the bride and bridegroom are left alone. Federico clasps her in his arms
and sings his beautiful air to the eyes of his bride.
Non chiuder gli occhi vaghi (Close "Not Those Dreamy Eyes)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 87O54 10-inch, $2.OO
Forgetting the past, Ric^e yields herself to the joy of the moment and tenderly kisses
him, -when suddenly from the forest is heard a familiar voice singing an old student song.
" Worms!" joyfully cries Federico, and runs out to meet his old friend, who is wasted and
battle-scarred.
Worms comes in and is astonished to see Ricke. She looks coldly at him and he uneasily
says he must be on his way. Federico protests, but Worms insists and departs. Ric^e, over-
come by this reminder of her past misfortune, resolves to leave her husband, and writes
him a note and flees into the forest. Federico returns, reads the note, and wrongfully con-
cludes that she has fled with Worms.
ACT II
SCENE — A Cellar in Konigsberg
In this underground retreat Worms is again plotting against Napoleon. A meeting of the
Council is in progress, when Federico appears and demands that Worms shall fight with him
to the death, but Worms, kneeling, asks Federico to kill him. Federico replies with a violent
blow in the face, at -which Worms decides to fight him, and preparations for the duel are
begun. They are interrupted by the entrance of Queen Louise, who suggests that such brave
men had better be using their swords for their country. Fired with enthusiasm, the
enemies embrace each other and swear to die for Germany.
EPILOGUE
SCENE— The Battlefield of Leipzig
The awful three days' conflict is over and the field is a mass of ruins, battered wheels
and dead and wounded men. Ricke searches for the body of Federico that she may look
upon his face once more. She finds him dying, but he recognizes her, and telling her that
the body of Worms is nearby, asks her to forgive him as he himself has done. Ric^e looks
on the face of the man who had ruined her life and forgives him. She returns to her hus-
band and when he dies in her arms -waits beside his body for her own death, which she
feels approaching. As the sun sets the defeated Napoleon -with the shattered remains of his
army is seen retreating.
130
(Italian)
LA GIOCONDA
(La/i Jee-oh-kori -dah)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Libretto by Arrigo Boito ; music by Amilcare Ponchielli. It is an adaptation of Victor
Hugo's drama, "Angelo," and -was first presented at La Scala, Milan, April 8, 1876. First
London production in the summer of 1883. First New York
production December 20, 1883, with Christine Nilsson,
Scalchi, Fursch-Madi, del Puente and Novara.
Characters
LA GIOCONDA, a ballad singer Soprano
I*A ClECA, (See-ai/-kah) her blind mother Contralto
ALV1SE, (Al-oee ' -zay) one of the heads of State Inquisition . . Bass
LAURA, his wife Mezzo-Soprano
LNZO GRIMALDO, a Genoese noble Tenor
HARNABA, a spy of the Inquisition Baritone
ZUANE, a boatman Bass
15EPO, public letter- writer Tenor
A PILOT Bass
Monks, Senators, Sailors, Shipwrights, Ladies,
Gentlemen, Populace, Masquers, etc.
The action lakes place in Venice, in the seventeenth century.
PROGRAM OF FIRST PERFORMANCE
(MILAN)
Gioconda is a work of great beauty, full of wonderful
arias, duets and ensembles, with fine choral effects, and a
magnificent ballet. The book is founded on Hugo's "Tyrant of Padua," and tells a most
c ramatic story, which, however, cannot be called inviting, as the librettist has crowded
into it nearly all the crimes he could think of !
But the average audience does not concern itself much
with these horrors, being engaged in listening to the beautiful
music, and admiring the splendid scenes and colorful action.
Therefore the story will be but briefly sketched here.
ACT I
SCENE — Street near the Adriatic Shore, Venice
Gioconda, a ballad singer who is in love -with Enzo, a Gen-
oese noble and captain of a ship now in the harbor, supports
her blind mother, La Cieca, by singing in the streets of Venice.
She has attracted the attention of Bamaba, an influential police
spy, and he plans to gain her affections.
This is the situation at the rise of the curtain. The stage is
filled with people: peasants, sailors, masquers, all in holiday at-
tire. Barnaba is leaning against a pillar, watching the gay scene.
The chorus sing their opening number, Sports and Feasting.
Feste ! pane ! (Sports and Feasting !)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *450 1 0 1 0-inch, $ 1 .00
At the close of this number, Barnaba advances and an-
nounces the commencement of the Regatta. All hasten to the
shore, while Barnaba remains to soliloquize on his plot to secure
the lovely Gioconda. Gioconda enters, leading her mother. La
Cieca, by the hand, and Barnaba hastily hides behind a column
to watch them. La Cieca sings a beautiful air, blessing her
daughter for her tender care, and this leads to a trio.
Double-Faced RecorJ— For title of oppoi/fc side j« DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS, page 137.
131
"USICAL AMERICA
DESTINN AS GIOCONDA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA GIOCONDA
Figlia che reggi tremulo pie (Daughter, My Faltering Steps)
By A. Rossi Murinq, Soprano ; Lopez Nunes, Soprano ;
(In Italian) *550ir 12-inch, $1.5O
GIOCONDA (tenderly) :
Place thy dear hand once more in mine
Thy steps I'm safely guiding;
Ernesto Badini, Baritone
LA CIECA:
Daughter, in thee my faltering steps
Find guidance and protection;
I gratefully bless my loss of sight,
That heightens thy affection !
While thou unto mankind thy songs are sing-
To
Here recommence thy daily life,
In calm contentment gliding.
BARNABA (aside) :
With fiercest joy my heart would be
tared
If in my net she were securely captured!
The wildest ecstafies within me waken!
Beware thee, moth, if in my net thou'rt taken!
enrap-
Heav'n my ceaseless pray'rs their flight are
winging,
For thee I pray and render thanks to Fate
That left me sightless, — but not desolate!
Gioconda leaves to seek
Enzo, but Barnaba stops her
and boldly declares that he
loves her. She shudders with
an instinctive aversion, and
bids him stand aside. He at-
tempts to seize her, but she
eludes him and makes her
escape, leaving the spy furious
and planning revenge.
The people now return
from the Regatta, bearing the
victor on their shoulders.
Barnaba, seeing the defeated
combatant, Zuane, conceives
a plan to deprive Gioconda of
her mother, thus leaving him
free to carry out his plans.
He takes Zuane aside and tells
him that the blind La Cieca is a witch who has cast a spell over him, causing his defeat.
The old woman is being roughly handled by Zuane and his friends when Enzo suddenly
appears and protects her, holding the mob at bay.
Alvise, Chief of the Council, enters with his wife Laura, formerly betrothed to Enzo.
Laura pleads for Cieca, and she is protected by Aloise. The blind woman voices her grati-
tude in this lovely song, which is familiar to most concert- goers.
Voce di donna (Angelic Voice)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In Italian) 851O4 12-inch, $3.OO
Although the part of the blind mother, La Cieca, has never been
sung by Mme. Homer, she being usually cast for Laura (the superb
lady of Venice and rival of Gioconda), this beautiful air has always
appealed to her. It is considered the finest single number in
Ponchielli's work, and is undoubtedly one of the loveliest gems in
this or any other opera.
Certain it is that no Cieca of present memory has ever delivered
this romance with such richness of voice and such touching pathos.
This beautiful passage —
SCENE ACT I
P **».. «pr~
ro • u rio
tkff. Kommtt it
which is sung as La Cieca presents the rosary, is perhaps the most
effective part of the aria.
Mme. Homer's singing of this Voce di donna makes this record
one of the gems of the Victor's fine production of La Qtoconda, and it
should form part of every opera collection.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite *iJe xe DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS. t>age 137.
132
copvr OUPONI
HOMER AS LAL'RA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA GIOCONDA
LA CIECA:
Thanks unto thee, angelic voice,
My fetters asunder are broki 11 ;
I cannot see the face of her
By whom those words were spoken.
(Takes the rosary from her belt.)
This rosary I offer thee — no richer boon pos-
sessing—
Deign to accept the humble gift, 'twill bring
to thee a blessing,
And on thy head may bliss descend; I'll ever
pray for thee!
All go into the church except Enzo, who stands gazing after Laura, having recognized
Us former love. Barnaba approaches him and tells him that Laura plans to visit the Genoese
noble's ship that night. Enzo, whose love for Laura has revived at the sight of her, is
c.elighted at this news, and forgetting Gioconda, he returns to his ship.
This scene has been put by Verdi into the form of a dramatic duet, sung here by Conti
and Badini, of the La Scala forces.
EnZO Grimaldo (Duet Enzo and Barnaba)
By F. Conti, Tenor, and E. Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *45033 lO-inch. $1.00
BARNABA (approaching Enso) :
Enzo Crimaldo,
Prince of Santa Fior, thou art pensive.
ENZO (aside) :
I am discovered !
BARNABA:
What magic stupor steals away thy senses?
"J'is of the Lady Laura, Alvise's wife, thou'rt
thinking.
ENZO (astonished) :
Who art thou?
BARNABA (impressively) :
I know all ;
Can penetrate thy thoughts, however secret.
'1 hy birthplace was Genoa!
ENZO:
Prince I am not, but sailor. Yonder's my
ship.
I am Dalmatian, Enzo Giordan.
BARNADA:
For others, but not for me. Proscribed thnu
wert by Venice,
Yet hither thou art led, by chainless impulse,
Thy life to peril. Thou didst love a maiden
Yonder, in thine own Genoa, but she another's
bride became.
CARUSO AS £NZO
I NZO:
I have pledged my faith to Gioconda.
1 ARNABA:
Poor wand'ring ballad-singer!
Her thou dost love as sister, but Laura as thy
mistress.
Thou hadst all hope abandoned, dreamed not
to see her features,
I'.ut here, under her velvet mask, thy beau-
teous angel saw thee
And recognized thee.
FNZO (joyfully):
Oh, happiness!
I'. ARNABA:
Love sees through disguises.
All this night will her husband stay at the
Doge's palace.
With the Great Council. Laura shall be on
board thy vessel.
Love's sweetest consolations await thee!
ENZO:
Ah, with what joy my heart is filled,
Fortune at last is kind!
But who art thou, oh, gloomy messenger of
joy?
1' \RNABA:
I hate thee! I am the demon-in-chief
Of the Council of Ten. Read this. Beware
thee!
(Ot>ens his dress and slioii'S the letters "C. X."
(Council of Ten) embroidered in silver on
his rest.)
F.N7n (starting back):
Oh, horror!
BARNABA (fiercely) :
To thy doom at once I could bring thee, but
I spare thee.
Gioconda loves thee, hates me fiercely;
I have sworn to crush her heart.
Enzo's death would little serve me;
She must learn how false thou art.
ENZO (aside):
Kind Heaven, to her thy mercy show,
Save her from grief and pain;
I!nt all, sweet Laura, my adored,
Bring to my arms again!
BARNABA (to Enso) :
Go! not a moment lose.
Spread thy white sails to the skies,
(.Iside)
I can my triumph read
Jn each glad glance of thine eyes!
ENZO (going) :
When the dark night falls,
On board my ship I shall await my Laura.
BARNABA (sneeringly) :
' Good luck attend you!
(Exit.)
* Doubtc-Faced Record— For title of opoositeiiJc see DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS, page 137.
133
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA GIOCONDA
Barnaba then writes to Alvise that his wife plans to elope with Enzo. He speaks the
•words aloud as he writes, and is heard by Gioconda, who is overcome at this evidence of her
lover's faithlessness, and heartbroken, enters the church with her mother.
The act closes -with a famous dance, the Furlana, played here by the famous Orchestra
Sinfonica of La Scala.
Furlana (Finale, Act I)
By Italian Orchestra *45O33 lO-inch, $1.0O
ACT II
SCENE — A Lagoon near Venice — it is night. Enzo's ship is shown at anchor,
with sailors grouped on deck,, resting
Barnaba, disguised as a fisherman, appears in his boat, hails the sailors, and sings them
a merry ballad, Ah, pescator!
Ah, pescator affonda Tesca (Fisher Boy, Thy Bait Be Throwing!)
By Pasquale Arnato, Baritone, and Metropolitan Opera Chorus
(In Italian) 87O93 10-inch, $2.OO
By Ernesto Badini, Baritone, and Chorus (In Italian) *45O1O 10-inch, l.OO
This is one of the most
popular numbers in the opera,
its beautiful melody and
rhythmical swing being a •wel-
come relief in the midst of so
much that is gloomy. It is
superbly sung here by Amato,
one of the greatest of Barnabas,
who is assisted by the Metro-
politan Opera Chorus. A
popular priced rendition is
furnished by Badini and the
chorus of La Scala.
After taking careful note
of the strength of the crew,
Barnaba sends his aide for the
Eolice galleys and leaves in
is boat.
Enzo now appears, and is
greeted by his men with en-
thusiasm. He is in a gay hu-
mor, thinking of Laura's expected visit, and bids the sailors go below while he keeps the
watch.
Left alone, he gives expression to his joy in this great aria, one of the most beautiful in
the whole range of opera. Caruso sings the number with exquisite purity of tone and a
lavish outpouring of voice.
ENZO S VESSEL ACT H
Cielo e mar (Heaven and^Ocean)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor
(In Italian) 88246 12-inch, *3.0O
(In Italian) 64O7O lO-inch, l.OO
(In Italian) *45O2Z 10- inch, l.OO
ta ffm^^^ »n»ry. *• > ^, *~*-£-
Especially noticeable
is this fine passage — "if — v ' *• 7 .. „.,
«ic nl »l b. cloDel-b ri • U • d«l • r»-mo- re. del
tomt to t*t **JJ • ft Tkat mould mail Ititc all. tvomld mike titg ill I mjr oumf
which the tenor delivers in splendid style, fairly thrilling his hearers.
Other fine records of this effective number, by Constantino and de Gregorio, are also
offered.
* Doublt-Faad Record— For title of opposite side xc DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS, page 137.
134
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA LA GIOCONDA
ENZO:
I leave 11 and (it-can! yon ethereal veil
K radiant as a holy altar,
My angel, will she fonit- from heaven?
My angel, will she come o'er ocean?
Here I await her, I breathe with rapture
The soft zephyrs fill'd with love.
Mortals oft, when fondly sighing,
Find ye a torment, O golden, golden dreams.
Come then, dearest, here I'm waiting;
Wildly panting is my heart.
Come then, dearest! on come, my dearest!
Oh come, taste the kisses that magic bliss
impart !
Oh come! Oh come! Oh come!
Laura now appears, and after a rapturous embrace, the lovers
plan to set sail when the wind rises. Enzo goes below to rouse the
men, when Gioconda, disguised, enters and denounces Laura.
They sing a splendid dramatic duet in which each declares
her love for Enzo and defies the other.
L'amo come il fulgor del create ! (I Adore Him !)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano, and Bianca
Lavin de Casas, Mezzo-Soprano
(In Italian) 88271 12-inch, $3.OO
Gioconda is about to stab her rival, when the sight of a rosary
worn by her intended victim causes her to repent, and she aids
Laura to escape just as her husband, summoned by Barnaba is ap-
proaching.
CONSTANTINO AS ENZO Enzo appears and is greeted with reproaches by Gioconda, who
tells him that the war galleys, led by Barnaba, are coming to capture the ship. Enzo, stung
by Gioconda's scorn, and heartbroken at the loss of Laura, fires his ship to prevent it falling
i nto the hands of Barnaba.
ACT III
SCENE— A Room in the Palace of Alvise. Night
Alvise is discovered alone, in violent agitation, planning the death of Laura because of
her attempted elopement with Enzo.
He sings a dramatic air, picturing his fearful revenge.
Si ! morir ella de" \ (To Die is Her Doom !)
By Arnleto Galli, Bass (In Italian)
*55019 12-inch, 51.5O
ALVISE (in violent agitation) :
Yes, to die is her doom ! My name, my honor,
Shall not with impunity be disgraced.
From Badoers, when betrayed,
Pity 't were vain to hope.
Though yesterday upon the fatal isle
She 'scaped this vengeful hand,
She shall not escape a fearful expiation.
Last night a sharp poniard should have
pierced her bosom ;
This night no poniard I'll use; she dies by
poison !
(Pointing to the adjoining room.)
While there the dancers sing and laugh,
In .ciddy movements flvinir.
Their mirthful tones shall blend with groans,
Brcath'd by a sinner dying.
Shades of my honored forefathers!
Soon shall your blushes disappear;
Soon shall a deadly vengeance prove
Honor to me is dear.
While dance the giddy crowd,
Tn mirthful movements flying,
Here shall be heard the bitter groans,
The sinner breathes in dying.
Yonder, the nobles of the nation
Are gathered at my invitation;
Here, an insulted husband
For signal vengeance cries!
Kxtilt. in dances and in songs.
While here a faithless one dies!
The guilty woman now enters at his summons and is denounced by him. He orders
her to take poison, and leaves her. She is about to obey, when Gioconda, who has been
concealed in the room, appears, takes the poison from her and gives her a narcotic, -which
will produce a death-like trance. Laura drinks this and Gioconda exits just as Alvise appears.
Seeing the empty phial on the table he believes Laura has obeyed his will.
The second scene shows a magnificent hall in the palace, -where Alvise is giving a
masked ball. The famous Dance of the Hours is given for the entertainment of the guests.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side xe DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS, page 137.
135
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA GIOCONDA
Dance of the Hours
By Victor Orchestra 31443 12-inch. $1.00
This is one of the most beautiful of ballets and symbolizes,
like many other modern Italian ballets, the struggle between the
conflicting powers of light and darkness, progress and ignorance.
The music is fascinating in the extreme, and is one of the most
popular parts of the opera.
Enzo is present among the maskers, and when Barnaba •whis-
pers in his ear that Laura is dead, he unmasks and denounces Alvise,
who causes his arrest. The great finale begins with Enzo's solo,
Gia ti vedo (I Behold Thee)
By F. Lotti, Soprano ; de Gregorio, Tenor ;
Badini, Baritone ; and Chorus
(In Italian) *55O19 12-inch, $1.5O
The emotions of the various characters may be understood
by the quotations below.
ENZO (aside) :
1 behold thee motionless, pallid,
Shrouded in thy snowy veil !
Thou art dead, love! thou art dead, love!
Ah, my darling, hopeless I wail.
The sharp axe for me is waiting,
Opens wide a dark abyss;
But to thee shall torture guide me,
Soon we'll share celestial bliss!
GIOCONDA:
Sadly fall the tear-drops,
In the silence of despair;
Break, oh heart! sad eyes, rain torrents!
Fate, thy sharpest doom prepare!
BARNABA (aside to Gioconda) :
Yield thee, yield thee! all around thee
See what pow'r I have for ill!
Well may st thou fear me; pow'rs infernal
To ill deeds attract me still!
GIOCONDA (aside to Barnaba') '.
Do thou save him, bring him safe out there,
Close by the Redentor, and then
Myself I will surrender
To thee, fearfulest of men.
BARNABA (to Gioconda) :
Though despair may prompt thy offer,
I accept it for my part.
And the bitterest fate will welcome,
Once to press thee to this heart.
COPY'! MISHKIN
AN CON A AS BARNABA
LA CIECA:
Thou art weeping, O Gioconda,
Let me fold thee to my breast.
Never love, like love maternal,
Can encounter every test.
ALVISE:
'Mid the splendor this fete surrounding,
Thou art unwelcome, cavalier;
But, ere long, new scenes of horror
Shall from thee attention claim.
Thou shalt soon see if I am watchful
Of the honor of my name!
THE KUINEU PALACE ACT IV
To complete his revenge,
Alcise now draws aside a cur-
tain and shows the guests the
body of Laura, acknowledging
that he took her life. Horror
and indignation are expressed
by those present, and Enzo
attempts to kill Alvise. He
fails, is seized by the guards,
and is led away to prison as
the curtain falls.
ACT IV
SCENE — A ruined palace on an
island in the Adriatic. Venice
visible in the distance
To this desolate island
Gioconda has managed to bring
the unconscious Laura, in an
endeavor to save her. As the
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LA GIOCONDA RECORDS, page 137.
136
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA GIOCONDA
curtain rises two men are carrying the insensible form into the ruin. Gioconda asks the men
to seek out her mother, -whom she fears never to see again. Left alone, she approaches the
table, looks fixedly at a flask of poison, and begins her terrible song, one of the most dra-
matic of the numbers in Ponchielli's work.
Suicidio (Suicide Only Remains)
By Elda Cavalieri (Double-Faced— See below) (In Italian) 55O15 12-inch, $1.50
For a moment the unhappy girl is tempted to complete Aloise's work by giving the poison
to Laura, but banishes the temptation and throws herself down in a passion of weeping.
(.'ioconda has secured the release of Enzo, and has sent for him to come to the ruined palace,
intending, with splendid generosity, to restore the lovers to each other.
Enzo now arrives, thinking that he is only to visit the grave of Laura, and a bitter scene
occurs between the two, which is interrupted by the voice of Laura, who has revived and
now calls feebly. Enzo rushes forward in a transport of joy, while Gioconda makes further
preparations for their escape. The lovers express their gratitude and depart, while Gioconda
prepares for the end. She is about to swallow the poison when Barnaba appears, and in
terrible accents demands why she has broken her word to him. She pretends to yield to him.
GIOCONDA (at first terrified, recovers her cour- And ne'er will Gioconda be false to her oath.
,ni,l retains il to the end): May Heaven in mercy withhold condein-
Yi-s. I keep to my compact; we both s\v<m- nation,
to keep it, And pardon us both !
Barnaba is overjoyed and begins the final duet, the most dramatic scene in the opera.
Vo' farmi piu gaia (ThotTrt Mine Now !)
By A. Rossi Murino, Soprano, and E. Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) 55017 12-inch, $1.5O
BAKU ABA:
Thou'rt mine now! and swift from this deso- Thou claimest Gioconda? Now demon accursed,
late heart, Gioconda is thine!
Expelled by love's rays, sombre shadows de- (She stabs herself in the heart with the dagger
part. that she had secreted while adorning herself,
GIOCONDA (to Barnaba, who is approaching her) : and falls dead at his feet.)
Restrain awhile thy ardent passion! BARNABA (in horror):
'1 hou soon shall in splendor Gioconda behold! Ah, stay thee! "Tis a jest!
For thee I am braiding my clustering tresses (tt'ith fiendish joy.)
With purple and gold! Well, then, thou shall hear this,
(.Concealing her terror, she begins to adorn And die ever damned!
herself.) (Bending over the corpse of Gioconda, and
With glittering jewels, the gay tinsel worn screaming furiously into her ear.)
nightly LAST NIGHT THY MOTHER DID OFFEND ME:
1'y madcaps theatrical, cover'd I'll be: I HAVE STRANGLED HER!
Now list to the song that this ardent young siren (H'i'/d/v.)
Will sing unto th« : She hears me not!
I keep to my compact, no falce oath was mine; (With a cry of half-choked rage he rushes
(Changing her tone.) from the ruin. The curtain falls.)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LA GIOCONDA RECORDS
Figlia che reggi tremulo pie (Daughter. My Faltering Steps) 1
By Murino, Nunes and Badini (In Italian) \ , -_. .
Vo' farmi piu gaia (Thou'rt Mine Now)
By A. Rossi Murino, Soprano; E. Badini, Baritone)
jGii ti vedi (I Behold Thee) By F. Lotti, Soprano: |
de Gregorio, Tenor ; E. Badini. Baritone (In Italian) 55019 12-inch. 1.5O
! Si ! morir ella de' ! By Amleto Galli, Bass (In Italian)}
i Suicidio! (Suicide Only Remains) By Elda Cavalieri\,,
Mefistofele— L' ultra nolle By Elda Caoalieri] f5501 5 12-mch- 1'50
Selection By Arthur Pryor's Band 31384 12-inch, l.OO
Opening Chorus— "Feste ! pane!" La Scala Chorus) ,,._.,
Barcarola— " Pescator affonda 1'esca " By E. Badini/4' mch< IXIC
Enzo Grimaldo By Conti and Badini (In Italian)} . , _„,
Furlana (Finale. Act I) By Orchestra Sinfonicaf45033 Mnch' l'°°
| Cielo e Mar ! By Franco de Gregorio (In Italian) )
I Manon Lescaut—Ah, Manon f mi tradisce [45O27 lO-inch. l.OO
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor (In Italian)}
137
U S DEATH ACT III
(German)
GOTTERDAMMERUNG
( Gol-ler-dahm' -er-ung)
THE DUSK OF THE GODS
MUSIC DRAMA IN THREE ACTS AND A PRELUDE
Words and music by Richard Wagner. First produced at Bayreuth, August 17, 1876,
with Materna and Unger. First American production at New York, January 25, 1888, with
Lehmann, Seidl-Krauss, Traubman, Niemann and Fischer.
Characters
SIEGFRIED ." Tenor
GUNTHER (Goon'-ter) Bass
HAGEN (Hati-gen) Bass
BRONNHILDE Soprano
GUTRUNE (Coot-troon -eh) Soprano
WOGLJNDA, } \ Soprano
WELLGUNDA, Rhine- Nymphs \ Soprano
FLOSSHILDE, J [Contralto
PRELUDE
SCENE— The Walkure's Rock
The Dusk of the Gods, the last part of the tetralogy, consists of three acts and a prelude.
In the prelude we once more see Briinnhilde on the rock, where she had lain during her
magic sleep, and where Siegfried had found her and taken her as his bride. Siegfried, after
a brief period of domestic happiness in a cave near by, decides to leave her for awhile in
search of adventures, and gives her the Nibelung's Ring as a pledge of faith. This ring he
had obtained -when he slew the dragon Fafner, and as the opera progresses it will be seen
that he is doomed to suffer the consequences of the fatal curse, invoked on every possessor
of the Ring by Alberich, from whom it was forcibly taken by Wotan.
138
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE DUSK OF THE GODS
EDOUARD DE RESZKE
AS HAGEN
As the curtain rises Briinnhilde and Siegfried come out of the cave,
Siegfried in full armor and the Valkyrie, leading her horse by the
bridle. She begins her tender address of farewell :
Hid I not send tlicc, sweetest hero, to fresh exploits, frail were my love.
But one misgiving fights against it, for fear not wholly thy heart I
hold.
I gave to thee all that gods had taueht : heavenly runes, the richest
hoard; but my restoreless maidenhood's strength snatch'd thou from
UK, who but seek to serve thee.
My wisdom fails, but good will remains; so full of love, but failing
in strength, thou wilt despise perchance the poor one, who having
giv'n all, can grant thee no more!
Zu neuen Thaten (Did I Not Send Thee ?)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
In German 87O98 10-inch, $2.0O
This lovely air is delivered by Mme. Gadski -with tenderness and
feeling, and the record is an unusually fine example of the perfect
recording of a beautiful soprano voice.
ACT I
SCENE— Castle of King Cunther
Siegfried joyously sets out on his journey and soon comes to the
Court of King Gunther on the Rhine, where dwells also Gunlher's sister
Gulrune, and their half-brother Hagen, who is a son of Alberich, the
dwarf. Hagen knows the history of the Ring and is anxious to re-
store it to his father, so he artfully tries to win the help of Gunther.
Knowing that the hero is approaching the castle, he outlines this
scheme, which is to give Siegfried a drink which will make him
forget Briinnhilde and fall in love with Gutrune, after which Gunther can win the peerless
Itriinnhilde for himself. Gunther is tempted, and when Siegfried's horn announces his approach
l.e consents.
Siegfried greets them as friends, and when offered the magic drink he accepts and
immediately loses all recollection of Briinnhilde. Seeing the lovely Gutrune, who stands with
lowered eyes, he exclaims:
SIEGFRIED (gazing on Gutrune with a kindling
eye):
Thou fair one, whose beams
My breast have enflamed,
\Vhy fall thus thine eyes before mine?
(Gutrune looks up at him, blushiny.)
Ila! sweetest maid!
Screen those bright beams!
The heart in my breast
Burns with their strength.
Gutrune, trembling with emotion, leaves the
Hall, and Siegfried, gazing after her, asks Gunlher
if he has a wife. The King, prompted by Hagen,
replies that he knows of one he would wed, but
that she is surrounded by a magic fire which he
c.mnot pass. Siegfried seems trying to remember
h:s past, but fails, looks confused, then suddenly
says:
SIEGFRIED (with a sudden start):
I — fear not the fire,
And thy bride fain will I fetch;
For thy own am I
And my arm is thine:
If Gutrune for wife I may gain!
In order that Briinnhilde may think that it is
Gunther who has won her, it is agreed that
Siegfried shall, by means of the Tarnhelm, change himself into Gunther's form. Thinking
only of his reward, Siegfried eagerly departs.
139
TED BY ECHTER
ALBEKICH AND HACKS' — ACT II
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE DUSK OF THE GODS
SCENE II— The Walkure's Rock
The scene changes to the Valkyrie Rock again, -where
Briinnhilde awaits Siegfried's return. She is astonished and
alarmed when she sees a stranger approaching, not understanding
how he has penetrated through the fiery barrier. It is Siegfried
in the form of Gunlher. He announces that he is Gunther come
to win her for his wife. Briinnhilde, in horror and despair, holds
up the Ring, exclaiming :
BRI'-NNHILDE:
Stand back! bow to this token!
No shame can touch me from thee
While yet this Ring is my shield.
Siegfried attempts to take it from her and after a struggle,
succeeds. As he draws the helpless and despairing Briinnhilde
into the cave the curtain falls.
GAPSKI AS BRL'NNHILDE
ACT II
SCENE — The Rhine near Gunther 's Castle
Hagen and Alberich discuss the progress of the plot to regain
the Ring. Hagen swears to accomplish it, and Alberich vanishes.
Siegfried, in his own form, but wearing the Tarnhelm, arrives,
greets him cheerily and says he has gained Gunther 's wife for
him, but that they are returning home more slowly. Gulrune
comes to meet Siegfried, and a long duet follows, after which they go to the Hall. Hagen
sounds his horn to summon the vassals and bids them prepare for a feast, as Gunther has
taken a bride.
Gunther now arrives in his boat, leading Briinnhilde, who is pale and downcast. Siegfried
and Gutrune come out to meet them and Briinnhilde sees Siegfried in his rightful form. She
recoils in horror at seeing him with another woman, and regarding her as a stranger. She
then perceives the Ring on Siegfried's finger and demands to know where he obtained it.
He seems confused and regards the Ring with a puzzled air. Briinnhilde, beginning to
comprehend what has occurred, denounces him, and Gunther, beginning to doubt -whether
Siegfried had kept his oath to respect Briinnhilde as a brother's bride, looks threateningly at
him. Siegfried, eager to set himself right, swears the oath of the spear.
The vassals make a ring round Siegfried and Hagen. Hagen holds out his spear ; Siegfried
lays two fingers of his right hand on its point.
SIEGFRIED:
Haft of war, hallowed weapon!
Hold thou my oath from dishonor!
On this spotless spear-head
I speak the oath:
Spear-point, aid thou my speech !
Where steel e'er can strike me,
Strike thou at me:
VVher'er death can be dealt me
Deal it to me,
If fhe is really wronged. —
If I have injured my friend!
Briinnhilde, unable to contain herself at this evidence of Siegfried's baseness, repeats his
oath and denounces him.
HelleWehr! Heilige Waffe ! (Haft of War! Hallowed Weapon)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano (In German) 87O52 lO-inch, $2.OO
Siegfried looks at her in pity, thinking her mad, and goes to the Hall -with Gulrune.
Briinnhilde, Hagen and Gunther remain behind, the latter in deep depression. Hagen tells
Briinnhilde that he will avenge her wrongs. " Thou ? " says Briinnhilde, contemptuously.
BRI-NNHILDE:
One angry glance of his glittering eyeball —
That, e en through his fraudulent shape,
Fell unshadowed on me, —
Would subdue thy most mettlesome daring!
She then tells him that only in his back is he vulnerable, and that no magic pro-
tection -was placed there because she knew that never -would he retreat. Gunther now
rouses himself and the three decide that Siegfried must die for his treachery.
ACT III
SCENE I— A Wild Valley near the Rhine
The Rhine nymphs rise to the surface of the water and sing of the Rhinegold. They
140
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE DUSK OF THE GODS
spy Siegfried and ask him to give up the Ring, but he refuses, and they warn him that he
shall die that very day. He laughs at the prophecy, and as he watches them swim away,
.says lightly :
THE RHINE MAIDENS WARN SIEGFRIED ACT III, SCENE I
SIEGFRIED:
Alike on land and water.
Woman's ways I've learnt to know.
The man who resists their smiles
They seek by threats to frighten.
And when these both are scorned
They bait him with bitter words.
And yet were Gutrune not my wife,
I must have promptly captured
One of those pretty maids!
Hunting horns are heard and Siegfried gayly answers with his own. Gunther, Hagen and
the hunters descend from the hill and greet him. They camp and begin to eat and drink.
Siegfried tells them of his adventure with Mime and the Dragon. Hagen gives him a magic
drink which brings back his memory and he goes on to tell of the forest bird and his quest
of the lovely Brunnhilde. Gunther begins to listen attentively, but when Siegfried reaches this
part of his narrative, Hagen plunges his spear in Siegfried's back and he falls. Gunther, in
pity* for the dying man, leans over him, and Siegfried faintly says :
SIEGFRIED:
Rriinnhilde! Heavenly bride! —
Look up! Open thine eyelids!
What hath sunk thee once more in sleep?
\Yho drowns thee in slumber so drear?
The wak'ner came, his kiss awoke; —
Again now the bride's bonds he has broken; —
Enchant him Briinnhilde's charms!
Ah! now forever open her eyelids!
Ah! and what od'rous breeze is her breath!
Thrice blessed ending —
Thrill thnt d'smays not —
Brunnhilde beckons to me! (He dies.)
SCENE II— Hall in Gunther' s Palace
Siegfried's body is borne mournfully to the Hall, where the weeping Gutrune meets them
and clasps her husband's lifeless form. Hagen now demands the Ring as his booty, but
Qunther refuses to yield it and they draw their swords, Qunther being killed by Hagen.
Hagen now attempts to withdraw the Ring from Siegfried's finger, but as he approaches,
the arm of the dead hero is raised threateningly. All recoil in terror and Brunnhilde ap-
proaches. She gazes long and sadly at Siegfried's face, then orders a funeral pyre erected to
burn the hero's body. The vassals obey and build a huge pyre on the bank of the Rhine, on
which the body is laid. Brunnhilde summons two ravens from the rocks, and begins her
great Immolation Scene.
141
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE DUSK OF THE GODS
Fliegt heim (Immo-
lation Scene)
By Johanna Gadski,
Soprano (In German)
88185 12-inch, $3.0O
She bids the ravens fly
to Lof(i, god of fire, that he
may complete the downfall
of the gods by burning
Valhalla.
BRUNNHILDE:
Draweth near in gloom
The Dusk of the gods.
Thus, casting my torch,
I kindle Valhalla's tow'rs!
She kindles the pile,
ACT II AT BAYREUTH ^.^ ^^ rap{dly> and
the two ravens disappear in the distance. Briinnhilde's horse is brought in, and she takes
off the bridle.
BRL;NNHILDE (to the horse):
Grani, my horse, greet thee again! Feel how my breast too hotly doth burn;
Wouldst thou know dear friend, Sparkling fureflame my spirit enfolds.
What journey we follow? O, but to clasp him —
By flame illumined lies there thy lord, Recline in his arms!
Siegfried, the star of my life. In madd'ning emotion
To meet with thy master neighest thou Once more to be his!
merrily? Heiajaho! Grano! Greet we our hero!
Lo! how the flame Siegfried! Siegfried! see!
Doth leap and allure thce! Sweetly greets thee thy wife!
She swings herself on the steed and rides straight into the burning pile, which flames
up mightily, half consuming the Hall itself. The Rhine then rises and puts out the flames,
and on the surface are seen the Rhine daughters, who seize the Ring from the embers.
Hagen, -who has been anxiously watching, now rushes into the waters, crying : " The Ring is
mine ! " The nymphs seize him and drag him down in the flood. An increasing red glow-
is seen in the sky, and Valhalla appears in flames, with the gods and heroes calmly await-
ing their doom. As the flames envelop all, the curtain falls.
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CODS
142
HAMLET
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Book by Barbier and Carre, based on Shakespeare's play. Music by Ambroise Thomas.
First production March 9, 1868, at the Paris Academic. First London production June 19, 1869.
Cast
HAMLET Baritone
CLAUDIUS, King of Denmark Bass
LAERTES, Polonius" son Tenor
Ghost of the dead King Bass
POLONIUS, Chancellor Bass
GERTRUDE, Hamlet's Mother, Queen of Denmark Mezzo-Soprano
OPHELIA, daughter of Polonius Soprano
Lords, Ladies, Officers, Pages, Peasants, etc.
Scene : Elsinore, in Denmark.
The story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is so -well known that it -would seem hardly
necessary to describe the plot at any length. However, for operatic purposes the librettists
were obliged to modify and reconstruct certain portions of the tragedy, and the revised ver-
sion will be briefly sketched here.
The present King of Denmark, Claudius, has seized the throne, after having murdered
•:he late King, Hamlet's father. At the opening of the opera Hamlet knows nothing of the
"nurder, but is highly incensed at his mother for having married Claudius before she had
been two months a widow.
ACT I
SCENE 1— A Room of State in the Palace
The new Queen is being presented to the Court at a public reception. She is annoyed
because Hamlet shows his displeasure by absenting himself from the ceremony. After the
presentation is over, Hamlet enters slowly, in a melancholy mood.
HAMLET: Ah! vain indeed is grief!
Affection, too, doth seem short lived indeed.
My much-loved father but two months dead:
And yet, unto another wedlock, my mother hath consented;
"Frailty, thy name is woman."
His bitter musing is interrupted by the entrance of Ophelia, his betrothed. She has heard
that Hamlet intends to leave the kingdom and asks if he has ceased to love her. In the beautiful
love duet he reassures her, and tells her why the palace has become intolerable to him.
143
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HOMAS' HAMLET
Nega se puoi la luce (Love Duet)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta
Ruffo, Baritone (In Italian) 925OO
12-inch, $4.OO
HAMLET:
Celestial maiden, 'tis not thee I' chide,
The purity of thy mind doth speak through
those sweet eyes!
"Doubt that the stars are fire,
Doubt that the sun doth move,
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt my love."
OPHELIA:
It may be so, but such excess of love
Hath no enduring power;
Thou couldst not leave me to my sorrow,
Did thy heart know such love as mine!
Ye heavenly powers, — celestial choir,
That aye surround the eternal throne,
From your bright homes above,
Bear witness to my truthful love.
HAMLET:
Beloved Ophelia!
OPHELIA:
In thee this heart doth trust!
HAMLET:
My heart doth beat for thee alone!
OPHELIA:
Ah! never will we part!
SCENE II— Esplanade of the Palace. It is Night
Horatio and Marcellus are discovered excitedly discussing the
PHOTO DU su» appearance of the spectre of the murdered King. They greet Hamlet
RENAUD AS HAMLET and tell him of the ghostly visitor, which appeared just at mid-
night. Hamlet is much affected, and suggests that as it is nearly
twelve the ghost may come again.
The clock strikes, and the figure of the murdered King appears. Hamlet speaks to the
spectre :
HAMLET:
Thou spirit dread, thou shade revered, Wherein we saw thee peacefully entombed,
Hear thou thy hapless son's lament. Hath op'd his ponderous and marble jaws,
In pity answer, — speak to me! To cast thee forth again?
Tell me why the sepulchre,
The ghost motions Horatio and
Marcellus to withdraw, and when they
are gone he tells Hamlet of the murder
and bids him become the avenger, but
asks him to leave his mother's pun-
ishment to God. Hamlet is much
affected and exclaims :
HAMLET:
Yes! Shade revered! Thy bidding
shall be done.
O light, O sun, O glory, O love to me
so dear,
Farewell! Farewell!
The ghost, before disappearing,
pauses at the back of the stage, and
stands with one hand extended toward
Hamlet; at this moment Horatio and
Marcellus re-enter, and appear terror-
stricken at the spectacle before them.
Trumpets and joyous music are heard
without as the curtain falls.
ACT II
SCENE — Garden of the Palace
Ophelia enters and is much dis-
turbed because Hamlet seems to avoid "•" PICIO«'»1 HAMLET AND THE GHOST
144
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— T H O M A S ' HAMLET
her. The Queen finds her weeping, and after questioning her says that Hamlet has also
acted strangely toward his mother and fears his reason is affected.
Hamlet, seeking to entrap the King in some manner into betraying himself, has engaged
i troupe of players to present a play which shall enact a similar crime. The King and
Queen are delighted that he seems to seek amusement, and gladly accept his invitation to
witness the play.
THE KING REVEALS HIS GUILT ACT II
When the royal pair have departed, the players come on and are instructed by Hamlet
i n the plot he has conceived. The Prince then calls for wine and bids the players be merry,
offering to sing them a drinking song.
O vin, discacciala tristezza (Brindisi) ("Wine, This Gloom Dispel)
By Mario Sammarco, Baritone (In Italian) 88312 12-inch, $3.0O
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone (In French) 88180 12-inch, 3.0O
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus (Italian) 92O37 12-inch, 3.OO
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus *16572 lO-inch, .75
HAMLET:
O wine! the gloom dispel,
That o'er my heart now weighs;
Come grant me thine intoxicating joy;
The careless laugh — the mocking jest!
O wine! Thou potent sorcerer,
Grant thou oblivion to my heart!
Yi--, life is short, death's near at hand,
We'll laugh and drink while yet we may.
Each, alas, his burthen bears.
Sad thoughts have all ; — grim thoughts and
sorrows;
But care avaunt, let folly reign,
The only wise man he,
\Vho wisdom's precepts ne'er obeys!
(The curtain falls on a scene of merriment.)
SCENE II — The Palace Hall. On one side a stage has been erected
The court assembles and the play begins, Hamlet placing himself where he can watch
the King closely. As the action proceeds the guilty man shows unmistakable evidence of
agitation, and finally in a rage he orders the players away. Hamlet rushes forward and
denounces the murderer, but the Court believes his accusation to be the ravings of a mad-
rian, and all leave the room as he faints in Horatio's arms.
ACT III
SCENE — The Queen's Apartments
Hamlet enters and sings his farewell soliloquy.
Monologo (Soliloquy)
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone (In Italian) 92O42 12-inch, $3.OO
This is Thomas' splendid setting of the well-known soliloquy and one of the most con-
SDJCUOUS numbers in the opera. Although the librettists took many liberties with Shake-
saeare s drama, they did not venture to alter such a well-known excerpt as this. Ruffo sings
this famous monologue in a superb manner, delivering it with great dramatic power.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For titk of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED HAMLET RECORDS, page 146.
145
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— T H O M A S ' HAMLET
HAMLET: To be, or not to be, that is the question.
To die, to sleep; perchance to dream;
Ah! were it allowed me to sever
The tie that binds me to mortality,
And seek "the undiscovered country
From whose bourne no traveler returns!"
"Ay! to be, or not to be?
To die, to sleep; perchance to dream."
The Queen and Ophelia enter and plead •with Hamlet to
banish his wild imaginings. He sternly rebukes them, advises
Ophelia to retire to a convent, and accuses his mother of being
an accomplice. The ghost again appears, visible only to Hamlet,
bids him spare his mother, and slowly disappears. The Prince
conducts the Queen to the door, urging her to pray and repent.
ACT IV
A rural scene near a lal^e. Willows line the shore
Ophelia, driven insane by Hamlet's desertion of her, has
wandered to the lake. She plays with a garland of flowers,
and sings her wonderful aria, usually known as the Mad Scene,
one of the most difficult of all florid compositions.
Ballata d'Ofelia (Mad Scene)
By Nellie Melba (In French) 88251 12-inch, $3.OO
By Maria Galvany (In Italian) 88235 12-inch, 3.0O
By Giuseppina Huguet (7/a//W)*35 180 12-inch, 1.25
An exquisite introduction by the orchestra is heard as
Ophelia enters — a strange, wild figure, with flowing hair and
torn white dress. She speaks to the wondering peasants and
tells them childishly of the lark -which she heard at dawn, fol-
lowing with a brilliant display of bird-like trills and staccatos.
Ophelia then turns to the shepherds and asks them to listen
to her song, a strange, sad melody, which is interrupted at
intervals by wild laughter and weeping. Presently she seems
to forget, and placidly plays with her flowers, until the magical
siren's song is heard luring her to the water's edge, and she
plunges in and floats away, singing of Hamlet's vow of love.
Mme. Melba fairly surpasses herself in this scene, with its
sudden alternations of joy and sorrow, the pathos which over-
shadows every phrase.
Other fine renditions, that of Mme. Galvany and a popular-
priced one by Mme. Huguet, are also offered to opera-lovers.
ACT V— The Churchyard
Hamlet comes hither to attend the funeral of Ophelia. He
sings his beautiful song to her memory and resolves to take his
own life upon her grave.
Come il romito fior (As a Lovely Flower)
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) 92O64 12-inch, $3.OO
CALV£ AS OPHELIA By Enrico Pignataro, Baritone
(In Italian) *63424 10-inch. .75
When the cortege has arrived, the ghost again appears and looks reproachfully on Hamlet,
who stabs the King, and as the curtain falls the people, now convinced of their monarch's
guilt, acclaim Hamlet as his successor.
RUFFO AS HAMLET
COPY1! OUPONT
DOUBLE-FACED HAMLET RECORDS
fBallata d'Ofelia (Mad Scene) By Huguet, Soprano (Italian)}
\ Dinorah — Si, carina caprettina By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano I
12-inch, $1.25
JBrindisi By Francesco Cigada and Chorus (In Italian)}
\ Ernani — Festa da hallo By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) f
(Come il romito fior By Enrico Pignataro (In Italian)
\ Pallide Mammole — Romanza By Lavin de Casas (In Italian)
146
16572 10-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
HANSEL UND GRETEL
(Hahn'-sel oondt Gray'-tel)
(Italian)
(English)
NINO E RITA HANSEL AND GRETEL
(Neen-yo ay Rce'-tah) (Han-sel and Cray' -lei)
(or HANS AND GRETCHEN)
A FAIRY OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Adelheid Wette. Music by Engelbert Humperdinck.
First produced 1893, at Weimar. First American performance at
the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, 1895.
Cast
PETER, a broom-maker Baritone
GERTRUDE, his wife Mezzo-Soprano
HANSEL, I , . ,.,, / Mezzo-Sop rano
GRETEL, i their chlldren \ Soprano
THE WITCH who eats children Mezzo-Soprano
SANDMAN, the Sleep Fairy Soprano
DEWMAN, the Dawn Fairy Soprano
It is now some seventeen years since Humperdinck's lovely fairy
opera was brought out in America by Augustin Daly, and it has
HUMPERDINCK since been firmly established in the reper-
toire of every producer of grand opera.
Hansel and Gretel has been called the Peter Pan of grand
<pera; the audiences -who witness it being invariably delighted -with
tiie childish joyousness and fairy charm of Humperdinck's work.
This delightful opera is built upon the simple Grimm tale of
Babes in I he
Woods, and first
suggested itself
to the composer
to amuse his sis-
ter's children. It
•was afterward
elaborated into a
complete opera,
which has be-
come one of the
most important
and interestingof
modern German
•works.
Two German
peasant chil- ALTEN AS GRETEL
dren, Hans and
Grelchen, are sent to the woods for straw-
berries and get lost. The Sandman finds
the babes and sings them to sleep, while
angels and fairies watch over them. They
are awakened by the Dew Man, and go
for breakfast to the house of the IVilch,
•who plans to eat them ; but when she
opens the oven to see if it is hot enough
to cook Hans, she herself is pushed in by
Crelchen.
THE CHILDREN AT HOME
147
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— HANSEL AND GRETEL
Several numbers from
this interesting opera are pre-
sented here, — the first being
the beautiful Prelude.
Prelude
By Arthur Pryor's Band
31853 12-inch, $1.OO
This Prelude is an es-
pecially beautiful number. It
opens with the Prayer of the
Children, played by the brass
— at first softly, then swelling
to the full strength of the
band. This is followed by a
passage portraying morning in
the forest, and upon this pas-
toral scene there breaks in
rudely the Hocus focus, or
Witches' motive. The Prelude
is brought to a close with a
return of the Prayer theme.
The delicacy and charm
of this music is well brought
out by the band under Mr.
Pryor's masterly baton.
The second number is
Peter's air in Act I.
Eine Hex' steinalt (The Old Witch)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German) 64164 10-inch, $1.OO
This is sung when Peter returns to his cottage and finds the children gone after straw-
berries. In this air he frightens his wife by telling of the witch who lives in a honey-cake
house, and who after enticing little children into it, bakes them into gingerbread in her
oven.
Mr. Goritz's admirable character study as Peter, the tipsy, kind-hearted and super-
stitious father, is one of the features of the Metropolitan revival, and this odd number is
given with much effectiveness.
The third number is the famous Hexenritt, or Witch's Ride, which occurs in Act III.
Hexenritt (Witch's Ride)
By Albert Reiss, Tenor (In German) 64188 lO-inch. $1.OO
The curtain rises, showing Hansel and Gretel still asleep in the wood. The Dawn Fairy
shakes dewdrops on the children and wakes them just as the mist clears away, revealing
the house of the Witch.
The children approach cautiously and begin to nibble at the gingerbread fence, when
the Witch comes out and casts a spell over them. She makes a good fire in the stove for
the purpose of roasting the babes, and in her joy she rides wildly around the room on a
broomstick, singing this unique Hexenritt.
Mr. Reiss tries his best to conceal his naturally sweet tenor when delivering this
number, but only partially succeeds. However, the Witch 's part is not intended to be
sung but " squeaked," and as a humorous performance this rendition is a masterpiece.
HANSEL AND GRETEL KNOCKING AT THE WITCH'S DOOR
148
/ (French)
HERODIADE
(Her-ro-dee-ah1 -d)
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Words by Paul Milliet and Henri Gremont, based on Gustave Flaubert's novelette,
Herodias. Music by Jules Massenet. First production December 19, 1881, at the Theatre
Je la Monnaie, Brussels. Produced in Paris at the Theatre Italien, February I, 1884, with
Jean and Eduard de Reszke, Maurel, Tremelli and Devries. Revived at the Theatre Je la
Qaite' in 1903, with Calve and Renaud. First German production in Hamburg, 1883, with
Sucher, Krauss and Winkelmann. First London production 1904, under the title Salome,
with the locale changed to Ethiopia by the British censor's orders. First American produc-
tion at the Manhattan Opera House, New York, November 8, 1909, with Cavalieri, Gerville-
R6ache, Duchesne, Dalmores and Renaud.
CAST
JOHN THE PROPHET Tenor
HEROD, King of Galilee Baritone
PHANUEL, a young Jew Bass
VlTELLJUS, a Roman proconsul Baritone
THE HIGH PRIEST ' Baritone
A VOICE IN THE TEMPLE Bass
SALOME Soprano
HERODIAS Contralto
A YOUNG BABYLONIAN WOMAN
Merchants, Hebrew Soldiers, Roman Soldiers, Priests, Levites, Temple
Servitors, Seamen, Scribes, Pharisees, Galileans, Samaritans,
Sadducees, Ethiopians, Nubians, Arabs, Romans.
The action lak.es place in Jerusalem — Time, about 30 A. D.
149
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— MASSENET'S HERODIADE
AS SALOME IN HERODIADE
Herodiade was first produced in Brussels in 1881.
The first Paris production of this opera was especially
interesting because of the first appearance of Jean de
Reszke as a tenor (he was formerly a baritone). It was
not until 1904, however, that the opera was brought
out in London (under the title of Salome) with Mme
Calv6, Dalmores and Renaud in the leading roles. Mr.
Hammerstein's brilliant production of this work was
one of the events of a recent season at the Manhattan.
The opera contains much of the best music
Massenet has written ; and several of the most melodi-
ous of these airs have been recorded by the Victor.
The plot, while based on the well-known Scrip-
tural story, does not follow the Bible or tradition very
closely, and differs quite largely from Salome.
ACT I
Salome enters and is greeted by Phanuel, a young
Jew, who is astonished that she should be in the Palace,
and -wonders if she can be ignorant of the fact that
Herodias is her mother. Salome tells him she is seeking
John the Prophet, and in this air she describes how
he had saved her from the desert -when a child, and
how good and kind he is.
II est doux, il est bon (He is Kind, He is
Good)
By Emma Calve, Soprano
(In French) 88130 12-inch. $3.00
Salome goes out just as Herod enters searching for her.
Herodias rushes in and demands John's head, saying that he
had insulted her. John appears, denounces them both and
drives them out, terrified. Salome enters and tells John of her
love for him, but he bids her turn to God.
ACT II
Herod lies on his luxurious couch, while attendants sing to
him. He can think of no one but Salome, and bids the slaves
dance to distract his mind. A love potion is given him by a
slave, who says it will make him see the face of the one he loves.
He then sings the famous Vision fugitive, considered the
most beautiful of the airs in the opera.
Vision fugitive (Fleeting Vision)
By Emilio de Gogorza. Baritone
(In French) 88153 12-inch. $3.0O GER^E-REACHE AS HERODIAS
IN HERODIADE
Herod describes the vision
of Salome which haunts him
night and day, and declares that
to possess her he would gladly
surrender his soul. He drinks
the love potion, and falls on the
couch in a delirious sleep.
The scene changes to the
great square at Jerusalem, where
Herod receives messages from
the allies, and denounces Rome.
Herodias enters and announces
that the Roman general, Viiellius,
is approaching. The people are
EENAUD AS HEROD
150
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— MASSENET'S HERODIADE
terrified, but Vitellius declares that Rome desires the favor of the Jews and will give back the
Temple of Israel.
John and Salome enter and Vitellius is surprised at the honor paid to the Prophet.
Herod gazes with eyes of love at Salorm, while Herodias watches her jealously. John
c enounces Vitellius as the curtain falls.
ACT III
The third act begins in Phanuel's house. He is gazing at the city, -which lies silent
under a starry sky, and prophesies the fate which is to overwhelm it.
Air de Phanuel (Oh, Shining Stars)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In French) 74152 12-inch, $1.50
He calls upon the stars to tell him what
manner of man is this John, who speaks with
such authority. " Is he a man or a god ?" he
cries. Herodias enters, much agitated. Phanuel
inquires what has brought the Queen to his
house, and she cries, "Vengeance on the woman
who has stolen Herod's love!" He reads her
fate by the stars, and sees nothing but blood
in the horoscope. She asks him about her child,
lost so long ago, and he takes her to the window
and shows her Salome, who is just entering the
Temple. Horrified, Herodias cries, " My daugh-
ter? Never! That is my rival !"
The second scene shows the entrance of
the Temple. Salome enters half fainting, having
heard that John has been cast in prison, and
falls exhausted at the prison entrance. Herod
enters, and seeing Salome, breaks out into a mad
declaration of his love, but she repulses him
with horror, and tells him she loves another.
He declares he will find this lover and kill him,
and goes out as the people enter the Temple.
John is brought in and denounced by the
priests, but prays for them as they demand
his death. Salome runs to John and falls at his
feet, -wishing to die with him. Herod, seeing
DUFRANNE AS PHANUEL that it is John whom Salome loves, orders them
both put to death, and they are seized and
borne out by guards as the curtain falls.
ACT IV
In Act IV John and Salome are seen in prison. John admits that he loves her, and urges
her to fly and save her life, but she refuses, declaring she will die with him. Priests appear
a:id order John to death, and command Salome to be taken to the Palace by Herod's com-
n.ands. She resists desperately, but is dragged away.
In the second scene occurs the great festival in honor of the Roman Empire. Salome is
b -ought in and again entreats to be allowed to die with John. She appeals to the Queen,
spying, "If thou wert ever a mother, pity me." Herodias trembles at the word, and gazing
0:1 her daughter, seems about to yield, when the executioner appears at the back with a
d -ipping sword and cries, " The Prophet is dead." Salome gives a terrible cry and tries to
k:ll the Queen, who screams: "Mercy! I am thy mother!" Salome recoils in horror, curses
h jr mother and stabs herself.
(Curtain)
MISCELLANEOUS HERODIADE RECORD
Herodiade Selection
By Arthur Pryor's Band 31786 12-inch, $1.25
151
THE GREAT BALLROOM SCENE ACT IV
(French) (German)
LES HUGUENOTS DIE HUGENOTTEN
(Leh Hueg -noh) (Dee Hoo-zen-olf -en)
(Italian) (English)
THE HUGUENOTS
GLI UGONOTTI
(Glee Oo-goh-not' -tih)
(Hew-gen -ahls)
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Libretto by Scribe and Emile Deschamps. Score by Giacomo Meyerbeer. First pre-
sented at the Academic in Paris, February 29, 1836. First London production July 20, 1848.
First New York performance June 24, 1850. Some notable American productions were in
1858, with La Grange, Siedenburg, Tiberini and Karl Formes; in 1872, with Parepa-Rosa,
Wachtel and Santley; in 1873, with Nilsson, Gary, Campanini and del Puente; in 1892, with
Montariol, de Reszke, Lasalle, Albani and Scalchi; in 1905, with Sembrich, Caruso, Walker,
Plancjon, Scotti and Journet; in 1907, with Nordica, Nielsen, Constantino andi de Segurola;
and the Manhattan production in 1908, with Pinkert, Russ, Bassi, Ancona and Arimondi.
Cast
COUNT OF ST. BRIS, (Sah B«e') ) - , ,. , , ( Baritone
r^r\i TNI-T* r\r- MI-* /r-i->o /»r . /\ f v^atnolic noblemen \ n •.
COUNT OF NEVERS, (Nev-airz ) j ( Baritone
RAOUL DE NANGIS, (Rah-oof day Non-zhee'} a Protestant gentleman Tenor
MARCEL, (Mahr-chet) a Huguenot soldier and servant to Raoul Bass
MARGARET OF VALOIS, (Val-ooati) betrothed to Henry IV Soprano
VALENTINE, daughter of St. Bris Soprano
URBANO, (Ur-bah' -noh) page to Queen Margaret Mezzo-Soprano
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, Pages, Citizens, Soldiers, Students, etc.
Scene and Period : Touraine and Paris ; during the month of August, 1572.
152
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A-T H E HUGUENOTS
This opera is considered the composer's masterpiece, and is indeed a wonderfully
imposing work, with its splendid scenes, beautiful arias and concerted numbers, and its
thrilling dramatic situations. The romance as well as the fanaticism of the period are
faithfully pictured, and the whole presented on a magnificent scale. The work, however,
;s undeniably too long for a single evening's performance, requiring fully five hours when
ijiven entire; and it is to be regretted that some courageous impresario does not prune
,md pare it until it becomes of reasonable length. The Victor, however, has been merciful,
and has selected only the gems of the work, which have been given by a fine cast headed
by Caruso.
The story relates to one of the most dramatic periods in French history, and tells of the
massacre of Huguenots in 1572, and of the efforts of Margaret of Valois, the betrothed of
Henry IV, to reconcile the disputes between the Protestants and the Catholics.
ACT I
SCENE I — House of the Count of Nevers
The overture is a short one and consists mainly of the Lutheran chorale, -which occurs
;.everal times in various portions of the opera. The curtain rises, disclosing a magnificent
salon in the house of Necers, where a gay party of Catholic noblemen are feasting. The
Count explains that he expects another guest, a Huguenot, whom he hopes they will treat
^vith courtesy. Raoul arrives and makes a favorable impression on the guests. Nevers
toasts the ladies, proposing that each relate an adventure with some fair one; Raoul,
being the latest arrival, is called upon first, and describes his rescue of an unknown beauty
(who proves afterward to be Valentine, St. Bris' daughter) from some drunken revelers.
:n this air he tells of her beauty and the deep impression she made on him.
Piu bianca — Romanza (Fairer Than the Lily)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 88210 12-inch, $3.OO
By M. Gautier, Tenor (In French) *45007 10-inch, l.OO
Caruso makes a manly picture as the young nobleman, and sings the music allotted to
Raoul charmingly, especially this delicate Romanza, in which he describes the vision of the
unknown with whom he has fallen in love. In dreamy tones he sings the recitative, after
vhich a short introduction brings us to the romanza, beginning
Andantino Grazioto.
bian • ca, del piu bian -co ve lo.
. er far e'fn than fair • tst lit y.
Nothing could be more tender and beautiful than Caruso's singing of this number.
RAOUL:
Fairer far e'en than fairest lily. And in her eyes the love-light gleamed.
Than spring morr more pure and more lovely Bidding me hope her love to gain.
and bright. Oh! she was charming past all expression!
An angel of Heaven born beauty And as before her form divine I bent my
Hurst upon my ravish'd J-ight. knee,
Sweetly she smiled as I stood by her side, I falter'd forth. "Fair angel, that cometh
Sighing the love which e'en her tongue to from Heav'n above,
speak denied; For evermore shad I love none but thee!"
A French rendition by M. Gautier, of the Paris Opera, is offered at a popular price, and
he record is a most excellent one.
The applause which greets this recital is interrupted by the entrance of Marcel, who
nakes no secret of his displeasure at seeing his master dining with Romanists. Raoul
apologizes, begging indulgence for an old soldier and faithful servant who loves him, and
he guests call on Marcel for a song. The grim soldier offers to sing an old Huguenot song
of warning both against Rome and the wiles of woman.
M \RCKL:
Sirs. I will: an old Huguenot song against the snares of Rome and the
dark wiles of woman. You, sirs, should know it well— it is our battle
song: you heard it at Rochelle. for there 'twas sung, 'mid the din of
drums and trumpets; with a full accompaniment — piff, paff, piff, paff, —
of bullets from our ranks, thus out it rang:
*Double-FaceJ RecorJ— For title of opposite side xe DOUBLE-FACED HUGUENOTS RECORDS, page 158.
153
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HE HUGUENOTS
Piff! Paff! (Marcel's Air)
By Marcel Journet, Bass
(In French) 74156 12-inch. $1.50
MARCEL:
Old Rome and her revelries,
Her pride and her lust, boys,
The monks and their devilries,
We'll grind them to dust, boys!
Deliver to fire and sword
Their temples of Hell,
Till of the black demons
None live to tell!
Woe to all defilers fair!
I ne'er heed their shrieking —
Woe to the Dalilahs fair,
Who men's souls are seeking!
Deliver to fire and sword
Those children of Hell,
Till of the black demons
None live to tell!
Refrain
Piff, paff, piff; slay them all,
Piff, paff, piff, ev'ry soul!
Piff, paff, piff; paff; piff; piff, paff, piff, paff!
All vainly for aid or for mercy they call ;
No pity for them! No they die — slay all!
No, no, no, no, no, no, no; slay all!
3* PLAN^ON AS ST. BRIS
Journet *s portrayal of the grim, stubborn old serv-
ant is a very fine one, and his rendition of the Piff, Paff is remarkable in its rugged force
and stern simplicity.
A servant of Neoers announces a veiled lady to see him and he retires to an adjoining
room. Raoul catches sight of the lady through the window as she lifts her veil, and is
astonished and grieved to recognize the beauty he had saved from the ruffians.
A young page now enters, and in a lovely air, familiarly called the Page Song,
announces that she has a message for one of the cavaliers present.
Nobil Signori salute ! ("Noble Sirs, I Salute You)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In Italian) 851O7 12-inch, $3.OO
This gay and brilliant cavatina is considered one of the most difficult of contralto num-
bers. It begins with a long and very ornamental cadenza, followed by this graceful melody :
Andantino Canlabile, con ffrazia.
see
No - bil don-na e tan - to o • n
From a la • dj/ fair and la
che far lie-to un re
For whose smiles a kin
po - tria.
tight woo.
worked up with much spirit and reintroduced after a striking series of vocal figures sung
on the -word "no." Mme. Homer's execution of this florid air exhibits well the great flexi-
bility of her fine voice.
Meyerbeer intended this part for soprano, but it is usually transposed and sung by a
contralto.
URBANO:
A most charming noble lady.
Whom with envy kinys might view,
\Yith a message here has charged me,
Cavaliers, cavaliers, to one of you.
I do not name him; but honor be
Unto the good knicht, whoe'er be he!
And until now. sirs, there ne'er hath been
Mortal so favor'd by beauty's queen!
The note proves to be for Raoul, and bids him consent to come blindfolded in a
carriage, -without question, to -wherever his guide will take him. The young man is puzzled
but decides to obey, and shows the note to the others. They recognize the seal of Margaret
of Valoii, and cast looks of envy at him as he follows the page.
154
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HE HUGUENOTS
ACT II
SCENE — Castle and Gardens of Chenonceaux
The Queen is seated on a kind of throne surrounded by her maids, who, with Urbano,
•ire assisting in her toilet. She rises and sings her
jreat air in praise of fair Touraine. Two fine records
of this florid number, by two famous sopranos, are
^resented here.
O, vago suol della Turenna (Fair
Land of Touraine)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano
(In Italian) 88234 12-inch. $3.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano
(In Italian) *35123 12-inch, 1.25
QUEEN :
Oh, lovely land of fair Touraine!
Thy vine-clad hills, thy sparkling fountains,
Thy green banks and thy murm ring zephyrs,
All fill my soul with peace and love!
Yet, for a difference in belief,
This fair scene may by war be stain'd!
Oh, that men would observe the moral,
To love and fear the all-powerful Being!
I'.ut hence with sorrow!
Care we will banish;
Ouick, let it vanish, far, far away!
In the land where I reign, _
From the mount to the main,
COPVT OUPOKT
The maids disperse, and Valentine enters and tells the Queen that she has seen the
Count de Neoers, who has promised to release her from the engagement which had been
arranged. Margaret informs her that she has another cavalier in mind — meaning Raoul,
,vho is now conducted to the ladies and his mask removed. He is much astonished to find
hat it is the Queen who has sent for him, and pledges his honor and his sword to her service.
i4e does not, however, perceive Valentine, who has retired at the moment of his entrance.
The nobles of the Court, Protestant and Catholic, now enter,
^flB^ having been sent for by Margaret. She announces that she is
planning a marriage which shall reconcile all their differences, and
asks them to swear to live in peace with each other.
MARGARET: Swear that, by the marriage vow,
Which each this day shall pjight,
No more shall enmity prevail,
No more each other s lives assail.
In party feud or nght!
(Raoul, Nevers. St. Bris and the Nobles,
gather around the Queen and take the
oath.)
We swear by our forefathers bold,
THE NOBLES:
The Queen and all her powers,
That Tcindly acts and generous thoughts
Shall evermore be ours!
Valentine is now led in by her father and presented to Raoul.
He starts in astonishment, having recognized the lady he had res-
cued, and whom he had seen meeting Nevers.
RAOUI. (in a stifled roice) :
Great Heaven! what do I see?
MAKGAKKT:
Why this astonishment?
RAOUL:
What! is this the bride you would offer to me?
MARC.ARET:
Y' t, to marry and to love.
RAOUL:
What perfidy ! what treachery !
I her husband! Never, never!
* Double-Facet? Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED HUGUENOTS RECORDS, page 158.
155
SCALCHI AS THE PAGE
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HE HUGUENOTS
NILSSON AS VALENTINE
OALMORES AS RAOUL
A terrible scene follows, St. Bris challenging Raoul,
who is ordered under arrest by the Queen. Valentine is
overcome with shame, and the Catholics are furious.
Marcel is delighted that his master has escaped marriage
•with a Catholic, and the curtain
falls as the Lutheran chorale is
again heard in the orchestra.
ACT III
(A Square in Paris)
A wedding procession passes
on its way to the church ; it is
for Valentine, who has been
persuaded to wed Nevers.
Valentine asks that she be per-
mitted to spend the day in the
chapel in prayer. While there
she overhears a plot to assas-
sinate Raoul, and at once goes
in search of Marcel to inform
him of the plan. She meets
him in the square and in a
great duet tells him of the
plot.
Nella notte io sol qui veglio (Here By Night Alone I Wander)
By Maria Grisi, Soprano, and Perello De Segurola, Bass
(In Italian) *634O4 lO-inch, $O.75
Marcel thanks her for the warning and goes with his friends to the rescue. A general
conflict is threatened but is prevented by the Queen, who appears just in time. She tells
Raoul that Valentine is innocent of wrong, having merely gone to Nevers' house to ask him
to release her. Raoul is overcome with remorse, but the knowledge comes too late, as
Valentine is already the wife of Nevers.
A richly decorated boat approaches, occupied by the nuptial suite. Nevers leads Valentine
to it, and as all salute the bridal couple the boat moves away,
•while Raoul, overcome by grief, is supported by Marcel. The
curtain falls.
ACT IV
(A Room in Nevers' Castle)
Valentine, alone, broods over her sorrows, confessing to her-
self that although -wedded to another, she still loves Raoul. She
is astounded to see her lover appear, he having braved death
and entered the castle to see her again. Valentine hears her
father's voice, and hastily conceals Raoul behind the tapestry.
The Catholic nobles enter to discuss the plot outlined by St. Bris.
They finally agree to his fiendish proposal, and swear to slaughter
the Huguenots. Nevers is horrified at the bloody scheme to
exterminate all Protestants, and refusing to become an assassin,
he breaks his sword, and is led away by the guards.
The conference closes with the famous Benediction of the
Swords, perhaps the greatest and most thrilling of all operatic
scenes. A magnificent record of this number has been given by
Journet and the Opera chorus.
Benediction of the Swords
By Marcel Journet, Bass, and Metropolitan
Opera Chorus (In Italian) 74275 12-inch, $1.5O
By Sousa's Band *35118 12-inch, 1.25
By Sousa's Band 31574 12-inch, l.OO CONSTANTINO AS RAOUL
*Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED HUGUENOTS RECORDS, page 158.
156
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— T H E HUGUENOTS
The number begins with the strain sung by St. Bris in his recital of the plan.
a - Ic - tc
U'ill ye
yoi,
col • pi
Iht Ira,
Eb - ben !
Tit well!
This is followed by the noble strain of the Benediction, one of the best known passages
in Meyerbeer's work —
JEAN DE RESZKE AS RAOUL
D'un sa - cro rel I'ar do - re
On Heav'»'t just cause re • ly • ing,
ST. BRIS:
Do you wish our dear country to save?
MONKS AMI NOBLES:
It is our wish! our hearts' desire!
ST. BRIS:
TIP serve our noble King,
\Vill ye the traitors destroy?
MONKS AND NOBLES:
The King's commands, we will obey!
ST. BRIS:
'Tis well! now hear the King's decree:
These Huguenots, whose vile detested race we
hate,
Shall from this day by the sword disappear!
ST. BRIS:
On Heaven's just cause relying,
This impious race defying,
'Mid thousands round thee dying,
Now swear that no mercy thou'lt show!
A sacred zeal inspiring.
All hearts with courage firing,
To compass Heav'n's desiring,
NIIW for vengeance we go!
Then comes the furious and fanatical chorus of priests and lords, one of the most
difficult of ensembles.
ALL: ST. BRIS:
Strike them down, men and children, all! Be silent, my friends, and breathe not e'en a
And let no mercy ever be shown! murmur
By the sword they shall perish. To wake our slumb'ring foe!
And their temples be o'erthrown !
ALL:
Whisper low, not a word.
Not a breath or sign revealing, while we,
silent stealing.
Strike the impious foe!
( ll'ith fury.)
Now for vengeance! we will go!
The number closes with the famous passage for the basses which
finishes on a low E natural, sung very pianissimo, as the company
disperses.
The nobles having gone, Raoul comes out, horrified at what he
has heard, and wishes to warn his friends, when Valentine, thinking
to save his life, urges him to remain, telling him that she loves him.
In a transport of delight he begins the great duet.
Dillo ancor (Speak Those \^ords Again !)
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-
Patti, Tenor (In Italian) *35123 12-inch, $1.25
RAOOL:
Ah! say again thou lov'st me!
From darkness drear I have awakened to bliss!
Forever now we're united.
Thou hast link'd thy fate t-.i mine —
Forever, forever, forever!
LA SALLE AS NEVERS Say once again thou lov'st me!
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite si Je see DOUBLE-FACED HUGUENOTS RECORDS, page 158.
157
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HE HUGUENOTS
The great bell of St. Germain, the signal to prepare for the slaughter, is heard tolling,
and Raoul makes a fresh effort to go to the aid of his people. He rushes to the window,
while Valentine clings to him, and shows her that the massacre has already begun ; then
tears himself from her arms and leaps from the window, while she falls fainting.
In recent productions in America, because of the great length of Meyerbeer's work, the
opera has ended with the shooting of Raoul by the mob as he leaps from the window; but
in the original version a fifth act occurs, in which Nevers is killed, and Valentine, renouncing
her faith, is united by Marcel to Raoul. St. Bris and his party enter the street, and not
recognizing Valentine, 'fire upon the three and kill them. The curtain falls as St. Bris dis-
covers that he has murdered his daughter. This final tragedy is graphically pictured in
the accompanying reproduction from an old drawing.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LES HUGUENOTS RECORDS
{Benediction of the Poignards By Sousa's Band)
Trovatore — Home to Our Mountains By Corinne Morgan, ^35118 12-inch, $1.25
Contralto, and Harry Macdonough, Tenor (In English) ]
O vago suol delta Turenna (Fair Land of Touraine)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian)
Ditto ancor (Speak Those "Words Again) By Ida
Giacomelli, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(In Italian)
(Huguenots Selection By Victor Bandi ,
I Norma Overture By Victor Band)*'
Plus blanche (Fairer Than the Lily) 1
By M. Gautier, Tenor (In French) \
Guillaume Tell — Jlsile. Hereditaire
By M. Gautier, Tenor (In French))
Nella notte io sol qui veglio (Here By Night Alone
I "Wander) By Maria Grisi, Soprano, and Perello
de Segurola, Bass (In Italian) \634O4 lO-inch, l.OO
Lucrezia Borgia — Vieni la mia vendetta (Haste Thee, To
Glut a Vengeance) By Giulio Rossi, Bass (In Italian)^
35123 12-inch, 1.25
[35O29 12-inch. 1.25
lO-inch, l.OO
TJIE FINAL TRAGEDY
158
(French)
LAKME
(Lak'-meh)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Book by Goudinet and Gille, taken from the story Le Manage de Loli. Music by Leo
Delibes (Day-leeb'). First production Paris, April 14, 1883. First London production at
tie Gaiety Theatre, June 6, 1885. Produced in New York November 28, 1888.
Characters
GERALD, , Tenor
officers or the British army in India ................ < „
t Baritone
NILAKANTHA, a Brahman priest .................................. Bass
HADJI, a Hindoo slave ......................................... Tenor
LAKME, daughter of Nilakantha ............................... Soprano
ELLEN, daughter of the Governor ............................... Soprano
ROSE, her friend ............................................. Soprano
MRS. BENSON, governess of the young ladies ................ Mezzo-Soprano
MALLJKA, slave of Lakme .............................. Mezzo-Soprano
A FORTUNE TELLER ..............................................
A CHINESE MERCHANT ...........................................
A SEPOY ........................................................
Hindoos, Men and Women, English Officers and Ladies, Sailors,
Bayaderes, Chinamen, Musicians, Brahman, etc.
Scene and Period : India, at the present time.
This opera, with its graceful music and scenes of Oriental splendor, was first given in
America by the American Opera Company in 1886. (The Emma Abbott version in 1883
n>:ed not be considered seriously.) Since then it has had three revivals — the Patti production
oi 1890; that of 1895 for Marie Van Zandt, and the Metropolitan revival of 1906-7. The
rr.usic of the opera is wholly beautiful, and the principal numbers are exquisite composi-
tions— lovely in idea and execution.
The story resembles in some points both Aida and Africaine ; all three are more or less
Oriental; Lakme, like Aida, loves her country's enemy; Nilakantha and Nelus^o possess simi-
lar traits; while Lakme' and Selika both poison themselves botanically.
The Oriental atmosphere is somewhat spoiled by the introduction of the modern and
somewhat commonplace English characters, but the romantic ending atones for any
shortcomings.
ACT I
SCENE — A Qarden in India
Nilankatha, Lafyne's father, hates the English invaders and resists their presence in India.
C'.rald and Frederic, English officers, while sauntering with some English ladies, venture on
sacred ground near Nilakantha 's temple, and when rebuked they all depart but Gerald, who
remains to sketch some Oriental jewels which L,akm€ had left in the garden. He takes up
the trinkets and sings his charming air, Idle Fancies.
Fantaisie aux divins mensonges (Idle Fancies)
By M. Rocca, Tenor (Double-faced— See page 162) (In French) 16573 lO-inch. $O.75
He is struck with the daintiness and beauty of the gems and tries to picture the
unknown beauty to whom they belong.
150
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— D ELIBES' LAKME
GERALD: The small foot, that but reposes
Idle fancy, cradled by delusion, ™,9n mof ? banks or b?ds of flowers.
You mislead me now as of old. Thls necklace, too, with her own perfume
Go to dreamland, turn back in confusion, „ scente^ d.
Fair dove fantastic, with wings of gold. Embalm d as yet with sweets from her lips
,_. . . , . t ^ that came,
(Taking up a bracelet.) Has felt the true heart, beating, glad, con-
Of some fair maid round her arm folding, tented
This bracelet rich must oft entwine. Trembling with joy at the one well-loved
Ah! what delight would be the holding, name
The hand that passes there, in mine. Away, fly', fond illusions,
(Taking «/> a ring.) Swiftly passing visions that my reason dis-
This ring of gold, my dream supposes, turb!
Oft has followed, wand'ring for hours, Idle fancy, cradled by delusion, etc.
(From the Ditson Edition.)
This beautiful air has been sung for the Victor by a brilliant and accomplished young
tenor, M. Rocca, of the Opera Comique.
Hearing some one approaching, he hides himself in the shrubbery. La^me enters and
lays flowers at the feet of an idol. She is about to go when she pauses and tries to analyze
a strange feeling which has come over her, saying:
LAKM£:
In my heart now I feel there's a murmur so
strange,
The flow'rs are more lovely appearing,
And Heaven's more radiant now.
From woods a new song I am hearing,
Fond zephyrs caress my brow.
And a fragrance that's rare is filling,
All my senses with a rapture so thrilling!
She then sings her first lovely song,
Pourquoi dans les grands bois (Why Love I Thus to Stray ?)
By Alice Verlet, Soprano (Double-faced— See page 162) (French) 45OO6 lO-inch, $ 1 .00
and asks herself why she loves to wander in the forest and why she is both sad and glad.
I.AKMK:
Why love I thus to stray, Ah! why?
In woods here, day by day, Why look for reasons here, in the song of
While tears have sway? the stream,
Why doth the dove's note sadden, Where roses dream?
And fill my heart with sighing; In leaves that fall around?
As doth a fading flow'ret. In my heart soft reposes, like a lily at rest,
Or a leaf eastward flying? Sweeter balm than yield roses, by gentle winds
Yet are these tears most sweet to me, caressed,
Tho' sad they be! Or by loving lips pressed. Tho" I sigh, I'm
And my heart is gladsome, gladsome,
Tho' I m sighing, I'm gladsome. Ah, why?
She suddenly sees Gerald among the trees and utters a cry of fear. Her attendants run
in, but some intuition tells her not to reveal Gerald's presence, and she sends them away.
Going to his hiding place she denounces him for trespassing on sacred ground, and bids
him begone. He begs her for a few moments' conversation, and tells her of the impression
she has made on his heart.
GERALD: Ah! linger, go not yet, so thoughtful, sweet, unchiding!
Let blushing charms that mine eyes now have met,
O'ermantle thy cheek.
Its lily pallor hiding!
L.al(m£ looks on the handsome youth with interest, but tells him she fears the return of
her father, who would surely seek vengeance for the Englishman's desecration of holy
ground. Gerald departs just as Nilalfantha, summoned by Lafyme's attendants, enters, and
seeing traces of a trespasser, declares that he must die. They go in pursuit of Gerald,
leaving Lat^ml motionless with fear.
ACT II
SCENE — A Street in an Indian City
Act II shows a public square, lined with Chinese and Indian shops and bazaars. Eng-
lish visitors are strolling about, viewing the scenes with interest. Nilat^antha, disguised as a
beggar, is seeking traces of the intruder, whom he has sworn to kill. La^rnf is with him,
wearing the dress of a dancing girl. He orders his daughter to sing, hoping that the Eng-
lishman will recognize her voice and betray himself. She sings the famous Bell Song.
NOTE — Quotations are from the Ditson libretto by permission — Copy't 1 890, Oliver Ditson Co.
160
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A-D ELIBES' LAKME
(In Italian)
(In French)
(In Italian)
(In French)
88297
88084
88219
74O9O
12-inch. $3.OO
12-inch. 3.OO
12-inch. 3.OO
12-inch, 1.5O
Ou va la jeune Hindoue (Bell Song)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
By Bessie Abott, Soprano
By Maria Galvany. Soprano
By Ellen Beach Yaw. Soprano
Delibes has ingeniously used bells to give character to this
number, -which is a most intricate one, especially in the refrain,
where voice, woodwind and bells blend with many charming
touches.
LAKMK:
Down there, where shades more deep arc
glooming.
What trav ler's that, alone, astray?
Around him flame bright eyes, dark depths
illuming.
Hut on he journeys, as by chance, on the way!
The wolves in their wild joy are howling,
As if for their prey they were prowling;
The young girl forward runs, and doth their
fury dare.
A ring in her grasp she holds tightly,
Whence tinkles a bell, sharply, lightly,
A bell that tinkles lightly, that charmers wear!
(Site imitates the bell.)
Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!
While the stranger regards her
Stands she dazed, flush'd and glowing,
More handsome than the Rajahs, he!
And to heaven she soars in his holding,
It was Vishnu, great Brahma's son!
And since the day in that dark wood,
The trav'ler hears, where Vishnu stood,
The sound of a little bell ringing,
The legend back to him bringing,
A small bell ringing like those the charmers
wear! ABOTT AS LAKME
Mme. Tetrazzini's rendition of this beautiful air is -wholly charming, and the vocal em-
bellishments which she introduces will be something of a novelty to those who are familiar
only with the usual cadenzas.
Other fine renditions of this brilliant air are given by Mme. Galvany, who indulges in
some quite astonishing cadenzas; by Bessie Abott, whose fresh young voice is heard to
great advantage; and by Miss Yaw, -who provides a lower-priced version.
As Nilakantha had planned, Gerald recognizes Lakm€ and betrays himself. The Brahman
goes to collect his Hindoos, intending to kill the Englishman, while Latynt finds Gerald
and warns him of the plot. She begins the duet:
Dans la foret, pres de nous (In the Forest)
By Mme. Vallandri. Soprano, and M. Rocca, Tenor
(Double-faced—See page 1 62) (In French) 45OO5 lO-inch. $1.OO
and tells him of a hut in the forest where he may be free from pursuit.
LAKM£:
In the forest near at hand,
A hut of bamboo is hiding,
'Neath a shading tree doth stand.
This roof of my providing.
Like a nest of timid birds,
In leafy silence abiding.
From all eyes secret it lies,
And waits it there a hanpy pair!
Far away from prying sight.
Without there's naught to reveal it,
Silent woods by day and night.
Ever jealously conceal it;
Thither shalt thou follow me!
When dawn earth is greeting,
Thee with smiles I shall be meeting.
For 'tis there thy home shall be.
161
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— D ELIBES' LAKME
Gerald at first refuses thus to hide, declaring it unworthy of a British officer, but La^me"
pleads with him and he consents ; but as he attempts to follow her he is stabbed by Nila-
kantha, who then escapes. Lafame runs to Gerald, and overjoyed to find his wound is not
serious, she prepares, with the help of her faithful attendant Hadji, to bear him to the
forest retreat.
ACT III
SCENE — An Indian Forest
Act III shows the hut in the tropical forest. Gerald is lying on a bed of leaves while
La^me' watches over him, singing soothing melodies. He opens his eyes and greets her
with rapture, singing his beautiful In Forest Depths.
Vieni al contento profondo (In Forest Depths)
By John McCormack, Tenor (In Italian) 64171 lO-inch, $2.OO
This lovely cantilena is given in delightful style by Mr. McCormack.
GERALD:
I too recall, — still mute, inanimate, —
I saw you bent o'er my lips; while thus lying,
My soul upon your look was attracted and
fastened;
'Neath your breath life awoke and recovery
hastened.
O my charming Lakme;
Through forest depths secluded,
Love's wing above us has passed;
Earth-cares have not been intruded,
And heaven on us falls at last.
These flow'ring vines, with blooms capricious,
Bear o'er our pathway scents delicious;
Which soft hearts, with raptures beset,
While all else we forget!
As the days pass and Gerald recovers his strength, he seems to forget all else but his
love for the Brahman maiden, but one day, while she is absent, his friend Frederic finds him
and urges him to return to his duty. When La^me' comes back she finds Gerald changed.
She asks the reason, but before he can answer the distant sound of bugles calling the regi-
ment together is heard. She sees by his face that he means to go back to his friends, and
in despair she eats some flowers of the deadly stramonium tree and dies in his arms.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LAKME RECORDS
[ Pourquoi dans les grands bois ( Why Love I Thus to Stray ?) 1
By Alice Verlet. Soprano (In French) U5OO6
Mignon — Polonaise By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano (In French)}
Dans la foret, pres de nous (In the Forest) By Mme.
lO-inch, $1.OO
Vallandri, Soprano, and M. Rocca, Tenor
Manon — J'icris a mon pere
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French)
Fantaisie aux divins mensonges (Idle Fancies)
By M. Rocca, Tenor (In French)
Rigoletto — Cortigiani, oil razza dannata
By Renzo Minolfi, Baritone (In Italian)
45OO5 10-inch, l.OO
16573 lO-inch. .75
NOTE — Quotations from the text of Lakme are printed by kind permission of Oliver Ditson Company
(Copy't 1890).
162
'Italian)
LINDA DI CHAMOUNIX
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Words by Rossi; music by Donizetti. First production at the Karnthnerthor Theatre,
Vienna, May 19, 1842; in Paris, November 17, 1842; in London at Her Majesty's, June, 1843.
Cast
MARQUIS OF BOISFLEURY Baritone
CHARLES DE SIRVAL, his son Tenor
THE PARISH PRIEST Bass
ANTONIO LOUSTOLOT, a farmer Bass
MADELINE, his wife Mezzo-Soprano
LINDA, their daughter Soprano
Time and Place : Chamounix and Paris, 1760, during the reign of Louis XV.
The story tells of an aged couple, Loustoloi and Madeline, and their only daughter Linda,
who dwell in the valley of the Chamounix (in the French Alps). Linda loves a young
painter, Charles, who has come to the valley to paint the mountains. The Marquis de Sirval,
who holds a mortgage on Louslolot's farm, visits the old couple and assures them that he
will not press the mortgage ; but at the same time he is secretly plotting to effect the ruin
of Linda.
Linda enters and speaks of her love for Charles. She then sings the gem of the first
act, a favorite with colorature sopranos for more than seventy years.
Two renditions of this lovely air, by Sembrich and Huguet, are given here, the Huguet
record being doubled with the Trentini-Caffo duet below.
O luce di quest' anima (Guiding Star of Love !)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano (In Italian) 88142 12-inch. $3.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) 62O9O 10-inch. .75
LINDA: Oh! star that guidest my fervent love,
Poor are we both in worldly state; Thou'rt life and light to me;
On love we live, — on hope we dream! On earth, in Heav'n above,
A painter yet unknown, is he, Kntwin'd our hearts will be.
Yet by his genius he will rise. Oh, come, then, come, my best belov'd!
And I his happy wife shall be! Oh, what joy! My every pulse is thine!
Charles enters, and the lovers sing their charming duet.
A consolarmi affrettati (Oh, That the Blessed Day "Were Come)
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Alberto Caffo, Tenor 62090 10-inch, $O.75
LINDA AND CHARLES:
Oh! that the blessed day were come, And then, my love, we'll never part,
When standing side by side. But each a treasure find
We before God and man shall be In having brought a faithful heart
As bridegroom and as bride. To heav'nly love resigned!
The worthy parish priest having warned Linda's parents of the dishonorable intention
of the Marquis, they decide to remove Linda from the danger, and send her to Paris.
The Marquis pursues her to the city and renews his attentions, while Charles (who is in
reality the son of the Marquis) is compelled by his father to transfer his attentions to another.
Linda's father comes to Paris in disguise, and discovers his daughter. Believing her to be
an abandoned woman, he curses her, and she becomes insane through grief.
The last act again shows the little farm at Chamounix. The demented Linda has made
her way back to her parents, and is found by Charles, who has escaped the unwelcome
marriage and now brings the release of the farm from debt. The sight of her lover causes
Linda to fall in a death-like swoon, but when she recovers her reason has returned, and the
lovers are united.
163
LOHENGRIN
(Lou/ -en-grin)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Words and music by Richard Wagner. First produced at Weimar, Germany, August
28, 1850, under the direction of Liszt. First London production, 1875; Paris, 1887. First
American production in New York, in Italian, March 23, 1874, with Nilsson, Gary, Campanini
and Del Puente; in German, in 1885, with Brandt, Krauss, Fischer and Stritt — this being
Anton Seidl's American debut as a conductor.
HI.ii.i4Xi 2« *•!•« ISiO
rolog
& 0 f) r n g r i n.
• '•
tor- : ~ '.
SIM yyi 10 ilk
Characters
HENRI THE FOWLER. King of Germany
LOHENGRIN Tenor
ELSA OF BRABANT Soprano
DUKE GODFREY, her brother Mute Personage
FREDERICK OF TELRAMUND, Count of Brabant . . Baritone
ORTRUD. his wife Mezzo-Soprano
THE KING'S HERALD Bass
Saxon, Thuringian and Brabantian Counts and
Nobles, Ladies of Honor, Pages, Attendants.
Scene and Period : Antwerp, first half of the Tenth Century.
PROGRAM OF ORIGINAL
PRODUCTION
questions him, and in fulfillment of his vow, but in
deep grief, he leaves her and departs in his boat
drawn by a dove. The ethereal Grail harmonies, the
lovely Swan Motive, the noble Prayer of the King and
the Bridal Chorus make this one of the most melodious
of all the master's operas.
Prelude
By La Scala Orchestra 31779 12-inch, $1.0O
The prelude, one of the most beautiful of all
Wagner's compositions, symbolizes the descent from
Heaven of a group of angels bearing the Holy Grail.
The number begins with soft A major chords in the
highest register of the violin. The motive of the Grail
is then announced :
Most of us are familiar with the story of the Knight
Lohengrin, who comes in his boat, drawn by a swan, to
defend Elsa from the charge (preferred by Telramund and
Ortrud, who covet Elsa's estates) of having murdered her
young brother, Godfrey.
Telramund is vanquished and disgraced by Lohengrin,
who wins Elsa as his bride. One condition he exacts
from her — that she shall never ask who he is or whence he
came. By the influence of Ortrud, however, she rashly
Coming nearer and nearer, the light of the Grail is seen
in the sky, while the air is filled with the blessings dis-
pensed by the holy cup. As the sounds grow louder,
the senses are overwhelmed, until at the tremendous
climax thundered out by the full orchestra the mystic
light of the Grail is seen in all its glory.
164
GADSKI AS ELSA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — WAG NER'S LOHENGRIN
The mysterious Grail motive then fades away, being played
at the end by muted strings ; and the number ends with the
t;ame A major chords pianissimo.
The performance of this wonderful prelude, which is
written almost wholly for strings, shows why this organization
has become famous for the exquisite playing of its string section.
ACT I
SCENE — Banks of the Scheldt, near Antwerp
King Henry of Germany arrives at Antwerp and finds
Brabant in almost a state of anarchy. He summons the counts
and nobles of Saxony and Brabant to meet under the Oak of
Justice, and calls on Frederick °f Telramund for an explanation,
.saying :
KIM.. Here, to my grief, I meet with naught but strife,
All in disunion, from your chiefs estranged!
Confusion, civil warfare meet we here.
On thee I call, Frederick of Telramund!
I know thee for a knight as brave as true,
I charge thee, let me know this trouble's cause.
Frederick now advances and begins his narrative, boldly
accusing Elsa of the murder of her brother.
Dank, Kbnig, dir, dass du zu richten kamst!
(Frederick's Charge Against Elsa)
By Anton Van Rooy, Bass
(In German) 92062 12-inch, $3.00
OORITZ AS TELRAMUND
P«»EL BY HUGO BRAUKE
ELSA RELATING HER DREAM
FREDERICK:
Thanks, gracious King, that thou to
judge art come!
The truth I'll tell thee, falsehood I
disdain.
When death was closing round our
valiant Duke,
"Twas me he chose as guardian of
his children,
Elsa the maiden, and Gottfried her
brother;
Whose dawning with tender care I
guarded,
Whose welfare I have treasured as
my honor.
My sov'reign, mark now, if I'm
aggrieved,
When of my honor's treasure I am
robbed !
One day, when Elsa had with her
brother wandered forth,
Without the boy, trembling, she re-
turned.
With feign'd lamenting, questioned of
his safety,
Pretending she had been from him
divided,
And in vain his traces she had
sought,
Fruitless was every search we made
to find him;
And when I questioned her with
words severe.
Her pallor and her falt'ring tongue
betray'd her.
Her crime in its guilty blackness
stood confess'd!
A horror fell upon me of the maid;
The claim upon her hand her father
had conferr'd
With willing heart, I straight re-
signed.
And chose a wife full pleasant to my
sense,
165
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
Ortrud, daughter of Raclbod, true in death.
I here arraign her, Princess Elsa of Brabant ;
Of fratricide be she charged!
I claim dominion o'er this land by right;
My nearest kinsman was the valiant duke,
My wife descended of the race
That gave this land their rulers thro' long ages past.
O King, give judgment! All now thou hast heard!
The host of admirers of this famous Dutch artist, whose
sonorous bass is now at its best, will be greatly pleased by the
issue of this record of the dramatic air of Telramund. Mr.
Van Rooy, whose fine impersonations of Wagnerian roles are
familiar to opera goers, is always an effective Frederick, acting
the part with the ruggedness it demands and singing the diffi-
cult music in the true Wagnerian style.
The King is much disturbed, and says :
KING: A dreadful accusation thou hast brought!
A crime so deadly, how can I believe?
Frederick, vehemently repeats his accusation, and demands
that the King choose between them. The King asks that Elsa
be sent for, and when she enters timidly with downcast eyes, he says kindly :
KING: Canst thou meet this accusation?
Speak, Elsa, in thy King thou may'st confide!
The young girl seems bewildered and dreamily sings the lovely Traum, telling of her
vision of a splendid Knight who came to be her defender.
Elsa's Traum (Elsa's Dream)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano (In German) 88038 12-inch, $3.OO
By Emma Juch, Soprano (Piano ace.) (In German) 74014 12-inch, 1.5O
ELSA: Oft when the hours were > lonely,
I unto Heav'n have pray'd,
One boon I ask'd for only,
To send the orphans aid;
I pray'd in tears and sorrow,
With heavy heart and sore,
Hoping a brighter morrow
Yet was for us in store.
Away my words were wafted,
I dreamt not help was nigh,
Rut One on high vouchsaf'd it,
While I in sleep did lie.
(with growing enthusiasm)
I saw in splendor shining,
A knight of glorious mien,
On me his eyes inclining,
With tranquil gaze serene.
A horn of gold beside him,
lie leant upon his sword.
Thus when I erst espied him,
'Mid clouds of light he'soar'-d;
His words so low and tender,
Brought life renew'd to me.
(with rapture)
My guardian, my defender,
Thou shalt my champion be.
The King is much moved, and calls
for a judgment of God after the fashion
of the time. The trumpeters blow the
summons to the four points of the
compass, and the Herald calls :
HEPALD:
Who will do battle here on life or
death
For Elsa of Brabant! Let him appear!
At first there comes no response,
and Elsa is in despair, but after a
second call a knight in shining armor
is seen approaching in a boat drawn
by a swan.
EI.SA AND LOH
166
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— "WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
AM! IVAL OF LOHENGRIN
The King bids the nobles pre-
j3are to fight, and in this noble
Gebet calls upon Heaven to judge
oetween the combatants.
Mem Herr und Gott —
Koenig's Gebet
(King's Prayer)
By Marcel Journet, Bass
(In German)
64013 lO-inch, $1.00
The King is one of Journet's
oest parts, and he always sings it
:nagnificently, his great voice rolling
out in tremendous volume. His
delivery is always easy and grace-
ul, and his acting dignified and
ntelligent.
Is INC. HKNRY:
() King of kings, on Thee I call;
Look down on us in this dread
hour!
Let him in this ordeal fall
Whom Thou know'st guilty, Lord
of pow'r!
To stainless knight give strength
and might,
With craven heart the false one
smite:
Do Thou. O Lord, to hear us deign,
For all our wisdom is but vain!
Frederic^ is soon stricken to
I he earth by Lohengrin, who is pro-
claimed a hero. Elsa is pro-
nounced innocent, plights her troth
to her brave defender, and the cur-
lain falls amid general rejoicing.
Nun sei bedankt, mein
lieber Schwan ! (Thanks,
My Trusty Swan !)
By Fernando de Lucia. Tenor
(In Italian) 760O2 12-inch. $2.OO
By Leo Slezak, Tenor
(In German) 61203 10-inch, l.OO
Lohengrin steps out, then turning and caress-
ing the swan, sings :
LOHENGRIN :
1 give thee thanks, my faithful swan!
Turn thee again and breast the tide,
Return unto that land of dawn
Where joyous we did long abide.
Well thy appointed task is done!
Farewell ! farewell ! my trusty swan !
(to the Kinii)
Hail, gracious sov'reign !
Victory and honor by thy valor's meed!
Thy glorious name shall from the land
That chose thee ruler, ne'er depart.
The knight now announces that he has
come to defend the maiden, who is unjustly
accused by her enemy.
LOHENGRIN :
Ye knights, nobles and freemen of this land,
Guiltless and true is Klsa of lirabant!
Thy tale was falsehood, Count Telramund,
By lleav'n's assistance all thou shall recant !
THE FIGHT BETWEEN LOHENGRIN AND TELRAMUND ACT I
167
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — WAG NER'S LOHENGRIN
ACT II
SCENE— Court of the Palace
This scene shows the
inner court of the palace at
Antwerp. It is night. Fred-
erick an£l Ortrud, disgraced and
dressed in sombre garments,
are seated on the church
steps. They upbraid each
other, Frederick accusing
Ortrud of inventing the story
of Elsa 's crime. A long duet
follows, ending in a terrible
plot for vengeance.
Elsa appears on the bal-
cony of the palace, all un-
conscious of the wretched
and disgraced Telramund and
Ortrud, who are hidden in the
shadow. In a blissful reverie,
the young girl sings to the
soft breezes of the knightly
THE PLOT — ACT ii Lohengrin, to whom she is
now betrothed.
ELSA:
Ye wand'ring breezes heard me,
When grief was all I knew;
Now that delight hath stirred me,
My joy I'll breathe to you!
TELRAMUND AND ORTRUD:
'Tis she! Be near, ye powers of
darkness!
ELSA (continuing dreamily) :
Thro' heaven's azure ye bore him,
Ye wafted him to me; •
'Mid stormy waves watched o'er him,
My guide, my love to be!
Where er thy pinion rusheth,
The mourner's tears are dried;
My cheek that burns and flusheth
With love, oh cool and hide!
Du Aermste (Thou Un- •
happy One)
By Emma Eames, Soprano,
and Louise Homer.
Contralto (In German)
89021 12-inch, $4.00
Elsa, who has finished her raptur-
ous soliloquy to the -wandering breeze,
still lingers on the balcony, enjoying the
balmy night and dreaming of her be-
trothal on the morrow. Ortrud, pursuing
the plot agreed upon with Frederick,
appears and calls to Elsa, -who hearing
her name, cries:
Who calls? How strangely
My name resoundeth thro' the night! " ORTRUD KNEELING TO ELSA
Ortrud feigns repentance, and Elsa, in the flush of her new-found happiness forgives
her, saying:
Unhappy one, that thy heart could know No child of earth that bliss can measure
the treasure Who doth not dwell in faith devout!
Of love that knows not fear or doubt! Rest thee with me!
168
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
THE KING DENOUNCING TELKAMU.N
Ortrud warns Eha against trusting her husband too blindly, hinting of the mystery
in his life, and thus plants a seed of suspicion in the young girl's heart. The duet
th ;n follows-
ELSA:
Oh, let me teach thee
How trust doth hallow joy and love.
Turn, then, to our faith, I beseech thee,
( )h. turn unto our faith divine,
For God is love!
ORTRUD (aside — with fierce joy) :
Oh! pride of heart, I yet will teach thee,
That an illusion is this love,
The gods of vengeance soon shall reach
thee,
Their wrath-destroying thou shall prove!
Elsa enters the palace and the dark plotters renew their vow
of imprecation.
Day breaks, and the Herald appears and announces the
banishment of Telramund. Elsa, attended by her ladies, passes
on her -way to the minster but is suddenly confronted by
Oitrud, who has arrayed herself again in splendid garments.
She taunts Elsa with the fact that her knight has no name.
ORTRUD:
Your stranger, say, as what doth thou
proclaim him?
If I have heard aright, thou canst not
name him!
ELSA (indignantly):
Thou slanderer, taunt me no more,
Let my reply all doubts assure —
So pure and noble is his nature.
As none can match in high renown.
Oh, can there live so vile a creature
As to asperse all honor's crown ?
The King and Lohengrin now enter and Elsa, astonished and
gr eved, goes to Lohengrin, saying:
SC. HVMAXX-IIF.IXK
ORTRCD
ELSA
My champion! shelter me against her
wrath !
Blame me, if I obey'd not thy command;
1 heard her weeping sore by yonder
portal,
And in compassion harbor'd her this
night.
And now with harsh and bitter words of
hatred
She taunts me for my boundless trust
in thee!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
ACT III
SCENE I— The Bridal Chamber in the Palace
The act opens with the Wedding March, played by the orchestra.
Prelude to Act III— The Wedding March
By La Scala Orchestra *62693 lO-inch, $0.75
This is followed by the beautiful Bridal Chorus, one of the loveliest numbers in the
opera. As the curtain rises, showing the bridal chamber, the strains of the march continue,
but in a softer mood. The great doors at the back open, and the bridal party enters, —
the ladies leading Elsa and the King and nobles conducting Lohengrin, — they come to the
front and the chorus begins :
CHORUS:
Faithful and true, we lead thee forth
Where Love, triumphant, shall crown ye with joy!
Star of renown, flow'r of the earth,
Blest be ye both far from all life's annoy!
Champion victorious, go thou before!
Maid bright and glorious, go thou before!
Mirth's noisy revel ye've forsaken,
Tender delights for you now awaken;
Fragrant abode enshrine ye in bliss;
Splendor and state in joy ye dismiss!
EIGHT LADIES (passing around the bridal pair}:
As solemn vows unite ye
We hallow ye to joy!
This hour shall still requite ye,
When bliss hath known alloy!
After a striking and effective modulation the
first strain is repeated by the full chorus.
Faithful and true, now rest you here.
Where Love, triumphant, etc.
The party goes slowly out, leaving the bridal
pair alone, while the strains of the nuptial air die
away in the distance.
The full strength of the Victor organization has
been used for the vocal rendition, and the result is a
record of surpassing beauty. An instrumental record
of this number is also offered.
fff.
-"' s :
FRAGMENT OF THE BRIDAL CHORUS IN
ChorUS WAGNER'S OWN HANDWRITING
By Victor Opera Chorus
(In English) 31846 12-inch, $1.0O
By Arthur Pry or's Band 31227 12-inch. l.OO
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *16537 10-inch, .75
The bridal pair are 'left alone and a long duet occurs, part of
which is recorded here by two famous artists of La Scala.
Cessero i canti alfin (The Song Has Died Away)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano: Fernando
de Lucia, Tenor (In Italian) 92055 12-inch, $3.00
The beautiful air which Lohengrin sings in the duet, Dost Thou
Breathe the Incense, is also given here by Dalmores.
Athmest du nicht mit mir die siissen Diifte ?
(Dost Thou Breathe the Incense Sweet ?)
By Charles Dalmores, Tenor
(In German) 87O88 10-inch, $2.0O
This duet is scarcely over when the poison instilled in Elsa's
mind by Ortrud causes her, in violation of her promise, to question
* Doubk-FaceJ Records— For title of opposite tide see DOUBLE-FACED LOHENGRIN RECORDS, page 172.
170
COPY'T DU»0»r
HOMER AS ORTRUD
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
Lohengrin as to his name and origin. He
remonstrates -with her, at first gently and
then with authority, reminding her that
she has promised not to ask his name.
She becomes more and more agitated,
saj ing :
EI.SA :
No, thou shalt not compel me to trust by
words of blame —
^To, not unless thou tell me thy country
and thy name!
Lo IENGRIN :
I'.lsa, oh, I conjure thee!
EL;A:
What fatal spell is thine?
] n vain wouldst thou assure me —
Declare thy race and name!
They are interrupted by the entrance
of Frederick, and four associates, who break
in with drawn swords. Elsa shrieks and
ha ids Lohengrin his sword, with which
he strikes Frederick dead. The nobles
surrender, and Elsa falls senseless in
Lohengrin's arms. After a long silence,
Lohengrin orders the body into the Judg-
ment Hall, and gives Elsa in charge of
her ladies.
SCENE II— Same as Act I
A quick change of scene shows again
the banks of the Scheldt at Antwerp, as
in Act I. The King and his nobles await
the coming of Lohengrin, who is to ac-
company them to battle. They are
PANEL B1 BRAUNt
TELRAMUND
• v x
INTERRUPTING THE
ACT II
BRIDAL PROCESSION
Lohengrin enters and is
co-vr MISHKIN
U.»L MORES AS LOHENGRIN
startled by t h
entrance of the
nobles bearing the body of Telramund.
greeted by the King with warmth :
KIM,:
Hail, heav'n-sent hero, welcome here!
Thy loyal vassals all are near,
Waiting for thee to give the word,
And fight by thy all-conq'ring sword.
All are surprised when the knight announces that he is forced to de-
cline the command of the expedition, and tells of the attempt on his life.
LOHENGRIN :
My gracious sov'rcign, bear me blameless,
Reasons have I that must be nameless,
The destin'd campaign I suspend!
To lead ye forth to battle here I came not;
Hut judge me, for your leniency I claim not.
Then, firstly, do ye hold that I am guilty?
Your just decree to me is due.
Tie sought my life despite honor and fealty —
Say, did I right when him I slew?
The King declares Telramund to be justly slain, and Lohengrin
now reveals with reluctance that Elsa has broken her promise.
LOHENGRIN:
And further, I declare in face of Heav'n,
Though bitter grief to me it bode,
That from her fair allegiance hath been driven
The wife that Heav'n on me bestow'd.
MEN:
Elsa! say, oh, what hast thou done?
Sentence so stern how hast thou won?
LADIES:
Woe is thine, Elsa!
171
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S LOHENGRIN
LOHENGRIN: Vainly I hop'd she would fulfil her task!
Ye all have heard her give her word in token Now mark me well, I will no more withhold it,
That she my name and country ne'er would Nor have I cause to shrink from any test;
ask: When I my name and lineage have unfolded
That promise her impatient heart hath broken — Ye'll know that I am noble as the best!
Then follows the great narrative of Lohengrin, one of the most dramatic declamations
in all opera.
Lohengrin's Narrative
By Evan Williams, Tenor (In English) 7413O 12-inch, $1. SO
LOHENGRIN :
In distant land, by ways remote and hidden,
There stands a mount that men call Monsalvat;
It holds a shrine, to the profane forbidden :
More precious there is nought on earth than that,
And thron'd in light it holds a cup immortal,
That whoso sees from earthly sin is cleans'd;
'Twas borne by angels thro' the heav'nly portal —
Its coming hath a holy reign commenc'd.
Once every year a dove from Heav'n descendeth,
To strengthen it anew for works of grace;
'Tis called the Grail, the pow'r of Heav'n attendeth
The faithful knights who guard that sacred place.
He whom the Grail to be its servant chooses
Is armed henceforth by high invincible might;
All evil craft its power before him loses,
The spirits of darkness where he dwells take flight.
Nor will he lose the awful charm it blendeth,
Although he should be called to distant lands,
When the high cause of virtue he defendeth:
While he's unknown, its spell he still commands.
By perils dread the holy Grail is girded,
No eye rash or profane its light may see;
Its champion knight from doublings shall be warded,
If known to man, he must depart and flee.
Now mark, craft or disguise my soul disdaineth,
The Grail sent me to right yon lady's name;
My father, Percival, gloriously reigneth,
His knight am I, and Lohengrin my name!
After this amazing narrative, which causes a great stir among the people, the swan
appears to conduct Lohengrin away.
LADIES AND MEN: LOHENGRIN:
While I hear him the wondrous tale revealing, Too long I stay — I must obey the Grail!
The holy tears adown my cheek are stealing! My trusty swan! O that this summons ne'er
FLSA- nat' been!
''Tis dark around me! Give me air! PhJ. thau thiS day * "e'fl had SKCn!'
' Oh, help, help! oh, me, most wretched! L^0"8*^ the ?ca-r would*°?n be ° er .
,. . When thy probation would have pass d;
LADIES AND MEN (in great excitement): Then b the Grail's transcendent pow'r,
The swan! the swan ! the swan! In thv true shape we'd meet at last!
The stream he floateth down. Oh £]sa think what joys thy doubts have
The swan! ah, he comes! ended!
ELSA (half -fainting): Couldst thou not trust in me for one short
Oh, horror! ah, the swan! year?
Ortrud, in triumph, now reveals the fact that the swan is really Elsa's brother, whom
she had transformed by magic. Lohengrin kneels in prayer, and as the dove of the Grail is
seen descending, the swan sinks, and Gottfried, the young Duke, arises, restored to human
form. Lohengrin's boat is drawn away by the dove as Elsa faints in her brother's arms.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LOHENGRIN RECORDS
Selection, No. 1 By Sousa's Band 31425 12-inch, $1.0O
/Selection. No. 1 By Sousa's Band 1 _,. ^, 12 inch 1 25
\ Flower Song (BlumenlieJ) By Victor Sorlin, 'Cellist )
(Selection. No. 2 By Pryor's Band |
< Meditation from Thais— Intermezzo Religieuse > 35147 12-inch, 1.25
By Howard Rattay, Violinist }
Fantasie By Victor Sorlin, 'Cellist 31785 12-inch, l.OO
/Prelude, Act III By La Scala Orchestra \ ,-,.,,„ m :--t. r<
< ,,,• ,,.. /-* i , D7c//-kij > o2o93 lO-incn, .75
I W allure — Laoalcaia ay La oca/a Orchestra )
/Coro delle nozze (Bridal Chorus) By La Scala Chorus \ 16537 lO-inch, .75
\ Tannhauser — Pilgrims' Chorus By Pryor's Band)
172
(Italian)
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR
(Loo-chee'-ah dee Lati -mair-moor)
LUCY OF LAMMERMOOR
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Salvator Cammerano, derived from Scott's novel, "The Bride of Lammermoor."
Music by Gaetano Donizetti. First production at Naples, September 26, 1835. Performed
in London, April 5, 1838; Paris. 1839; New York, in English, at the Park Theatre. 1843; and
in Italian, 1849.
Characters
HENRY ASHTON, of Lammermoor Baritone
LUCY, his sister Soprano
SIR EDGAR, of Ravenswood Tenor
LORD ARTHUR BUCKLAW Tenor
RAYMOND, chaplain to Lord Ashton Tenor
ALICE, companion to Lucy Mezzo-Soprano
NORMAN, Captain of the Guard at Ravenswood Tenor
Ladies and Knights related to the Ashtons ; Inhabitants of Lammermoor ;
Pages, Soldiery, and Domestics in the Ashton family.
Scene and Period : The action takes place in Scotland, part in Ravenswood Castle, part in
the ruined tower of Wolf scrag. The time is the close of the sixteenth century.
The prolific Donizetti (1797-1848) wrote no fewer than sixty-three operas, the most
popular of these being, of course, Lucia di Lammermoor. It has long been the custom with
a certain class of critics to run down the old Italian school of opera represented by Lucia, and
talk about the artificiality of the music, thinness of the orchestration, etc. But the public in
general pays very little attention to these opinions, because they love the music of Lucia, as
tneir grandfathers did, and realize that throughout the whole work there runs a current of
tenderness and passion, expressed in simple melody that will ever appeal to the heart and
senses.
Let us now forget the critics and tell the simple and sorrowful story, and listen to the
melodious airs which have given pleasure to many millions in the seventy-six years
since its production.
The plot of Lucia is founded on Sir Walter Scott's novel, The Bride of Lammermoor.
Lord Henry Ashton, Lucy's brother, knowing nothing of her attachment to his enemy, Edgar
of Ravenswood, has arranged a marriage between Lucy and the wealthy Lord Arthur, in order
to retrieve his fallen fortunes. Learning that Lucy is in love with Edgar, he intercepts her
lover's letters and executes a forged paper, which convinces Lucy that Edgar is false to her.
Convinced of her lover's perfidy, and urged by the necessities of her brother, she unwillingly
consents to wed Sir Arthur.
The guests are assembled for the ceremony, and Lucy has just signed the contract,
when Edgar appears and denounces Lucy for her fickleness. Edgar is driven from the castle,
and the shock being too much for the gentle mind of Lucy, she becomes insane, kills her
rusband and dies. Edgar, overcome by these tragic happenings, visits the churchyard of
Ravenswood and stabs himself among the tombs of his ancestors.
ACT I
SCENE I — A Forest near Lammermoor
The curtain rises, disclosing Norman, and followers of Sir Henry. Norman tells the
retainers to watch carefully and ascertain who is secretly meeting Lucy. In the opening
chorus they promise to watch with diligence.
173
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— D ON I Z ETTI 'S LUCIA
Opening Chorus, Act I
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *621O6 lO-inch, $O.75
Sir Henry enters and talks with Norman of his suspicion that Lucy has formed an attach-
ment for some unknown knight. Norman suggests that it may be Edgar. Henry is furious and
declares he will have a deadly vengeance.
SCENE II— A Park near the Castle
Lucy enters, accompanied by her faithful attendant,
Alice. She has come from the castle to meet her lover, Edgar ;
and -while -waiting for him, tells Alice of the legend of the
fountain, -which relates how a Ravens-wood lover once slew
a maiden on this spot.
Regnava nel silenzio (Silence O'er All)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
(In Italian) 88303 12-inch, $3.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano
(In Italian) *16539 10-inch, .75
Lucy shudderingly relates how she once saw the spectre
of the murdered girl, and fears it is an omen of the future.
LUCIA:
Silence o'er all was reigning
Dark was the night and low'ring,
And o'er yon fountain her pallid ray
Yon pale moon was pouring,
Faintly a sharp but stifled sigh
Fell on my startled ear,
And straightway upon the fountain's brink,
The spectre did appear!
But slow on high its skeleton hand,
Threat'ning it did uprear,
Stood for a moment immovable,
Then vanish'd from my view!
(Despondently.)
Oh, what horrid omen is this?
I ought to banish from my heart this
love,
But I cannot; it is my life,
And comfort to my suffring soul!
This graceful number is given by Mme. Tetrazzini with
rare charm and pathos ; the concluding ornamental passages
being sung with especial delicacy, and the beauty of the long
sustained A at the close being notable. The popular-priced
rendition by Mme. Huguet is also a very attractive one.
This is followed by the second part, — the beautiful
Quando rapita, —
Quando rapita in estasi (Swift as Thought)
By Graziella Pareto, Soprano
(In Italian) 76OO9 12-inch, $2.00
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano
(In Italian) *63172 10-inch, .75
also given here by Mme. Huguet and Mme. Pareto. This
animated melody is well fitted to display the brilliant tones
of these admirable singers.
Edgar appears and tells Lucy that he has been summoned
to France, and proposes that he seek out Henry and endeavor
to end the mortal feud which exists between the families.
Lucy, knowing her brother only too well, entreats him to keep
their love secret or they will be forever parted. Edgar,
roused to fury by this evidence of Henry's mortal hate, re-
news his vow of vengeance, beginning this dramatic duet,
Sulla tomba. LUCY AND EDGAR
fatal
CONSTANTINO AS EDGAR
* Double-FaceJ RecorJ— For title of opposite ,iJe xe DOUBLE-FACED LUCIA RECORDS, page 179.
174
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — D O N I Z ETT I 'S LUCIA
Sulla tomba che rinserra (By My Father's Tomb)
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(In Italian) *16574 lO-inch, $0.75
E:K;AR: LUCY:
I'.y the lone tomb, o'er the cold grave Ah! pray calm thee, ah, restrain thee;
Where my father's bones lie moulding, Think what misery will soon enthral me;
With thy kindred eternal warfare I can scarce from fear sustain me;
To the death I swore to wage! Would'st thou have me die from terror?
Ah! when I saw thee my heart relented: Yield thee, yield thee to the dictates of
Of my dark vow I half repented; affection,
I'ut my oath remains unbroken, "Pis a nobler, purer passion,
Still I've power to redeem my gage! Let that thought thy rage assuage!
Edgar now says that he must go, and in a tender duet, which closes the act, the lovers
bid each other farewell.
Verranno a te sull1 aura (Borne on Sighing Breeze)
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano, and Florencio Constantino, Tenor
(In Italian) 74O64 12-inch, $1.50
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(In Italian) *62106 10-inch, ,75
EDCJAR:
My sighs shall on the balmy breeze
That hither wafts thee, be borne, love;
Kadi murm'ring wave shall echo make.
How I thy absence do mourn, love!
Ah! think of me when far away,
With nought my heart to cheer;
I shall bedew each thought of thee
With many a bitter tear!
LUCY:
The balmy breeze that bears thy sigh,
Will waft one back from me, love;
The murm'ring waves re-echoing still
I'm ever constant to thee, love!
Ah! think of me when far away,
With nought my heart to cheer;
I shall bedew each thought of thee
With many a bitter tear!
Ah! thou wilt not fail to write me,
Many a lonely hour 'twill cheer;
EDGAR:
Fear not! Have no fear, thou shall hear!
Horn:
My sighs shall on the balmy breeze MCCORMACK AS EDGAK
1 hat hither wafts thee be borne, love; etc.
Edgar tears himself from her arms and departs, leaving the half-fainting Lucy to be con-
soled by her faithful Alice.
ACT II
SCENE I — An Ante-room in the Castle
Sir Henry and his retainer Norman are discussing the approaching marriage of Lucy to
Arthur. The events which have occurred since Act 1 are indicated by this extract from the text:
HENRY: HIXRY:
Should Lucy still persist See, she approaches! Thou hast that forged
In opposing me — letter,
NORMAN: Give it me. Now haste thee to the northern
Have no fear! The long absence -,entra,nce'
Of him she mourneth, the letters There keep watch and await
We've intercepted, and the false news The approach of Arthur, and with all speed,
thou'lt tell her, „ on his arrival
Will quench all hope that yet may linger. Conduct him hither!
l.elieving Edgar faithless, from her bosom (Exit Norman )
love will vanish!
Lucy enters, pale and listless, and to her brother's greeting :
I'ENRY :
Draw nearer, my Lucy.
On this fair day accept a brother's greeting! Auspicious prove to thee. Thou hear'st me?
May this glad day. sacred to Love and Thou'rt silent!
Hymen,
she answers with a last appeal to him to release her from this hated marriage.
* Doubk-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LUCIA RECORDS, page 179.
175
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— D ON I Z ETT I* S LUCIA
II pallor funesto (If My Cheek is Pale)
By Linda Bratnbilla. Soprano, and Francesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian) *16574 lO-inch, $0.75
LUCY: LUCY:
See these cheeks so pale and haggard, Cease to urge me!
See these features so worn with sadness! To another true faith have I sworn!
Do not they betray too plainly HENRY:
All my anguish, all my despair? 'Tis well!
Pardon may'st thou from Heaven By this letter thou may'st see
Not vainly ask for this thy inhuman constraint. How he keeps his faith with thee!
HENRY: Read it.
Cease this wild recrimination, (Hands her a letter.)
Both to me and thee degrading, LUCY:
Of the past be thou but silent! How beats my flutt'ring heart!
I, thy brother, will no further make complaint! (Reads):
Flown has my anger! Banish thy dejection! Ah! great Heaven!
Buried be all that thine honor could taint.
A noble husband, thou wilt have.
Henry, in desperation, now tells her that unless she consents to wed Arthur he will be
disgraced and ruined. This begins another duet, the Se tradirme.
Se tradirme tu potrai (I'm Thy Guardian)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Francesco Ciga'da. Baritone
(In Italian) *62O89 lO-inch. $0.75
HENRY: LUCY:
I'm thy guardian, dar'st thou brave me? I'm thy sister, dost thou love me!
I'm thy brother — wilt thou save me? I am dying, will that move thee!
From the hands of thee, my sister, From the hands of thee, my brother,
Must I meet a traitor's doom? Must I meet now this dreadful doom!
See the axe, by one thread hanginc; Hopeless misery all surrounding,
Hark! the deep toned deathbell clanging. E'en while the marriage bell is sounding:
Hath affection lost all power? Fear and hate will be my dower;
Wilt consign me unto the tomb? Better had I wed the tomb!
However, convinced of Edgar's falseness, she half consents to the sacrifice, and retires
to prepare for the ceremony.
SCENE II— The Great Hall of the Castle
The knights and ladies sing a chorus of congratulation to the bride and bridegroom,
•while Sir Henry greets the guests and asks them to pardon Lucy 's agitated bearing, as she is
still mourning for her mother.
> Lucy enters and is escorted to the table where the notary is preparing the marriage
papers. Believing her lover false, she cares little what becomes of her, and passively signs
the contract. Pale as death and almost fainting, she is being supported by her faithful maid
and her family adviser, Raymond, -when suddenly a terrible silence ensues, as Edgar, the
lover of Lucy and the deadly enemy of her brother, appears at the back of the room dressed
in a sombre suit of black. The wedding guests are dumb with amazement at the daring of
the young noble in thus presenting himself unbidden at the house of his enemy. The great
sextette, the most dramatic and thrilling number in the entire range of opera, now begins.
Unlike many operatic ensembles, this sextette is not merely a most remarkable bit of
concerted writing, but is so •well fitted to the scene in -which it occurs that even the enemies
of Donizetti, who call Lucia merely a string of melodies, are compelled to admit its extreme
beauty and powerful dramatic qualities.
Sextette — Chi mi frena (What Restrains Me)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano: Enrico Caruso, Tenor: Antonio Scotti,
Baritone: Marcel Journet, Bass; Mme, Severina, Mezzo-Soprano:
Francesco Daddi, Tenor (In Italian) 962OO 12-inch, $7.00
By Victor Opera Sextette (In Italian) 7OO36 12-inch, 1.25
By Victor Band 3102O 12-inch, l.OO
By Pryor's Band 31460 12-inch, l.OO
Edgar remains standing, -with his eyes steadily fixed on the unhappy Lucy, who is
unable to meet his glance. This dramatic silence is broken by the commencement of the
sextette, as Edgar and Sir Henry, with suppressed emotion, sing their short duet:
* Double-Faced Record— For title o/oppojrte aide, see DOUBLE-FACED LUCIA RECORDS, page 179.
176
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— D O N I Z ETT I 'S LUCIA
IENRY AND EIM;AR:
Instant vengeance, what rcstraineth,
What thus stays my sword in scabbard?
Is't affection that still rcmaincth.
And each angry tho't enchaineth?
Of mine own blood | \^u'rt } betrayer,
And despair s m^. > heart doth wither,
F.IH;AR:
Yet, ungrateful one, I love thee still !
1 1 KXRV :
LUCY (despairingly) :
I had hop'd that death had found me,
And in his drear fetters bound me,
l!ut lit- conic-- not to relieve me!
Ah! of life will none bereave me?
RAYMOND AND ALICE:
Ah! like a rose that withers on the stem,
She now is hovering 'twixt death and life!
He who for her by pity is not mov'd,
Has of a tiger in his breast the heart.
AKTHUR:
Hence, thou traitor, hence betake thee,
Ere our rage shall o'erwhelm thee!
And remorse my breast doth fill!
One by one the characters in the scene take up their portions of the sextette until the
great climax, one of the most dramatic moments in opera, is reached.
Several records of this magnificent number are offered to Victor audiences. Besides
the splendid Caruso-Sembrich rendition, which made such a sensation on its appearance
several years ago, the Victor has recently issued a superb record by the Victor Opera forces
at the popular price of $1.25, while for those who prefer an in-
strumental rendition two fine band records are offered.
Henry and Edgar, who have drawn their swords, are separated
by Raymond, who commands them in Heaven's name to sheath
their weapons. Henry asks Edgar why he has come, and the
knight replies:
EDGAR :
Hither came I
For my bride — thy sister
Unto me her faith hath sworn!
RAYMOND:
Thou must all hope of her relinquish;
She is another's!
He exhibits the signed contract, but Edgar refuses to believe
the evidence of his eyes and asks Lucy if she had signed it. With
h<:r eyes fixed on him she tremblingly nods her head in assent.
Edgar, in a furious rage, tears the contract in pieces, flings it at the
fainting maiden, and rushes from the castle as the curtain falls.
ACT III
SCENE I — The. Tower of Ravenswood Castle
Edgar is brooding on his misfortunes when a horseman rides
up, dismounts and enters the tower. It proves to be Sir Henry,
who has come to challenge Edgar to a duel to the death. They
at;ree to fight the following morning, and in this duet ask the night
to hasten away, that their vengeance may be consummated.
O sole piu rapido (Haste, Crimson Morning)
By Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor, and Renzo Minolfi, Baritone
(In Italian) *62644 10-inch, $O.75
Why the gentlemen do not take advantage of the present moment the librettist does
not reveal ! This scene is so melodramatic that it borders on the absurd, and it is usually
omitted in this country, although it is well worth hearing from a musical point of view.
SCENE II — Hall in Lammermoor Castle
The peasants and domestics of the castle are making merry at their feast in honor of
the marriage when Raymond enters, greatly agitated, bearing the fearful news that Lucy has
become insane and has killed her husband. This gives opportunity for a dramatic air,
sung here by Signor Sillich and the La Scala Chorus.
O qual funesto avvenimento (Oh ! Dire Misfortune)
By Aristodemo Sillich. Bass, and Chorus (In Italian) *62644 lO-inch. $O.75
Raymond's tidings have scarcely been spoken when Lucy enters, a pale and lovely figure
ir white, and all unconscious of the horror-stricken servants, begins her famous so-called
Mad Scene.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LUCIA RECORDS, page 179.
177
SALEZA AS EDGARDO
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— D O N I Z ETT I ' S LUCIA
(In Italian)
88299
12-inch.
$3.00
(In Italian)
88O21
12-inch,
3.OO
(In Italian)
88071
12-inch,
3.OO
(In Italian)
88221
12-inch,
3.OO
(In Italian)
76O06
12-inch,
2.00
(In Russian)
61129
lO-inch,
l.OO
LUCY:
I hear the breathing of his voice low and
tender,
That voice beloved sounds in my heart forever.
My Edgar, why were we parted?
Let me not mourn thee ;
See, for thy sake, I've all forsaken!
What shudder do I feel thro' my veins?
My heart is trembling, my senses fail!
(She forgets her trouble and smiles.)
Come to the fountain;
There let us rest together,
Ah me! see where yon spectre arises,
Standing between us! Alas! Dear Edgar
Mad Scene (With Flute
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
By Marcella Sembrtch, Soprano
By Nellie Melba, Soprano
By Maria Galvany, Soprano
By Graziella Pareto, Soprano
By Marie Michailowa, Soprano
Forgetting her marriage, the demented maiden speaks one moment of the happy day
when she will be Edgar's wife, and next is terrified by a vague feeling that something has
come between them.
This famous number must be judged solely as a brilliant piece of vocalism ; it can hardly
be considered dramatically, because when the prima donna loses her reason in this style of
opera, it only means that the scales become more rapid and the roulades more difficult!
The unfortunate Lucy in her agony seems inclined and able to sing the most difficult and
florid music conceivable, and venture without hesitation on passages at which a sane person
would stand aghast ! In short, Donizetti forgot his dramatic mission temporarily in his efforts
to write a show piece of musical execution.
See yon phantom rise to part us!
(Her mood again changes.)
Yet shall we meet, dear Edgar, before the altar.
Hark to those strains celestial!
Ah! "Tis the hymn for our nuptials!
For us they are singing!
The altar for us is deck'd thus,
Oh, joy unbounded!
'Round us the brilliant tapers brightly are
shining,
The priest awaits us.
Oh! day of gladness!
Thine am I ever, thou mine forever!
(She falls fainting into the arms of Raymond.)
Donizetti's scene seems especially set apart for the display
of such a coloratura as Melba possesses, and she sings this
florid music with such brilliancy and graceful fluency that
the listener is dazzled. Her runs, trills and staccato notes
glitter and scintillate, and compel a new admiration for the
wonderful vocal mechanism over which she has such absolute
command.
The role of the unhappy Lucy is also admirably fitted
to Tetrazzini's peculiar talents, and as the heroine of Donizetti's
lovely opera she has made quite the greatest success of her
career. When she reaches this florid and difficult Mad Scene,
the listeners are absolutely electrified, and such a torrent of
enthusiasm bursts forth that the diva is usually compelled to
repeat a portion of the aria.
Mme. Sembrich's rendition proves that the compass of
her voice is all but phenomenal, and she sings the difficult
music with delightful flexibility and with an intonation which
is faultless.
Other renditions of this well-known scene are given by
Mme. Galvany and Mme. Pareto, the famous Italian prima
donnas, and by Michailowa, the famous Russian singer.
Although none of these artists has yet visited America, their
beautiful voices are heard in thousands of homes in which
the Victor is a welcome entertainer.
The unhappy Lucy, after having in this scene again
enacted the terrible events of the previous day, falls insensible
and is carried to her room by Alice and Raymond.
SCENE II — The Tombs of the Raoenswoods
Edgar, weary of life, has come to the rendezvous arranged with Henry, intending to
throw himself on his enemy's sword, the last of a doomed race. But he waits in vain, for
Henry, filled with remorse at the consequences of his schemes, has left England, never to return.
Edgar sings the first of the two beautiful airs written by Donizetti for this scene.
178
TETRAZZINI AS THE
DEMENTED LUCY
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A- D O N I Z ETT I 'S LUCIA
Fra poco a me ricovero (Farewell to Earth)
By John McCormack, Tenor (In Italian) 74223 12-inch $1.5O
His attention is now attracted by a train of mourners corning from the castle, accom-
panied by Raymond, who reveals to the unhappy man that Lucy is dying, and even while
tKey converse the castle bell is heard tolling, a signal that the unhappy maiden is no more.
The grief-stricken lover then depicts his emotion in the second air, a lovely number
with sadness in every tone.
Tu che a Dio spiegasti Tali (Thou Hast Spread Thy \^ings to
Heaven) (O Dell' alma innamorata)
By John McCormack. Tenor (In Italian) 74224 12-inch. $1.50
By Florencio Constantino. Tenor (In Italian) 74O66 12-inch. 1.50
By Gino Martinez-Patti. Tenor (In Italian) *62O89 lO-inch. .75
The dramatic interest deepens as the air proceeds, until the finale, when Edgar, in an
excess of penitence, prays that not even the spirit of the wronged Lucy may approach so
accursed a tomb as that of Ravenswood.
EDGAR:
Tho' from earth thou'st flown before me,
My ador'cl, my only treasure;
Tho' from these fond arms they tore thee.
Soon, soon, I'll follow thee.
I'll follow thee above.
Tho' the world frown'd on our union,
Tho' in this life they did part us.
Yet on high, in fond communion.
Shall our hearts be turned to love!
Breaking from Raymond, who endeavors to prevent the fatal act, Edgar stabs himself,
and supported in the good man's arms, he repeats in broken phrases the lovely O bell' alma
it namorata, and lifting his hands to Heaven, as if to greet the spirit of Lucy, he expires.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LUCIA RECORDS
(In Italian)\
(In Italian)
Regnava nel silenzio (Silence O'er All)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano
Norma — Casta Diva (Queen of Heaoen)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano
II pallor funesto (If My Cheek is Pale)
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano, and Francesco Cigada.
Baritone (In Italian)
Sulla tomba che rinserra (By My Father's Tomb)
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti.
Tenor (In Italian)
Se tradirme su potrai (I'm Thy Guardian)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Francesco Cigada,
Baritone </n Italian)
Tu che a Dio spiegasti 1'ali (Thou Hast Spread Thy ^JVings
to Heaven) (O bell' alma innamorata)
By Gino Martinez-Patti. Tenor (In Italian)
O qual funesto avvenimento
By Aristodemo Sillich, Bass, and Chorus (In Italian)
O sole piu rapido (Haste. Crimson Morning!)
By Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor, and Renzo Minolfi,
Baritone (In Italian)
Opening Chorus By La Scala Chorus (In Italian
Verranno a te sull' aura (Borne on Sighing Breeze)
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-
Patti, Tenor (In Italian)
Quando rapita in estasi (Swift as Thought)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian)\ , _ . __
Lucrezia Borgia — Rischiarata I la fineslra
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)]
* Double-Faced Record— For title o/ opposite side tee above list.
179
16539 10-inch, $O.75
16574 10-inch, .75
62O89 lO-inch. .75
62644 10-inch. .75
621O6 10-inch. .75
lO-inch. .75
J.UCREZIA AND THE SLEEPING GENNARO ACT I
(Italian)
LUCREZIA BORGIA
(Loo-kray1 ' -tzee-ah Bor'-jee-ah)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Felice Romani, taken from a work of the same name by- Victor Hugo. Music
by Gaetano Donizetti. First presented to the public at La Scala, Milan, in 1834; given at
the Thidtre Italien, Paris, October 27, 1840. First London production at her Majesty's
Theatre, June 6, 1839; in English at the Princess' Theatre, December 30, 1843. Produced
in New York at the Astor Place Opera House, 1847.
Characters
LUCREZIA BORGIA Soprano
MAFF1O ORSINI (Maj'-fee-oh Or-xe'-nee} Contralto
GENNARO, (Jen-nah -roh)
LIVEROTTO,
VlTELLOZZO.
PETRUCCI,
GAZELLA,
(Tenor
^yi
Young noblemen in the service of the Venetian
r» it* si enor
Republic I D
Bass
1 Bass
IL DUCA ALFONSO Baritone
RUSTIGHELLO. in the service of Don Alfonso Tenor
GUBETTA.l . , • cr\ i • /Bass
ASTOLFO I In service of Donna Lucrezia IBass
BATTISTA Tenor
LA PRINCIPESSA NEGRONI Soprano
CHORUS
Scene and Period: Italy; the beginning of the sixteenth century.
180
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S LUCREZIA BORGIA
CCPVI OUPON
!>!. MOSCII1 AS LUCREZIA
The plot of Donizetti's opera cannot be called a cheerful one — it is, in fact, crowded with
horrors. However, it was a great favorite with American audiences for many years, being
one of the stock operas of Emma Abott during nearly her whole career. The opera was
revived in 1904 for Caruso, but failed to score, and it is quite likely that those who admire
its few fine airs must depend on their Victors if they wish to hear them.
Lucrezia, the heroine, was a conspicuous member of the
notorious patrician family — the Borgias — celebrated for their
diabolical success as poisoners.
Lucrezia Borgia married as her second husband Don Alfonso,
Duke of Ferrara. By her former marriage she had a son named
Gennaro, of whose existence the Dul^e is ignorant. This son had,
at birth, been placed in the care of a fisherman who brought
him up as his own child.
ACT I
At the opening of the story Lucrezia, who in spite of her
criminal practices has still the mother's yearning towards her
own child, goes in disguise to Venice to visit him.
She finds her son in the company of some gay Venetian
gallants. She watches them, and presently Gennaro, wearied
by the mirth of his companions, draws apart and falls asleep
on a seat. Lucrezia draws near, and gazing on his youthful
beauty, she forgets everything except that she is his mother.
She gently presses a kiss on his brow and prepares to depart,
when he awakes and asks her who she is. She evades the
question, and leads him to talk about his mother, whom he
says he has never seen. Feeling drawn toward the beautiful
stranger, he tells his story, in the fine Di pescatore.
Di pescatore ignoble (In a Fisher's Lowly Cot)
By Francesco Marconi, Tenor (In Italian) 76OO4 12-inch, $2.OO
By Carlo Albani, Tenor (In Italian) 74O98 12-inch, 1.50
She bids him farewell, and is about to take her leave when Orsini appears, recognizes
h<:r, and after brutally reciting her crimes one by one, tells the horror-stricken Gennaro that
it is the Borgia. All turn from her in horror, and Lucrezia falls fainting.
ACT II
Gennaro afterwards shows his hatred and contempt for the Borgias by tearing down
Lucrezia' s coat of arms from her palace gates, and is imprisoned by the Dune's orders.
Lucrezia, ignorant of the identity of the individual who has insulted her, complains to the
Dur^e, who promises that the perpetrator shall be immediately punished. He gives vent to
his feelings in his air, Vieni la mia vendetta.
Vieni, la mia vendetta (Haste Thee, for Vengeance)
By Giulio Rossi, Bass (In Italian) *634O4 lO-inch, $0.75
Gennaro is sent for and Lucrezia at once recognizes him. Full of horror, she turns to the
Duke and begs him to overlook the offense. The Dut^e is relentless and compels Lucrezia
herself to hand a poisoned cup to her son. She obeys, but afterward contrives to give the
youth an antidote. He suspects her of treachery, but she pleads so tearfully with him that
h<; trusts her and drinks the remedy.
ACT III
This act opens with a chorus of bravos, who have been set to watch the dwelling of Gennaro.
Rischiarata e la fmestra (Yonder Light is the Guiding Beacon)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *63172 10-inch, $0.75
Gennaro, whose life has been saved by the antidote Lucrezia had given him, instead of
escaping from the city as she had advised him, accompanies Orsino to a banquet which has
b-;en secretly arranged by Lucrezia, and to which have been invited the young men who
h id recognized and denounced her in Venice.
In this scene occurs the famous Brindisi, or drinking song.
"~ *Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite siJe see DOUBLE-FACED LUCREZIA BORGIA RECORDS.
pt.ee 182.
181
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— DONIZETTI'S LUCREZIA BORGIA
Brindisi (It is Better to Laugh)
By Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Contralto (In German) 88188 12-inch, $3.OO
This air is a very -well known one, and has been frequently sung, but Mme. Schumann-
Heink puts such brilliant spirit into it, and sings it -with such wealth of gayety, such astonish
ing range and such agility, that the rendition amazes the listener. It is certain that no music-
lover of the present generation has ever heard it sung so brilliantly. The high notes are
taken with the ease of a soprano, and altogether this familiar drinking song has never been
so well delivered.
The role of Mqffio Orsini was always one of Mme. Schumann-Heink's favorites, and she
makes a gallant figure as the gay Roman youth. The words are well suited to the gayety
of the music, and have been translated as follows :
Brindisi
It is better to laugh than be sighing. In the world we some beings discover,
When we think how life's moments are flying; Far too frigid for friend or for lover;
For each sorrow Fate ever is bringing,
There's a pleasure in store for us springing.
Tho' our joys, like to waves in the sunshine,
Gleam awhile, then are lost to the sight,
Yet, for each sparkling ray
That so passes away,
Conies another as brilliant and light.
Souls unblest, and forever repining,
Tho' good fortune around them be shining.
It were well, if such hearts we could banish
To some planet far distant from ours;
They're the dark spots we trace,
On this earth's favored space;
They are weeds that choke up the '-fair flow'rs!
Then 'tis better to laugh than be sighing;
They are wise who resolve to be gay;
When we think how life's moments are flying,
Enjoy Pleasure's gifts while we may!
In the midst of the feast the door opens, the Borgia appears and tells them that they
are doomed, as the wine has been poisoned by her.
LUCREZIA DISCOVERS
HAS POISONED HER SON
To her horror she sees Gennaro among the guests. He, too, has drunk of the fatal
wine. She again offers him an antidote, -which he refuses, because the amount is insufficient
to save the lives of his friends. Lucrezia confesses the relationship between them, but
Gennaro spurns her and dies. The £)u£e now appears, intending to share in Lucrezia's
hideous triumph, but finds his wife surrounded by her victims — some dead, others dying.
Lucrezia, a witness to the horrible result of her crime, suffers the keenest remorse, drinks
some of her own poison and herself expires.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS LUCREZIA BORGIA RECORDS
IVieni, la rnia vendetta By Giulio Rossi, Bass (In Italian)}
Qli Ugonotli — Duetto Valenlina Marcello >63404
By Maria Gjrisi, Soprano, and Perello De Segurola, Bass]
(Rischiarata e la finestra (Yonder Light is the Guiding
Beacon) By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Lucia di Lammermoor — Quando rapita in estasi
By Qiuseppina Huguet, Soprano
182
lO-inch. $0.75
63172 10-inch, .75
THE MARRIAGE SCENE ACT I
(Italian)
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
1 Mah' -dah-mah)
MADAM BUTTERFLY
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
A Japanese lyric tragedy, founded on the book of John Luther Long and the drama by
David Belasco, with Italian libretto by Illica and Giacosa. Music by Giacomo Puccini. First
produced at La Scala, Milan, in 1904, it proved a failure. Revived the following year in
slightly changed form with much success. First American presentation (in English) occurred
in October, 1906, in Washington, D. C., by Savage Opera Company. First representation in
Italian at Metropolitan Opera House, February II, 1907, with Farrar, Caruso, Homer and
Scotti.
Characters
MADAM BUTTERFLY (Cho-Cho-San) Soprano
SUZUKI, (Soo-zu -key) Cho-Cho-San's servant Mezzo-Soprano
B. F. PlNKERTON, Lieutenant in the United States Navy Tenor
KATE PlNKERTON, his American wife Mezzo-Soprano
SHARPLESS, United States Consul at Nagasaki Baritone
GORO, a marriage broker Tenor
PRINCE YAMADORI. suitor for Cho-Cho-San Baritone
THE BONZE, Cho-Cho-San's uncle Bass
CHO-CHO-SAN'S MOTHER Mezzo-Soprano
THE AUNT Mezzo-Soprano
THE COUSIN Soprano
TROUBLE. Cho-Cho-San's child
Cho-Cho-San's relations and friends — Servants.
At Nagasaki, Japan — Time, the present.
183
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MADAM BUTTERFLY
The Story
Puccini's opera, which from the first aroused the keenest interest among opera-goers,
has become an enduring success. The original Metropolitan production in Italian was under
the personal direction of Puccini himself, who refined and beautified it according to his own
ideas into one of the most finished operatic productions ever seen here.
The story of the drama is familiar to all through John Luther Long's narrative and the
Belasco dramatic version. The tale is the old one of the passing fancy of a man for a woman,
and her faithfulness even unto death, which comes by her own hand when she finds herself
abandoned.
Puccini has completely identified his music with the sentiments and sorrows of the
characters in John Luther Long's drama, and has accompanied the pictorial beauty of the
various scenes with a setting of incomparable loveliness. Rarely has picturesque action
been more completely wedded to beautiful music.
ACT I
SCENE — Exterior of Pinkerton 's house at Nagasaki
At the rise of the curtain GOTO, the marriage broker who has secured Pinkerton his bride,
is showing the Lieutenant over the house he has chosen for his honeymoon. Sharpless, the
American Consul and friend of Pinkerton, now arrives, having been bidden to the marriage.
Then occurs the fine duet, which Caruso and Scotti have sung here in splendid style.
Amore o grille (Love or Fancy ?)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 89043 12-inch, $4.OO
By Riccardo Martin, Tenor (In Italian) 87O81 lO-inch, 2.OO
NOTE. — Mr. Martin sings only Pinkerlon'f solo from above duet.
Pinkerton, joyous in the prospect of his marriage -with
the dainty Japanese girl, and quite careless of the conse-
quences which may result from such a union, describes his
bride to the Consul, who gives the young lieutenant some
good advice, bidding him be careful, that he may not break
the trusting heart of the Butterfly who loves him too well.
The number closes with a splendid climax, as Pinkerton
recklessly pledges the " real American wife " whom he
hopes to meet some day ; while the Consul gazes at his
young friend with some sadness, as if already in the shadow
of the tragedy which is to come.
Now is heard in the distance the voice of Butterfly, who
is coming up the hill with her girl friends ; and she sings a
lovely song, full of the freshness of youth and the dawning
of love.
Entrance of Cio-Cio San
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
(In Italian) 87OO4 lO-inch, $2.OO
This dainty little number is given by Miss Farrar with
the nalvet6 and grace of a fascinating child of fifteen, as she
pictures the young girl in Act I.
The friends and family having been duly introduced to
Pinkerton, they go to the refreshment table, while Butterfly
timidly confides to Pinkerton, in this touching number, that
she has for his sake renounced her religion, and will in
future bow before the God of her husband.
leri son salita (Hear Me)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In Italian) 87O31 10-inch, $2.OO
The contract is signed and the guests are dispersing -when Butterfly 's uncle rushes in and
denounces her, having discovered that she has been to the Mission, renounced her religion,
and adopted that of her husband.
MARTIN AS PINKERTON
184
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MADAM BUTTERFLY
She is cast off by the family, who flee from the scene in horror. Butterfly at first weeps,
tut is comforted by the Lieutenant, who tells her he cares nothing for her family, but loves
rier alone.
Then occurs the incomparably beautiful duet which closes the first act, and which is
beyond all question the finest of the melodious numbers which Puccini has composed for
the opera ; and the effect of this exquisite music, given on a darkened stage amid the
flashing of fireflies, is wholly beautiful.
O quanti occhi fisi (Oh
Kindly Heavens) (Love
Duet from Finale, Act I)
By Geraldine Farrar,
Soprano, and Enrico
Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 89O17 12-in., $4.0O
Miss Farrar sings all of Puccini's
music fluently and gracefully, but is al-
vays at her best in this exquisite love
duet, while the number is Caruso's finest
opportunity in the opera, and he makes
the most of it.
The blending of the voices of the
artists is remarkably effective, and the
ecstatic climax at the end is splendidly
given, both singers ending on a high
C sharp ; the effect being absolutely
thrilling.
ACT II
SCENE — Interior of Butterfly 's Home — at the back <* Garden with Cherries in Bloom
Three years have now elapsed, and Butterfly, with her child and faithful maid, Suzuki,
are awaiting the return of Pinkerton. Suzuki begins to lose courage, but Butterfly rebukes her
and declares her faith to be unshaken.
Un bel di vedremo (Some Day He'll Come)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In Italian)
By Emmy Destinn, Soprano (In Italian)
By Agnes Kimball (In English)
BUTTERFLY S UNCLE DENOUNCING HER — ACT I
88113
92O57
70054
LETTER FROM PINKERTON — ACT II
(CERALOINE FARRAR)
12-inch. $3.OO
12-inch. 3.OO
12-inch. 1.25
This highly dramatic number is sung after Butterfly
has reproached Suzuki for her doubts, and in it she
proudly declares confidence in her husband. In the
English version this is called the " Vision Song," as it
describes her vision of the arrival of Lieutenant Pinker-
ton 's ship.
Ora a noi ! (Letter Duet)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano,
and Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 89014 12-inch. $4.OO
Butterfly is visited by Sharpless, who has received a
letter from Pinkerton, and has accepted the unpleasant
task of informing Butterfly that the Lieutenant has de-
serted her. He finds his task a difficult one, for when
he attempts to read Pinkerton' s letter to her, she mis-
understands its purport and continually interrupts the
Consul with little bursts of joyful anticipation, thinking
that Pinkerton will soon come to her. Finally real-
izing something of his message, she runs to bring her
child to prove to Sharpless the certainty of her husband's
home-coming.
185
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — MADAM BUTTERFLY
PHOTO WHITE
BUTTERFLY AND "TROUBLE
Sai cos' ebbe cuore (Do You
Know, My Sweet One)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
(In Italian) 87055 lO-in., $2.OO
By Emmy Destinn, Soprano
(In Italian) 91084 10-in., 2.OO
In this pitiful air she asks little "Trouble"
not to listen to the bad man (Sharpless), who is
saying that Pinlferlon has deserted them.
Shocked at the sight of the child, which he
knew nothing about, Sharpless gives up in despair
the idea of further undeceiving her, knowing that
she will soon learn the truth, and leaves Butterfly,
•who refuses to doubt Pinkerlon, in an exalted state
of rapture over the idea of her husband's return.
Throughout the duet may be heard the
mournfully sweet "waiting motive" played softly
by the horns, and accompanied by strings pizzicati.
This is beautifully given here, and the record is a
most impressive one.
The sound of a cannon is heard, and with
aid of'a glass the two women see Pinkerton 's ship, the
Abraham Lincoln, entering the harbor.
Duet of the Flowers
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano,
and Louise Homer, Contralto
(In Italian) 89008 12-in., $4.0O
Greatly excited, Butterfly bids the maid strew
the room with flowers, and they scatter the cherry
blossoms everywhere, singing all the while weird
harmonies which are hauntingly beautiful.
Miss Farrar's impressive Go-Cio-San, childish
and piquant in its lighter aspects and pitifully
tragic in its final scenes, and Mme. Homer's
Suzuki, the patient handmaiden, who loves and
protects her mistress through all the weary years
of waiting, are two most powerful impersonations.
Of the music written for these two roles, this
exquisite duet is especially attractive.
Night is falling, and not expecting Pinkerton
until morning, Butterfly, Suzuki and the child take
their places at the window to watch for his com-
ing. As the vigil begins, in the orchestra can be
heard the " Waiting Motive," with its accompani-
ment by distant voices of the sailors in the har-
bor, producing an effect which is indescribably
beautiful.
FARRAR AND HOMER IN ACT II
SCENE II— Same as the Preceding
The curtain rises on the same scene. It is daybreak. Suzuki, exhausted, is sleeping, but
Butterfly still watches the path leading up the hill. Suzuki awakes and insists on Butterfly
taking some rest, promising to call her when the Lieutenant arrives.
Sharpless and Pinkerlon now enter, and question Suzuki, the Lieutenant being deeply
touched to find that Butterfly has been faithful to him, and that a child has been born.
Suzuki, seeing a lady in the garden, demands to know who she is, and Sharpless tells her
it is the wife of Pinkerton, he having married in America.
1S6
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-MADAM BUTTERFLY
The introduction by Puccini's librettist of this character has been severely criticised,
IT. any considering it of doubtful taste, and forming a jarring note in the opera. So strong
is this feeling in France, that the part of Kate has been eliminated from the cast.
The faithful maid is horrified, and dreads the effect of this news on her mistress.
Weeping bitterly, she goes into Butterfly's chamber, while the friends are left to bitter
reflections, expressed by Puccini in a powerful duet.
Ve lo dissi ? (Did I Not Tell You ?)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 89047 12-inch. $4.0O
Pint^erton realizes for the first time the basenes of his conduct, while the Consul reminds
him of the warning he had given him in Act I, — to beware lest the tender heart of Butterfly
be broken.
The part of the Consul is not a great one, but Scotti almost makes it one with his care-
ful portrayal, singing with dignity and tenderness and giving the part its full dramatic value.
With the re-entrance of Suzuki occurs the trio for Pinfyerton, Sharpless and Suzuki.
Lo so che alle sue pene ("Naught Can Console Her)
By Riccardo Martin, Tenor ; Rita Fornia, Soprano: Antonio
Scotti. Baritone (In Italian) 87503 10-inch. $3.OO
This trio is dramatically given by Martin, Fornia and Scotti, who have this season made
successes in the several roles of Pinfcerton, Suzuki and Sharpless.
Finale Ultimo (Butterfly's Death Scene)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In Italian) 8703O lO-inch, $2.OO
By Emmy Destinn, Soprano (In Italian) 91OS6 10-inch, 2.OO
Now comes the pathetic death scene at the close of the opera. Butterfly, convinced
that Pinfyerlon has renounced her, blindfolds her child that he may not witness her suicide,
takes down the dagger with which her father committed hari-kari, and after reading the
inscription on the handle, "To die with honor when one can no longer live with honor,"
she stabs herself.
In her death struggle she gropes her way to the innocent babe, who, blindfolded
and waving his little flag, takes it all in the spirit of play. The tragic intensity of this
scene always moves many to
tears.
Miss Farrar puts into this
final number all the pathetic
despair of Cio-Cio-San's over-
burdened heart; her rendition
being a most impressive and
•wholly pathetic one ; while
Mme. Destinn gives a most
dramatic interpretation of this
scene, perhaps the most heart-
rending in the entire range of
opera.
Pinkerton enters to ask
Butterfly's forgiveness and bid
her farewell, and is horrified
to find her dying. He lifts
her up in an agony of re-
morse.
In the orchestra, strangely
mingling with the American
motive, the tragic death
motive may be heard as the
THE DEATH OF BUTTERFLY CUrtain slowly falls.
187
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — M A D AM BUTTERFLY
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MADAM BUTTERFLY RECORDS
Madame Butterfly Selection By Victor Orchestra 31631 12-inch. $1.OO
This selection begins with the entrance music of Pink.erton, accompanied by the
American theme for which Puccini has utilized the " Star Spangled Banner."
Then in succession are heard the gay air of the thoughtless Lieutenant (as a cornet
solo) in which he describes the characteristics of his countrymen ; the principal strain of the
love duet with which the act closes; the exquisitely poetical "Duet of the Flowers," part
of which is given on the orchestra bells ; and the beginning of the supremely beautiful scene
•where Butterfly, her maid and little son, take their places at the window to watch until
morning for the husband's coming, while in the distance can be heard the faint voices of
singers in the night, producing a mournful and indescribable effect.
Then from the last scene we hear the return of Pint^erton announced just as Butterfly has
taken her life; the American motif strangely contrasting with the tragic music of the death
scene ; and a few measures of the final curtain music, with its ancient Japanese melody.
(Madame Butterfly Selection
\ Bartered Bride Overture
Madame Butterfly Selection
By Pryor's Band )
D D ' D ji
By rryor s Band )
By Pryor's Band
, ,, • « *,-,,=
12-inch, $1.25
31697 12-inch, 1.00
The interest of the public in this exquisite Puccini opera continues to grow, and the
fine records the Victor has offered of the music have been much enjoyed and favorably
commented upon. This really beautiful twelve-inch fantasia, composed of the most
effective portions of the opera, is splendidly played, as usual, by this fine concert band.
Madame Butterfly Fantasie— By Victor Herbert's Orch 70055 12-inch, $1.25
Madame Butterfly Fantasie By Victor Sorlin 'Cello 31696 12-inch, l.OO
Some of the most beautiful passages in this fascinating Puccini opera have been
combined in this attractive fantasie. Among the themes used are the last part of Butterfly's
"Song of Devotion" in Act 11, sometimes called the "Vision Song"; and the mournful but
beautiful " Waiting Motive." This motive, -which is also sung by a distant chorus with
a peculiarly charming and mysterious effect, is one of the composer's happiest inspirations.
The pizzicati passages on the violin -which accompany this strange melody are most effectively
given by the orchestra.
BUTTERFLY AND SUZUKI IN THE GARDEN
188
THE BRILLIANT MAGIC FLUTE REVIVAL OF I9II IN
(French)
LA FLUTE ENCHANTEE
(Lah Fleut Ahn-ihaa-tcy)
(German) 9f
DIE ZAUBERFLOTE
(Dee Tiow-ber-floe' -teh)
(English)
THE MAGIC FLUTE
(Italian)
IL FLAUTO MAGICO
(Eel Flau'-tow Mah'-jee-ko)
OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Libretto by Schickaneder, adapted from a tale by Wieland, "Lulu, or the Magic Flute."
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. First produced in Vienna, September 30, I 791 , Mozart
directing. First Paris production as " Les Mysleres J'Isis," August 20, 1801. First London
production, in Italian, in 1811; in German, 1833; in English, 1838. First New York pro-
duction April II, 1833. _
Characters
SARASTRO, (Sahr-as-tro) High Priest of Isis .......................... Bass
TAMINO, (Tah-mee ' -noh} an Egyptian Prince ......................... Tenor
PAPAGENO, (Pap-ah-gay' -noh) a bird-catcher ....................... Baritone
THE QUEEN OF NIGHT ..................................... Soprano
PAMINA, (Pam-cc'-nah) her daughter ............................. Soprano
MONOSTATOS. (A/oA-noW-ow) a Moor, chief of the slaves of the Temple
of Isis ......................................................... Baritone
, (Pap-ah-gay-nah) .................................... Soprano
FIRST LADY, j t Soprano
SECOND LADY, , attendants on the Queen of Night ....... Mezzo-Soprano
THIRD LADY, I I Alto
FIRST BOY, ) , , , T . , , IC11. , ( Soprano
SECOND BOY. [ belon8lng l°the Temple, and fulfilling the 1 Mezzo-Soprano
THIRD BOY, I designs of Sarastro \ AUo
Priests and Priestesses of the Temple of Isis ; Male and Female Slaves ;
Warriors of the Temple, Attendants, etc.
The scene is laid in the vicinity of and in the Temple of Isis at Memphis. The action
is represented as taking place about the time of Ramses I.
189
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MAGIC FLUTE
PHOTO BERT
PAPAGENA AND PAPAGENO
"A fantastic fable was the groundwork;
supernatural apparitions and a good dose of
comic element were to serve as garnish.
But what did Mozart build on this prepos-
terous foundation ? What godlike magic
breathes throughout this work, from the
most popular ballad to the noblest hymn!
What many-sidedness, what marvelous va-
riety ! The quintessence of every noblest
bloom of art seems here to blend in one un-
equaled flower." — Richard Wagner.
Strictly speaking, the Magic Flute is not
an opera, but rather a fairy extravaganza ac-
companied by some of the most delightful
music imaginable. To fully appreciate
Mozart's work it should be heard in some
German town on a Sunday evening, where
middle-class families and sweethearts find
much enjoyment in the mixture of mystery,
sentiment, comedy and* delightful music
•which make up the opera. The libretto is,
of course, utterly absurd, describing as it
does the magic of the pipes of Tamino which
had the power to control men, animals, birds, reptiles and even the elements, and as the
flute is continually playing throughout the work, the results may be imagined.
Overture
By Victor Band 31012 12-inch, $1.00
By Pryor's Band *35135 12-inch, 1.25
By La Scala Orchestra *682O7 12-inch, 1.25
The overture is not only one of the greatest of its kind, but one of the most generally
appreciated. Its wonderful fugue, "in which Mozart sports with fugal counterpoint as
though it -were mere child's play," is played by the band in a striking manner. This fugue
is announced first by the clarinets and a few bars later the cornets take up the theme,
followed by every instrument in the band in the marvelous finale.
ACT I
The scene shows a rocky landscape with the Temple of the Queen of the Night visible
in the background. Tamino, an Egyptian prince who is traveling -with his friends, becomes
separated from them, is pursued by a huge serpent, and finally faints from fright and fatigue.
Three veiled ladies, attendants on the Queen, come from the Temple to his rescue and
stab the snake with their javelins. While they go to tell the Queen of the occurrence,
Tamino revives, sees the dead serpent and hides as he hears a flute.
Ein Vogelfanger bin ich ja (A Bird Catcher Am I)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German) 64163 lO-inch, $1.00
Papageno, a bird catcher, admirer of damsels, and all-around rogue, enters and sings
a merry lay, piping at every pause. In his song the fowler describes his occupation of
snaring birds, but says he would like catching women better !
PAPAGENO:
The fowler comes, in spite of rain,
And sings his song in merry strain;
This merry fowler, too, is known
]>y young and old, from zone to zone.
Knows how to whistle every sound
That birds may sing the whole year round.
Oh, none can be more blithe than I,
With these sweet warblers of the sky.
The fowler comes, in spite of rain.
And sings his song in merry strain ;
This merry fowler, too, is known
By young and old, from zone to zone.
A net for maidens I should like
Would catch the pretty dears by dozens,
I'd shut them safely up at home.
And never let them forth to roam.
In the part of Papageno Mr. Goritz has few rivals, and his impersonation was one of the
great features of the recent revival at the Metropolitan.
Tamino now comes forward and gives Papageno credit for having killed the serpent, an
honor -which he promptly accepts. The three ladies now return, rebuke Papageno and show
Tamino a photograph of the Queen of Night's daughter, the lovely Pamina, who has been
*Doablc Faced Record— For tltk of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED MAGIC FLUTE RECORDS, pa-e 192.
190
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE MAGIC FLUTE
taken from her mother by Sarastro, the Priest of I sis, to save her from evil influences. Tamino
falls in love with the picture and offers to rescue the maiden. He is given an all-powerful
magic flute, and accompanied by Papageno sets out for Sarastro's palace.
The scene changes to a room in the palace of the High Priest, where Pamina is dis-
covered in charge of Monostatos, a Moor.
The Moor is betraying his trust by persecuting Pamina with his attentions, -when Papageno
enters and frightens him away. The bird catcher then tells Pamina of Tamino 's love for her,
and offers to conduct her to this mysterious lover.
La dove prende (Smiles and Tears)
By Emma Earnes, Soprano, and Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone
(In Italian) 890O3 12-inch. $4.0O
This charming duet, with its grace and inimitable gaiety, introduces the melody of an
old German song, Bei Mannern Welche Liebe fuhlen.
Smiles and Tears
The smile, that on the lip is playing,
How oft 'twill hide a hearts deep woe!
The tear, that down the cheek is straying,
From purest springs of joy may flow.
And smiles and tears, so legends say,
Makt' up the sum of Life's brief day.
Yet, whilst that smile the brow is wreathing,
One word shall change it to a tear,
And one soft sigh's impassion'd breathing
Shall bid the tear-drop disappear,
\Ylu-n each alike misleads in turn,
Oh, who the heart's deep lore shall learn!
Fair seems false! and false seems fair!
Still, what bliss, what joy are there!
After many adventures Tamino and Pamina
meet, and by means of the magic flute they are
about to escape, but are interrupted by Sarastro,
who agrees to unite the love'rs if they will remain
and be purified by the sacred rites ; and as the
priest separates them and covers their heads with
veils, the curtain falls.
ACT II
The first scene shows a noble forest showing
the Temple of Wisdom. The priests assemble, and
Sarastro orders the lovers brought before him. He
then sings this superb Invocation, one of the most
impressive numbers in the opera.
Invocation (Great Isis)
By Pol Plancon. Bass (Piano ace.)
(In Italian) 85O42 12-inch. $3.0O
In the Invocation, Saraslro calls on the gods
Isis and Osiris to give Tamino and Papageno strength
to bear the trial now at hand.
Great Isis, great Osiris!
Strengthen with wisdom's strength this tyro pair;
Ye who guide steps where deserts lengthen,
Uracc theirs with nerve, your proof to bear!
Grant them probation's fruit all living;
Yet, should they find a grave while striving,
Think on their virtues, gracious gods,
SARASTRO Take them elect to your abodes!
In the noble role of Sarastro Plancon is especially effective, and his dignified impersona-
tion of the benignant High Priest, who smooths out all the fantastic tangles in the situations
wKich occur in Mozart's opera, is always singularly impressive.
The lovers are admitted to the Temple and begin their probation.
In the next scene Pamina is discovered asleep in a bower of roses. The Queen suddenly
rises from the earth and gives Pamina a dagger, telling her to kill Sarastro or Tamino can
never be hers. Pamina hesitates, and her mother, in a terrifying and dramatic song,
threatens vengeance on all concerned,
191
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE MAGIC FLUTE
Aria della Regina (The Queen's Air)
By Bessie Abott, Soprano (In Italian) 88O51 12-inch, $3.00
By Maria Galvany, Soprano (In Italian) 87059 10-inch. 2.OO
The Queen of Night, Aslriflammante, is one of the most striking characters in Mozart's
opera, and the few numbers allotted to her are difficult and florid ones. This great aria is
one -which the most experienced of sopranos always approaches with misgiving, because of
its excessive demands on the vocal powers. Miss Abott and Mme. Galvany completely
meet these demands, both singing the air gracefully and with superb execution.
ASTRIFLAMMANTE:
The pangs of hell are raging in my bosom, I spurn thee and renounce thee.
Death and destruction wildly flame around! If thoti dar'st to brave my wrath:
Go forth and bear my vengeance to Sarastro, Through thee Sarastro is to perish!
Or as my daughter thou shall be disown'd! Hear, gods of vengeance!
I cast thee off forever, Hear a mother's vow! (Site disappears. )
Sarastro enters and soothes Pamina, saying that he will take a righteous revenge on the
Queen by obtaining the happiness of her daughter. He then sings the noble Cavatina, con-
sidered one of the greatest of bass arias.
Qui sdegno non s'accende (Within These Sacred 'Walls)
By Pol Plancon. Bass (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 85O77 12-inch. $3.OO
In this number the singer is at his best, and the noble strains are delivered in the broad
sonorous style which the music requires.
SARASTRO: Within this hallowed dwelling
Revenge and sorrow cease;
Here troubled doubt dispelling.
The weary heart hath peace.
If thou hast stray'd, a brother's hand
Shall guide thee t'ward the better land.
This hallow'd fane protects thee
From falsehood, guile and fear;
A brother's love directs thee,
To him thy woes are dear.
The probationary trials of the lovers continue through
many strange scenes, in one of which Pamina meets Tamino,
and not knowing that he has been forbidden to speak to any
woman, cries out that he no longer loves her. She then sings
this pathetic little air, which Mme. Gadski has interpreted
here so beautifully.
Ah lo so (All Has Vanished)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In Italian) 88254 12-inch. $3.00
Mme. Gadski has long been recognized as one of the
foremost exponents of Mozart in this country. The music
of this master demands singers of great understanding and feel-
ing, who must possess not only voice but intelligence and taste.
That Gadski possesses these qualifications in ample
measure is fully apparent to all who listen to her superb
.. , J . * TAMINO AND PAMINA
Mozart reproductions.
PAMINA: Wretch that I am, too well I know Oh. Taniino, if for thee.
Nought is left me but to mourn, My sighs and bitter tears are vain,
Condemn'd to drain the cup of woe, Come, kind death, in pity free
Joy to me will ne'er return. My weary bosom from its pain!
The trials being finally completed, the lovers are united in the sacred Temple. The Queen
and her accomplices attempt to prevent the ceremony, but the scene suddenly changes to
the Temple of the Sun, where Sarastro is seen on his throne with Tamino and Pamina
beside him, while the baffled Queen and her train sink into the earth.
DOUBLE-FACED MAGIC FLUTE RECORDS
f Magic Flute Overture By Pryor's Band ' 35 j 35 j 2-inch, $ 1 .25
\ My Queen Waltz By Victor Dance Orchestra I
/ Magic Flute Overture La Scala Orchestra \ £.a,nr
•s i? . , r> i j i c i f\ t. i c OO2O7
I. Meistersinger Prelude La oca/a Orchestra )
192
(French)
MANON
(Man-on')
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Words by Meilhac and Gille, after the novel of Abbe Prevost. Music by Jules Massenet.
Fi'st production at the Ope'ra-Comique, Paris, January 19, 1884. First London production
M.iy 7, 1885; in English by the Carl Rosa Company, at Liverpool, January 17, 1885. In
French at Covent Garden, May 19, 1891. First American production at New York, Decem-
ber 23, 1885, with Minnie Hauk, Giannini and Del Puente. Some notable revivals were
in 1895 with Sybil Sanderson and Jean de Reszke ; in 1899 with Saville, Van Dyk, Dufriche
and Plancon ; and at the recent production (in 1909) at the Metropolitan, with Caruso,
Scotti, Farrar and Note.
Cast
CHEVALIER DES GRIEUX (5/ieo-a/W deh GreeV) Tenor
COUNT DES GRIEUX, his father Bass
LESCAUT (Les-koh') Manon's cousin, one of the Royal Guard Baritone
GUILLOT MORFONTEIN, a roue, Minister of France Bass
DE BRET1GNY ( Bray-lee-vnee') a nobleman Baritone
MANON, a school girl Soprano
People, Actresses, and Students
Time and place : 1 72 1 ; Amiens, Paris, Havre.
The story of Manon is, of course, taken by Massenet's librettists from the famous novel
of the Abbe Prevost, but for operatic purposes several changes have been made, notably in
the events of the fourth act, which takes place in France instead of America. Although the
ta e is very well known, a brief sketch will be included here.
Manon is a country girl, gay, pretty and thoughtless, who meets a handsome young
cavalier, des Grieux, while on her way to a convent to complete her education. He falls in
lo-/e with her and she with him as far as her nature will allow, and when he tells her of the
gaieties and pleasures of Paris, she needs little persuasion to induce her to elope with him
to the Capital, to the chagrin of Guillot, whose carriage the lovers appropriate.
Soon tiring of love in a cottage, however, the young girl encourages the attentions of a
rich nobleman, de Bretigny, and when des Grieux is taken away forcibly by his father, she
siczes the opportunity and leaves with her new lover.
In Act 111 she learns that des Grieux, despondent because of her faithlessness, has resolved
to enter a monastery. Her fickle affections turn again to him, and she visits him at the
S( rninary of St. Sulpice. He at first repulses her, saying his love is dead, but is unable to
resist her, and they depart together.
The next act occurs in a gambling house, where des Grieux is endeavoring to win money
to support Manon in the luxury she demands. Guillot, in revenge for the trick played on
him in Act I, causes their arrest, des Grieux for cheating and Manon as a dissolute woman.
The last scene occurs on the road to Havre, where des Grieux and Lescaut, Manon's
brother, plan to rescue Manon as she is being taken to the ship, en route to the prison colony
in Louisiana. The soldiers appear, but it is a dying Manon they escort, and the unfortunate
girl, after repenting and asking forgiveness of des Grieux, dies in his arms.
ACT I
SCENE I — Courtyard of an Inn at Amiens
As the curtain rises the crowd of villagers, including Lescaut, are waiting the coming
of the coach, which presently arrives and discharges Manon. The young girl regards the
animated scene with much interest, and soon espies Lescaut, her cousin, who was to meet
her at this point and escort her to the convent school. He greets her and compliments her
on her charming appearance. She blushes and then artlessly tells him of her impressions
during the journey from her country home. The scene from this point has been recorded
bj the Scala singers.
193
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— M A S S E N ET' S MAN ON
Restate qui (Wait a Moment)
By Elisa Tromben, Soprano; Federico Federici, Tenor: G. Pini-Corsi,
Tenor; Riccardo Tegani. Baritone (In Italian) *55OOO 12-inch, $1.5O
Lescaut asks Manon to excuse him for a while as he must go to see after her luggage.
LESCAUT (to Manon) :
Wait a moment.
Be prudent; I am going to find your luggage.
He goes out, and the townspeople desert the square, leaving Manon alone. The roue,
Guillot, appears on the balcony of the hotel, crying : " Miserable landlord ! Are we never to
have any wine ? ''
He sees Manon, and his evil eyes light up at this vision of youth and beauty.
GUILLOT: DE I'.RKTIC.NV :
Heavens! What dp I see? Young lady! This time I swear the dog has by chance found
Ahem! Ahem! Young lady! a pri/r.
(Aside) Never did sweeter look light up a woman's
Really, my head is turning round! face!
Now then, Guillot, let the girl alone and come
MANON (aside and laughing): ;n Vv'e are calling you.
What a funny man! GUILLOT:
GUILLOT' •^-'- av> 'n a moment-
Young lady, I am Guillot de Morfontaine. I (To Manon): .
am rich and would give a good deal to hear T^ My llttle one- 8Ive Ine a word-
a word of love from you. Now, what do DF,. I1*ETIG.Ny : .
you say to that? _ Guillot, let the girl alone.
GUILLOT (softly to Manon):
MANON: A postillion is coming directly; when you see
That I should be ashamed, if I were not more him, understand that a carriage is at your
disposed to laugh. service. Take it, and afterwards you shall
n T, know more.
LIE HRETIGNY: LESCAUT (who lias just entered):
.NOW then, Guillot, what s the game? We are What do you say?
waiting for you. GUILLOT (confuted):
GI-ILLOT: _ Oh- sir! nothing, sir!
Oh, go to the Devil. LEA*;AUT. (boisterously):
Oh, sir! Did you say —
POUSETTE (to Guillot): GUILLOT (returning to the farillion) :
Are you not ashamed? At your age! Nothing, sir, I said.
Guillot is frightened by the gruff soldier, to the amusement of the bystanders, who
laugh at the baffled libertine until he flees in confusion.
Lescaut now warns Manon to beware of the men she may meet.
LESCAUT (to Manon): SECOND GUARDSMAN:
He spoke to you, Manon. Both cards and dice are waiting your pleasure
MANON (lightly): below.
Well, can you say 'twas my fault? LESCAUT'
LESCAUT: I come; but first to this young lady, with your
That's true; and in my eyes you are so good leave, good sirs,
that I won't trouble myself. I must speak some words of counsel full of
(The two guardsmen enter.) wisdom.
FIRST GUARDSMAN (to Lescaut): GUARDSMEN (in mock resignation):
How now! Thou comest not! To his wisdom we'll listen.
Mi raccomando (W^ait for Me)
By Elisa Tromben, Soprano ; Federico Federici. Tenor ; Chorus
(In Italian) *5500O 12-inch. $1.5O
The young girl promises to be prudent and Lescaut leaves with the guardsmen.
LESCAUT (to Manon): Should whisper folly in your ear.
Give good heed to what I say — !'•< have as though you did not hear.
Duty calls me now away. For safety's sake adopt that plan.
To consult these comrades here (To the Guardsmen, aside)
Upon a point that's not quite clear. Now let us go and see on which of us the
Wait for me, Manon, just a moment, no more. goddess of the game will look with loving
Make no mistake, but prudent be, eyes.
And if, forsooth, some silly man (They go out.)
Des Grieux now enters, and seeing Manon, is much impressed with her beauty and
modest bearing. He addresses her respectfully, beginning the lovely duet, Et je sais \>otre
*Double.FaceJ Record-Far title of opposite siJe see DOUBLE-FACED MANON RECORDS, page 201.
195
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— M ASSENET'S MANON
Et je sais votre nom (If I Knew But Your Name)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano, and Leon Beyle. Tenor
(In French) * 165 51 10-inch. $O.75
The young girl answers simply, but feels herself strangely drawn to the young student.
The transition from strangers to lovers is a quick one, as will be seen by the translation.
DES GRIEUX: (Sadly)
If I knew but your name — I am now on my way to a convent,
MANON (with simplicity) : That, sir, is the story of Manon,
I am called Manon. (With simplicity)
DES GRIEUX (with emotion): Of Manon Lescaut!
Manon! DES GRIEUX (with ardor):
MANON (aside) : No, I will not believe that fate can be so
How tender are his looks, hard!
How delightful his voice to my soul! That one so young and so fair can be destined
DES GRIEUX- to dwell in a living tomb.
All my fond foolish words, MA,NON,:.
I pray you forgive! £ut 4JS' alas! the sovereign will of Heaven,
-.. To whose service I m devoted,
MANON (nairely): And no one from this fate can deliver me.
How condemn your words when they charm j)ES QRIEUX (firmly)-
my heart; j^o> no; j^ot from you Manon, shall hope
To my ears they are music! and joy be torn
Would to Heav n such language were mine, MANON (jovfiillv) •
You fit answer to make. Oh Heaven !
DES GRIEUX (f»i a transport of Joy): DES GRIEUX:
Lovely enchantress, all-conquering beauty, For on my will and power you can safely
Manon, from henceforth thou art mistress of depend.
my heart! MANON (with energy):
MANON- Ah', to you I owe far more, far more than life.
Oh! what joy! I>ES GRIEUX (.passionately)'.
I'm henceforth the mistress of his heart! A.h! Manon you shall never leave me now!
•p. p Since I would gladly roam thro all the world,
?, , Seeking for you, love, an unknown retreat,
Ah, speak to me. ^nd carry you there in my arms.
MANON: MANON:
I am only a simple maiden. To you, my life and my soul!
(Smiling) To you I give my life for evermore!
Believe me, I'm not wicked, DES GRIEUX:
But I often am told by those at home, Light of my soul! Manon,
That I love pleasures too well; The mistress of my heart for evermore!
Manon now observes the carriage of Guillot, which had been offered her, and suggests
that they take it and fly together. Des Grieux joyfully agrees and they sing their second duet.
Nous vivrons a Paris ("We 'Will Go to Paris)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor
(In French) *45OO9 lO-inch, $1.0O
MANON AND DES GRIEUX: Evermore bliss is ours,
We to Paris will go. Heart to heart! And with love's sweetest flow'rs
And, though fortune may frown, never part! Will we crown the bright hours!
Hearing Lescaut 's voice from within the hotel, where he has been gambling, the lovers
hastily enter the carriage and drive off, while Guillot swears revenge and Lescaut bewails his
double loss of money and cousin.
ACT II
SCENE — Apartment of Des Grieux and Manon in Paris
Des Grieux is writing at a desk, while Manon is playfully looking over his shoulder.
J'ecris a rnon pere (This Letter's for My Father)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor
(In French) *45005 lO-inch, $1.00
He tells her he is writing to his father :
DES GRIEUX: DES GRIEUX:
This letter's for my father, and I tremble lest Yes, Manon, I'm afraid,
he should read in anger what I write from MANON:
my heart. Ah, well, then we'll read it together.
MANON: DES GRIEUX:
You are afraid? Yes, that's the way. Together we'll read.
* Double-Faced Record— For litk of opposite * de see DOUBLE-FACED MANON RECORDS, page 20 / .
196
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— M A S S E N ET ' S MAN ON
On Tappelle Manon (She is Called Manon)
By Mile. Korsoff. Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor
(In French) *45009 10-inch, $1.00
Continuing this charming scene, she takes the letter from him and reads with simplicity:
MANON: the spring, so her young soul to life i
"She is called Manon, and is young and fair. open. Her lips, like flowers. >inile aii'l
In her all charms unite. She has grace, speak to the zephyrs that kiss them in pass-
radiant youth and beauty; music Hows in a ing."
stieam from her lips; in her eyes shines MASON (repeating)'.
the tender light of love." "To the zephyrs that ki>s them in passing."
DES GRIEUX (ardently): (I'ensircly)
In her eyes shines the tender light of love. I'o you think your father will give his con-
M. \XUN: sent?
Is this true? Ah, I knew it not. Di.s GRIKI/X:
(Tenderly) Ye-: he will never in such a matter as this
l>ut I know how much T am loved. oppose me.
DKS GRIEL-X (wif/i passion): MANON:
Thou art loved! Manon, I adore thee! Dost thou desire it?
MANON: DES GRIEUX:
Come, come, good sir, there's more to read I desire it, with all my soul!
yet. MANON:
DES GRIEUX: Then embrace me. Chevalier. (They embrace.)
"Like a bird that through all lands follows And now, go; — send thy letter.
Des Grieux starts to go, but seeing some beautiful flowers on the table asks who sent
them. Manon replies evasively, and asks if he does not trust her and if he is jealous. He
i.ssures her of his perfect confidence.
A noise is heard outside, and Lescaut, accompanied by de Bretigny, a French nobleman,
tenters, the former loudly demanding satisfaction from des Grieux for the abduction of his
< ousin. Des Grieux at first defies him, but remembering that he is a member of Manon's
tamily, shows him the letter he had written to his father asking her hand in marriage.
Lescaut engages him in conversation, thus giving de Breligny an opportunity to speak to Manon
<iside. He tells her that des Grieux is to be carried off by his father that night, and urges her
to fly with him. Tempted by the thoughts of wealth and pleasure, the young girl hesitates.
Lescaut now loudly expresses satisfaction with the attitude of des Grieux, and departs with
<!e Bretigny.
Des Grieux goes out to post the letter and Manon struggles with the temptation which
iias come to her; the pathetic air, Adieu noire, petite table, indicating that she is yielding.
Adieu notre petite table (Farewell Our Little Table)
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano (In French) 88146 12-inch. $3.OO
By Mme. Vallandri, Soprano, and Leon Beyle, Tenor
(In French) *45008 lO-inch. l.OO
NOTE. — In record 45008 Mme. Vallandri sings a portion of the " Farewell " solo and this is
followed by the short duet which precedes the " Dream."
She regards the little table at which they had served their simple meals and bids it
farewell.
MANON :
Farewell, our pretty little table! So small and space we lovers filled. A single glass served
yet so large for us. Side by side so often both of us, and each, in drinking, sought
there we've sat. ili'ttli a sad smile.) I upon its margin where dear lips had been,
smile as now I call to mind what narrow Ah! best of friends, how thou hast loved!
Hearing des Grieux approaching, she hastily tries to conceal her tears. He observe*
them, however, and tries to soothe her by relating a dream he has had.
(Italian) (English (French)
II sogno The Dream— Le Reve
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 81O31 lO-inch, $2.OO
By "Edmond Clement. Tenor, (In French) 74258 12-inch, 1.5O
By Fernando de Lucia, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 66OO1 lO-inch. 1.5O
By Leon Beyle. Tenor (In French) *45OO8 lO-inch, l.OO
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 612O6 lO-inch. l.OO
* Double-Faced Record— For titU of opposite tide tee DOUBLE-FACED MANON RECORDS, page 201.
197
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— M ASS EN ET'S MANON
" Listen, Manon," he cries, " On my way I dreamed a lovely dream."
DES GRIEUX: 'Tis paradise! Ah,, no.
With fancy's eye I saw, Manon, All is sad, so sad and dreary,
A sweet and lowly cot, For, O my only love, thou art not there.
Its white walls, deck'd with flowers fair, ,, . ... .
Gleam'd thro' the wood! MAN°N (softly):
Beneath whose peaceful shadows Tls a vlslon' tls but a fancy!
Ran clear the babbling brook; DES GRIEUX:
Overhead, 'mid verdant leaves No! for thus we'll pass our life,
Sang so sweet and full the joyous birds, If but thou wilt, O Manon!
A knock is heard and Manon exclaims, aside, " Oh, Heaven, already they have come
for him ! " She tries to prevent him from opening the door, but he insists, and is seized
and carried away, while Manon, suddenly repenting, is overcome with grief.
ACT III
SCENE — A Street in Paris on a Fete Day
Manon enters, accompanied by de Bretigny and several gallants. She is in a gay mood and
extols youth and love in a fine vocal gavotte, charmingly given here by Miss Farrar.
Gavotte — Obeissons quand leur voix appelle (Hear the Voice
of Youth)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In French) 87023 10-inch, $2.0O
MANON:
List to the voice of youth when it calleth,
It bids ye to love for aye!
And ere the pride of beauty falleth,
Love then while you may.
Profit then by the time of youth,
And do not stay to count the days,
Remember well this adage — be merry and gay
always!
Manon, seeing des Grieux's father, timidly approaches him and asks if des Grieux has
forgotten her. She learns that the young man has forgiven her, buried his love, and is
planning to enter a monastery. When the Count has departed, the capricious girl resolves
to go to St. Sulpice and see for herself if she has been so easily forgotten ; and as the cur-
tain falls she is calling to Lescaut to conduct her thither.
SCENE II — Reception Room at St. Sulpice
At the beginning of this scene the Count pleads with his son not to retire from the
•world, but des Grieux says he is resolved, and his father takes a sorrowful leave.
Left alone, des Grieux sings his lovely song of renunciation, which the Victor offers in
Italian, French and German by five famous tenors, the Caruso record also including the
preceding recitative.
(French) (Italian) (German) (English)
Ah, fuyez, douce image! — Dispar, vision — Flieh o flieh! (Depart,
Fair Vision !) NOTE— The Caruso record is preceded by the Recitative,
"Je suis seul"
(Alone at Last!)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In French) 88348 12-inch, $3.0O
By Gino Giovannelli, Tenor (In Italian) * 5 SOOl 12-inch, 1.50
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor (In Italian) 74174 12-inch. 1.50
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 64116 10-inch, l.OO
By M. Rocca, Tenor (In French) * 165 7 5 lO-inch, .75
*Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED MANON RECORDS, page 201.
198
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— M A S S E N ET' S MAN ON
He declares he will now seek the peace of mind which only faith in Heaven can give.
DES GRIEUX: I'm alone at last! The supreme moment now has
come. From earthly ties I'm free, and only seek the rest
which faith in heaven can give!
Ah! depart, image fair,
Leave me now at ri-M ;
Have regard to my prayer,
Ease my poor tortured breast.
To the dregs I have drain'd
Life's most bitter cup,
Nor to Heaven once complain'd,
Though heart's blood filled it up.
Dead to me now are love and ail that men call glory. I de-
sire to banish from my memory an evil name — a name
which haunts me! Oh Heaven! with flame all searching,
my soul now purge from stain! Oh! let thy pure and glo-
rious light chase far away the gloom that lays on my heart.
He goes slowly out and Manon enters, shuddering at the gloomy walls and wondering
i: her lover has quite forgotten her. Des Grieux soon returns and is astounded to see Manon,
Lidding her begone, saying his love is dead. She says she cannot believe it.
MANON: my weeping! Am I not myself? Do not
These eyes that oft thou hast kissed with turn away, but look on me. Am I not
ardor, do they shine no more, even through Manon?
Des Grieux is deeply moved, but asks Heaven for strength to resist her. Her plead-
ings finally have their effect, and he cries : "Ah ! Manon ! No longer will 1 struggle against
Myself!" and they depart together.
THE GAMBLING SCENE — ACT IV
ACT IV
SCENE — A Gambling Room in Paris
Des Grieux has been persuaded by Manon to come to this place in the hope of winning money
to satisfy her desire for luxury. He plays for high stakes and wins large sums from Guillot,
who leaves in a rage. As des Grieux is showing Manon the gold he has won, a loud knock-
ing is heard and the police enter with Guillot, who denounces des Grieux as a swindler and
Manon as his accomplice. They are arrested and taken to prison, but des Grieux is after-
ward released through his father's influence, while Manon is ordered to be deported to
America by way of Havre.
199
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— M A S S EN ET ' S MANON
Concertato finale—
O dolor
By Aristodemo Giorgini.
Tenor ; A. Santoro, So-
prano; S. Nicolicchia,
Baritone ; and Chorus
(In Italian)
87083 10-inch. $2.OO
ACT V
SCENE— On the Road to Havre
Des Crieux and Lescaut are
on the Havre road, waiting
for the soldiers who are es-
corting the prisoners to the
ship bound for America, des
Crieux having conceived the
mad idea of rescuing Manon.
Beginning the duet he sings
ON THE HAVRE ROAt^ACT V Hl> *"* ™? remOr3eful *">
Manon in (Chains I
Manon, la catena (Manon in Chains !)
By Remo Andreini, Tenor ; Riccardo Tegani, Baritone ; and Chorus
(Double-Faced, see page 201) (In Italian) 55OO1 12-inch, $1.5O
DES GRIEUX (discovered seated by the wayside) :
Manon, poor Manon ! Must I see thee herded with these wretched beings and be power-
less to aid? O Heaven! Merciless Heaven! Must I then despair! (He sees Lescaut
approaching.) He comes! (Advancing impetuously to Lescaut.) Thy fellows now
make ready; the soldiers will soon reach this place. Thy men are fully armed; they
will rescue Manon and give her back to me! What! can it not be done? Are all my
fond hopes vain? Oh! why dost thou keep silence?
Lescaut hesitates and finally says :
LESCAUT:
Sir, I have done my best —
DES GRIEUX (anxiously) :
Go on!
LESCAUT:
And grieve to say that all is lost.
DES GRIEUX (piteously) :
Lost!
LESCAUT:
Scarce had the sun shone on the arms of the
soldiers ere all our men fled!
DES GRIEUX (distracted) :
'Tis false! 'Tis false! Great Heaven hath
taken pity on my suffering, and at last conies
the hour expected! In a moment my Manon
shall be free!
LESCAUT (sadly) :
Since I have told the truth —
DES GRIEUX (about to strike him):
Away !
LESCAUT: \
Strike if you will. 'Tis soldier's fare. He's
by the King ill-paid; and then, whate'er his
worth, the good folks shake their head and
call him "wretched fellow."
DES GRIEUX (violently) :
Away!
The voices of the soldiers are now heard in the distance singing as they ride. Des
Grieux and Lescaut listen attentively, and the former, realizing that they are almost at hand,
madly tries to rush forward. Lescaut dissuades him, saying he has a better plan, as he is well
acquainted with the officer in command. When the escort arrives, Manon is found to be
very ill and is left behind by the officer at Lescaut' s suggestion. During a heart-rending
scene Manon asks and receives the forgiveness of des Grieux, repents her sins and dies in
his arms.
200
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— M ASSENET'S MANON
55001 12-inch, 1.5O
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MANON RECORDS
(Restate qui (^X^ait a Moment) By Elisa Tromben.
Soprano; Federico Federici, Tenor: G. Pini-Corsi,
Tenor ; Riccardo Tegani, Baritone (In Italian) ! 55OOO 12-inch, $1.5O
Mi raccomando (Wait for Me) By Elisa Tromben.
Soprano: Federico Federici, and Chorus (In Italian)}
lo son solo (I'm Alone at Last)
By Gino Giovannelli. Tenor (In Italian) I
Manon. la catena (Manon in Chains!) By Remo Andreini, I
Tenor ; Riccardo Tegani, Baritone ; Chorus (In Italian))
Nous vivrons a Paris fWe Will Go to Paris)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano; Leon Beyle, Tenor' .
On 1'appelle Manon (She is Called Manon) By Mile. ch' l'°°
Korsoff, Soprano ; Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French)]
Adieu, notre petite table (Farewell, Our Little Table)
By Mme. Vallandri, Soprano ; Leon Beyle, Tenor
(In French)
Le reve (The Dream) By Leon Beyle, Tenor
J'ecris a mon pere (This Letter's for My Father)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano; Leon Beyle
Lakme — Dans la foret, pres de nous
By Mme. Vallandri, Soprano; M. Rocca, Tenor
Et je sais votre nom (If I Knew But Your Name)
By Mile. Korsoff, Soprano ; Leon Beyle (In French)
I FaMorita—Splendon piu belle in del le stelle
By Perello de Segurola, Bass, and Chorus (In Italian)
I Ah! fuyez douce image ! (Depart Fair Vision)
By M. Rocca. Tenor (In French) } 16575
Carmen Selection (Bizet) By Pryor's Band]
45008 10-inch, l.OO
(In French)]
(InFrench)\45005
(In French)]
lO-inch, l.OO
16551 10-inch, .75
10-inch, .75
•
' ? •" '
J
14I M ' '
ACT III — SCENE I
201
SETTING OF ACT I
(Italian)
MANON LESCAUT
(Man-on' Les-ko')
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Music by Giacomo Puccini, the libretto (founded on Abb6 Prevost's novel) being the
•work of the composer and a committee of friends. English version by Mowbray Marras.
First presented in Milan in 1893. Produced at the Op6ra-Comique, Paris, January 19, 1884;
in English by the Carl Rosa Company, at Liverpool, January 17, 1885; at Drury Lane, May
7, 1885. In French at Covent Garden, May 19, 1881. First New York production, January
18, 1907.
Characters
MANON LESCAUT Soprano
LESCAUT, sergeant of the King's Guards Baritone
CHEVALIER DES GRIEUX (Jet, Cree-uay') Tenor
GERONTE DE RAVOIR, Treasurer-General Bass
EDMUND, a student Tenor
An Innkeeper, a Singer, a Dancing-master, a Sergeant, a Captain. Singers,
Old Beaux and Abbes, Girls, Citizens, Villagers, Students, People, Cour-
tezans, Archers, Sailors.
Scene and Period : Paris and vicinity ; second half of the eighteenth century.
THE STORY
This early Puccini opera was performed by a struggling opera company in 1898, but the
performance was so wholly bad that we have made no mention of it in our chronicle at the
top of the page. The real New York premiere was of course the Metropolitan production in
1907, when Puccini himself was present. An English version of the opera was given in Phila-
delphia, however, by Gustav Hinrichs during one of his summer seasons, — August 29, 1894.
202
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA MAN ON LESCAUT
KARRAR AS MANON*
The Abbe Prevost romance has been treated operatically
by several composers, the first being Halevy, -who wrote a bal-
let on the subject in 1830. Other settings followed — by Balfe,
1836; Auber in 1856 and Massenet in 1884.
Puccini's version consists of four detached scenes selected
from the novel, and the hearer should possess some knowl-
edge of the story to fully understand the action of the opera.
The first act shows the courtyard of an inn at Amiens.
Manon's brother, Lescaul, a dissolute soldier, is escorting his
pretty little sister to the convent where she is to complete her
education. While Lescaut is carousing with some chance
companions, Manon meets a handsome gallant, des Crieux,
who chances to be dining at the inn, dressed as a student.
1 he prospect of school not appealing strongly to the young
girl, she readily agrees to elope with des Crieux, thereby spoil-
ing the plans of the old roue, Geronle, who had planned to
abduct the pretty school girl. Manon soon tires of des Grieux
and his poverty, and leaves him for the wealthy Geronte ; but
even this luxury fails to bring her happiness, and when des
Grieux appears again she runs away with him.
Geronte is furious and denounces Manon to the police as an abandoned woman. She is
condemned to be deported to the French possessions in Louisiana. Des Grieux and Lescaul
try to rescue her, but the attempt fails, and in desperation the former begs the commandant
to permit him to accompany her to America.
In the final scene the lovers are shown in a desert near New Orleans. (The Abbe
Prevost's knowledge of American geography was evidently limited!) Des Grieux leaves
Manon to search for water, and returns just in time to see her die in his arms, after a most
effecting scene.
ACT I
SCENE — A Street in front of an Inn at Amiens
Des Grieux, dressed as a student, strolling among the crowd, meets Edmund and a party
of students, who -warmly greet him. He is in a gay mood and addresses some of the girls
who are passing, asking them, in this charming air, if there is one among them who will
take pity on his lonely condition.
Tra voi belle brune (Now Among You)
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor (In Italian) *45O15 lO-inch, $1.OO
This gay song is effectively given by one of the Victor's new tenors, of the La Scala
forces, and the record is doubled with the Madrigale from Act II.
A diligence now arrives, and Manon and her brother and Geronte, a chance traveling
c ompanion, alight. Des Grieux is struck with the beauty of the young girl, and when
Lescaut and Geronte have gone into the inn to arrange for quarters, he questions her respect-
fully. She tells him that she is bound for a convent, but does not wish to go. Lescaut
now calls to his sister, and she enters the inn after promising to meet des Grieux later in the
evening.
The young man gazes after her, and says to himself that never has he seen so lovely a
picture of youth and innocence. He expresses his emotion in a fine air, one of the loveliest
of the numbers allotted to des Grieux. (On the reverse side is an air from Tosca.)
Donna non vidi mai (Never Did I Behold)
By Egidio Cunego, Tenor (In Italian*) *45O16 lO-inch, $1.OO
The students now gather round, bantering des Grieux on his new conquest, but he is in
110 mood for joking and goes into the inn. Lescaut now joins a crowd of soldiers who are
{{ambling, and soon becomes absorbed in the game. Geronte, seeing the brother thus
engaged, seeks the landlord and plots to abduct Manon. Edmund overhears the scheme and
informs des Grieux, who finds Manon and induces her to elope with him. They take
the carriage which Geronte had ordered and make their escape, leaving him furious. How-
*Doublc-FaceJ Record-Far title of opposite ,ide see DOUBLE-FA CED MANON LESCA UT RECORDS, page 205.
203
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— M ANON LESCAUT
ever, he finds Ltscaul and suggests that they go to Paris in search of the runaways. Lescaut,
who has been drinking, consents, delicately hinting that if Geronte will admit him into the
family group, he •will use his influence to induce Manon to desert ties Grieux for the older
but wealthier suitor.
ACT II
SCENE — An Apartment in Geronte 's House in Paris
Since the events of Act I Manon is supposed to have left des Grieux for the wealthier
Geronte. She is seen surrounded by the utmost luxury, attended by her hairdresser, dancing
master, etc. Lescaut enters, evidently much at home, and congratulates her on her change
of fortune, taking to himself all the credit for having advised her so cleverly. She says she
is happy and contented, but asks Lescaut if he has heard any news of des Grieux — whether
he is grieving or whether he has already forgotten her. Lescaut tells her that the young
man is disconsolate, and is gambling in order to get wealth to win her back to him.
Manon gazes pensively at the rich hangings, and in a fine air expresses her longing for
the humble cottage she has left.
In quelle trine morbide (In Those Silken Curtains)
By Gina C. Viafora, Soprano (In Italian) 64094 10-inch, $1.OO
They are interrupted by the entrance of a company of Madrigal singers who have been
sent by Geronte to amuse Manon. They sing a beautiful Madrigal, given here by Signora
Lopez-Nunes and La Scala Chorus.
Madrigale — Sulla vetta del monte (Speed O'er Summit)
By Lopez-Nunes, Soprano, and Chorus (In Italian) *45O15 10-inch, $1.00
When the singers have departed, the dancing master appears to teach Manon the minuet.
She takes her lesson, while Geronte and several friends watch her admiringly. In a gay mood
she sings a little song to the air of the minuet.
Minuetto di Manon, "L'ora o Tirsi" (Joyful Hours)
By Frances Alda, Soprano (In Italian) 87O79 lO-inch, $2.OO
Des Grieux now enters and reproaches Manon bitterly. At the sight of him her love
returns, and she begs him to take her away from all this luxury. They sing a passionate
duet, followed by a lovely solo for des Grieux, -who reproaches Manon for her fickleness.
MANON IN LUXURY ACT 11
* Double-Faced Record-Far title of ophite side xe DOUBLE-FA CED MANON LESCAUT RECORDS, page 205.
204
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— M ANON LESCAUT
Ah! Manon, mi tradisce (Manon, Kind and Gentle)
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor (In Italian) *45O27 lO-inch. $1.OO
By Giorgio Malesci. Tenor (In Italian) *63421 lO-inch. .75
Geronte surprises them, but controls his rage, and sarcastically wishing them a pleasant
tete-d-lele, goes out. Lescaut shortly afterward rushes in and announces that Geronte has
s«rnt for the police. Des Grieux begs Manon to escape at once, but she insists on collecting
her jewels first. This delay is fatal, and she is arrested and taken to prison, charged with
being an abandoned woman.
Intermezzo (Between Acts II and III)
By Arthur Pryor's Band *350O3 12-inch, $1.25
Now comes the exquisite intermezzo, which gives a musical picture of the journey to
Havre of Des Grieux to secure the release of Manon, and of his resolution to follow and
protect her wherever she may be sent — "Even to the end of the world!" cries the
unhappy lover.
This number exhibits well the genius of this composer in making the orchestra reflect
the incidents and passions of the story instead of using it as a mere accompaniment.
ACT III
SCENE — The Harbor at Haore
Manon has been banished from France, and is now embarking on the ship for the
French colony in Louisiana. Des Grieux, unable to secure her release, entreats the officers
to permit him to go on board. The captain, touched by the grief of the unhappy lovers,
consents, and with a cry of joy Des Grieux embarks just as the ship is sailing.
ACT IV
SCENE — A Desolate Spot in Louisiana
This act is merely a long duet in -which the sad, but very human, tragedy is ended.
1 he music portrays the failing strength of Manon, the despair of Des Grieux when he is
powerless to aid her, the last farewell of the lovers, and the bitter grief of the unhappy
young man when Manon dies. As she expires, unable to bear more, he falls senseless on
her body.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MANON LESCAUT RECORDS
| Intermezzo (Between Acts II and III)
By Pryor's Band 35OO3 12-inch. $1.25
I Tosca Selection By Arthur Pryor's Band]
I Manon Selection By Arthur Pryor's Band) ,-n<, ,~ • . , ,-
'\ El Capitan March (Sousa) By Sousa's Bam/f35' mch' 1'25
Tra voi belle brune (Now Among You)
By Franco de Gregorio. Tenor (In Italian) \. , , .„ . ,
Madrigale— Sulla vetta del monte (Speed O'er Summit
By Lopez-Nunes, Soprano, and Chorus (In Italian)}
Donna non vidi mai (Never Did I Behold I
By Egidio Cunego, Tenor (/./taltaj 1Q_inch l QO
1 osca — O/a mi struggea
By Ernesto Badini, Baritone ' In Italian i }
I Ah! Manon, mi tradisce (Manon, Kind and Gentle)
By Franco de Gregorio. Tenor (In Italian) \. ,n~- ,n • .
/"•• J f- i »jr » / LJ j r\ ,45027 lO-inch, l.OO
(jtoconda — L/e/o e Mar! (Heaven and Ocean)
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor (In Italian)}
Ah ! Manon, mi tradisce
By Giorgio Malesci, Tenor (In Italian) L ~.~ , ln • i -,
c w /• i. j-iiii 1 1>342 1 lO-inch, .75
tLrnant — Injelice e lu credeci (Unhappy One !)
By Aristodemo Sillich, Bass < In Italian)}
* Double-FaceJ Record — For title of opposite side see aboor list.
205
PAINTED BT BECKER
MARRIAGE OF FIGARO AND SUSANNA
(Italian)
NOZZE DI FIGARO
MARIAGE'DE FIGARO
(Nol'-zay de Fee -gar-oh) (Mah-ree-ahzh' deh Fee -gah-nw)
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text by Lorenza da Ponte, founded on a comedy by Beaumarchais of the same name.
Music by Mozart. First production at the National Theatre, Vienna, May 1 , 1 786. In Paris
as Le Manage de Figaro, in five acts, -with Beaumarchais' spoken dialogue, at the Academic,
March 20, 1 793 ; at the Theatre Lyrique, as Les Noces de Figaro, by Barbier and Carre, in
four acts, May 8, 1858. In London, in Italian, at the King's Theatre, June 18, 1812. First
American production April 8, 1835, in English. Some notable revivals were — in the 70's,
with Hersee, Sequin and Parepa-Rosa; in 1889, with Nordica, Eames, de Reszke, Ancona
and Arnoldson ; in 1902, with Sembrich, Eames, Fritzi Scheff, de Reszke and Campanari ;
and in 1909, with Sembrich, Eames, Farrar and Scotti.
Cast
FIGARO, (Fee -gah-roh) the Barber, valet to the Count Bass
COUNT ALMAVIVA, (Al-mah-^e -oah) a Spanish noble Baritone
COUNTESS ALMAVIVA, his wife Soprano
SUSANNA, maid of the Countess, betrothed to Figaro Soprano
CHERUBINO, (Chay-me-bee -noh) page to the Countess Soprano
MARCELLINA, (Mar-chel-lee -nah] servant to Bartolo Contralto
BARTOLO, a rejected lover of Susanna Bass
BASILIO, (Bah-ze'e -lee-oh) a busybody Tenor
DON CURZIO Tenor
ANTONIO, gardener to the Count
Servants, Country People, Guards.
Scene and Period: Seville; the seventeenth century. The action is a direct
continuation of the Barber of Seville.
206
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, with its merry plot and music, is one of the most delight-
ful of musical comedies, and regret must be expressed for the all too infrequent perform-
ance of this ever-young and lovely opera, in which the complications of the story, the quick
changes of mood, and the sparkling humor are all so well reflected in the music. In no
single opera, perhaps, is there such a succession of musical gems as in Figaro. Each is per-
fect in its way and each seems to enhance the beauty of the others.
This comedy by Beaumarchais, on which the plot is founded, has been utilized by
many composers, Mozart's version being written in 1785.
Those who have read the story of Barber of Seville will find themselves again making
the acquaintance of Barlolo, Almaviva and Figaro, some time after the marriage of the dash-
ing Count to Barlolo's ward. The Count has settled down quietly on his estates, while
Figaro, as a reward for his services as a match-maker, has been appointed major-domo of
the castle. Figaro is in love with the Countess' maid Susanna, and expects to marry her
soon, but unfortunately for his plans, had also promised to wed Marcellina, the ex-house-
keeper of Bartolo, on the very
same day. Further complica-
tions are promised by the fact
that the Count, already weary-
ing of his wife, is making love
to Susanna himself.
ACT I
SCENE I— Jl Room in the
Count's Chateau
Overture
By Arthur Pryor's Band
*35109 12-inch, $1.25
The overture is a most
delightful one, written in
true Mozartian style, and Mr.
Pryor has given a brilliant
reading of it, bringing out all
its beauties.
THE GREAT HALL OF BARTOLO'S PALACE ACT I, SCENE II
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see double-faced lid on page 211.
207
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
At the opening of the opera Susanna tells Figaro that the Count is trying to flirt with her,
and Figaro plans revenge. Marcellina has confided in Dr. Bartolo. and as the portly doctor
still harbors a grudge against Figaro for robbing him of his ward, he consents to help her.
The Countest. who seems to be the only one in the castle not engaged in intrigue of some
kind, thinks only of her husband, and how to bring him back to her side.
ACT II
SCENE \— Apartment of the Countess
At the beginning of Scene II, the Countess sings her lovely appeal to Cupid.
Porgi amor (Love, Thou Holy Impulse)
By Johanna Gadski. Soprano {In Italian) 88275 12-inch. 93.OO
By Teresa Arkel. Soprano (D«ifcfc-/ace</.f«pa»e2//) (Italian) 63419 lO-inch. .75
The Countess is one of Mme. Gadski's most effective impersonations, and she makes an
imposing figure in her royal garb, singing the Mozart music with a richness of voice which
is always a delight to the ear. The Porgi amor, with its melancholy undertone, never seems
to be heard at its best at the opera, as it is introduced under rather trying conditions — at the
very beginning of a scene and without preparatory recitative. Certainly Mme. Gadski has
never sung this lovely air better than at this time, it being delivered with much purity of
tone and genuine sentiment. The record will be pronounced one of the most satisfactory
and appealing interpretations in the artist's entire list.
Susanna tells the Countess of her husband's fickleness and they consult Figaro, who plans
to make the Count jealous by telling him that the Countess is to meet a lover that evening in
the garden. It is planned to send Marcellina in the Countess ' place, and Chcruoino, dressed
as a young girl, to meet the Count in Susanna's place.
Figaro departs, and Cherubino enters. Seeing his mistress, he begins to heave deep sighs,
but Susanna mocks him and tells the
Countess he has •written a song about
his lady love. The Countess bids him
sing it, and he takes his guitar and
describes the delights and torments
caused by Cupid's arrow.
Voi che sapete ("What is
This Feeling?)
By Nellie Melba.
Soprano (In Italian)
88067 12-inch. »3.OO
By Luisa Tetrazzini.
Soprano (In Italian)
88300 12-inch,
3.00
The song is in ballad form, to
suit the situation, the voice giving
out the clear, lovely melody, while
the stringed instruments carry on a
simple accompaniment pizzicato, to
imitate the guitar; and this delicate
outline is shaded and animated by
solo wind instruments.
It is difficult to say which to
admire most — the gracefulness of the
melodies, the delicacy of disposition
of the parts, the charm of the tone-
coloring, or the tenderness of expres-
sion—the whole is of entrancing
beauty.
GADSKI AND EElr.ELMAN AS COUNTESS AND CHEtl'BINO
208
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
(in KI iiivo:
What is tills feeling makes me so sad ?
What i^ this feeling makes mr so glad?
I'.iin that delights mi-, — How can it be?
I'liasim that pains me!
l-Yttei'd though free!
Wheno. to,), these yearnings,
Strange to myself?
Tc-ll me their meaning, spirit or elf!
Why am 1 burning? Why do I freeze?
All is so alien il. nothing's at rest,
tli ate these chaiiKes lint ill my In
Centler the liree/es, <lay is more bright:
the moonbeams shine on the night:
• r the hill.
Soft, too, the music flows from each rill.
The women now dress
up the page to represent Su-
sanna, and have no sooner fin-
ished when the Count knocks,
and Cherubino hides in the
closet. The Count observes
his wife's confusion, and hear-
ing noises in the closet, be-
comes jealous. He demands
that she open the closet door,
and when she refuses he goes
for a crowbar. The moment
he is out Cherubino, aided by
Susanna, slips out and escapes
through the window, and Su-
sanna enters the closet in his
place. When the Count returns
and opens the door, the maid
c omes out and the husband is forced to apologize for his suspicions.
Marcellina now enters with her lawyer and demands that Figaro shall keep his promise
t > marry her. The Count promises to look into the matter.
ACT III
SCENE I — jl Cabinet in the Count 's Residence
The third act opens -with a scene between Susanna and the Count. He plans to force
}.er to accept his attentions by threatening to make Figaro wed the ancient Marcellina, while
Susanna endeavors to gain time. This scene is continued in a charming and graceful duet.
SCENE — ACT in
THE COUNT IS JEALOUS — ACT II
200
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Crudel pcrchc finora (Too Long You Have Deceived Me)
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano, and Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italian) 89O27 12-inch. »4.<>o
Susanna pretends to encourage the attentions of the Count, in furtherance of the plot
conceived by the Countess ; while at the same time she deftly repels his advances. Finally
she promises to meet him in the arbor and the Count is in ecstasies.
COUNT: COUHT:
Too long you have deceived me; Then, by the garden bower?
Hope, weary, bids farewell. SUSANNA:
SUSANNA: At twilight I will be.
What passe* in her bosom COUNT:
A maiden dreads to tell. You'll not forget the hour?
COUNT: SUSANNA:
You'll meet me in the grove, then? Oh, no, depend on me.
SUSANNA: COUNT:
When sunset's on the lea. In the garden?
COUNT: SUSANNA:
And do not mean it falsely? Yes!
SUSAN.HA: COUNT:
Oh. no; rely on me! You'll not forget?
COUNT (aside): SUSANNA:
What trans|xirt now i* flying No! No! No! Oh, no, depend on me!
Thro' this enraptured breast! COUNT (retiring):
SUSANNA (aside): I have won her!
Oh. may the scheme I'm trying, SUSANNA (aside):
Ilring all to peace and rest! Well, cunning as you are, sir.
This time you've met your match!
Of the seven duets in which Susanna takes part in the opera, the CruJel perche is the
most effective, and Miss Farrar and Mr. Scotti, both accomplished Mozart singers, deliver it
delightfully. The accompaniment, so all-important in Mozart's works, is perfectly played
under Mr. Rogers' direction.
They separate, each satisfied with the interview, — the Count believing she has yielded,
and Susanna convinced that she has him in a trap.
Marcellina, -with her lawyer, Bartolo and Figaro now enter, and Figaro is informed that
he must wed Marcellina or pay damages; but the discovery of a birthmark proves him to
be the long lost son of Marcellina. He embraces his mother just as Susanna comes in, and
she, seeing Figaro with his arms around the woman he was lately trying to avoid, decides
that he has changed his mind. Matters are explained, however, and preparations for the
wedding are begun.
Susanna now seeks the Countess and tells her mistress that the Count wishes to meet her
( Susanna i in the garden. The Countess then dictates a letter in which Susanna is to appoint
a time and place for the meeting. The writing of this letter is portrayed in the delicate
Letter Duet.
Che soave zeffiretto (Letter Duet— Sontf to the Zephyr)
By M jrvdlj Sembrich. Soprano, and Emma Eamet. Contralto
(In Italian) 952O2 12-inch. »5.OO
This number is always greatly enjoyed in representations of the opera, being a fine
example of the Mozartian style and full of beauties, not only in the vocal parts, but in the
masterly orchestration.
SCENE \\-Holl in /Ae Chateau
In this scene Figaro and Susanna are married, and in the course of the festivities Susanna
contrives to slip the note to the Count, who is overjoyed.
ACT IV
SCENE— The Garden of the Chateau
The last setting shows the garden where the most delightful of the comedy scenes takes
place. Susanna, disguised as the Countess, and the Countess disguised as Susanna, enter.
The mistress conceals herself, while Susanna, awaiting the Count, and knowing that Figaro is
listening, sings her famous soliloquy.
Deh vieni non tardar (Oh, Come, My Heart's Delight)
By Marcella Sembrich. Soprano (In Italian} 88O2O 12-inch. $3.OO
She pours out her whole soul in this address to the imaginary lover, in order to
increase the jealousy of Figaro, who is hidden near by. This is one of the most exquisite
numbers in the opera, and Mme. Sembrich's singing of it always remains long in the mem-
ory of those who hear her in Nozze.
210
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
long delay? >jn-r<l. ^pt-cd thee
away, all nature seems to
THE OAKDKN ACT IV
• • A :
Ah, why
hither!
While thou'rt
wither.
Tho" bright the moon, and bright the stars are
glowing,
Deeper around the wood its shade is throwing.
In ev'ry gentle murmur of the river.
In the rustling reeds that near it quiver,
A voice to love invites, the bosom filling
\Vith love alone, all other passions stilling: —
Come then, my dearest, — the hours are quickly
flying!
I.i-t mi- with roses bind now thy lu-ml!
Cherubino, having an appointment with the maid Barbarina,
now enters, and seeing the Countess, thinks it is Susanna and
kisses her. The Countess struggles, and the little rascal says :
CHEKUBINO:
Why to me a kiss deny?
\Vith the Count you are not shy!
Come, come, give o'er, then.
And strive no more, then:
One kiss to your little friend!
The Count arrives just in time to see this, and giving
Cherubino a box on the ear, sends him flying. He then makes
love to the supposed Susanna, the Countess disguising her voice
and encouraging him. Figaro now sees Susanna, whom he
of course takes to be the Countess, and tells her that her husband and Susanna are together.
.Susanna reveals herself and Figaro embraces her. The Count sees this embrace and his
jealousy making him forget his new conquest, he seizes Figaro and calls for help. The
plot is now revealed, and the Count, confessing he is conquered, begs the Countess' forgiveness
;jid promises to be a model husband. As the curtain falls the three happy couples are
« ntering the house to continue the marriage festivities.
UK LVSSAN AS CHERUBINO
MARRIAGE OF FIGARO RECORDS
351O9 12-inch. $1.25
DOUBLE-FACED
Overture
Fra Diaoolo Overture By Arthur Pryor's Band I
Porgi amor By Teresa Arkel. Soprano (In Italian >\ , » A 10 ._• .
I Toglietemi la vita ancor-Romanza By Teresa Arkel (In Italian)!**
211
.75
It.hin '
MARTA
(En(lith)
MARTHA
(Mdk/4ftdU
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Libretto by St. George and Friedrich. Music by Friedrich von Flotow. The opera i«
an elaboration of "Lady Henrietta, or the Servant of Greenwich." a ballet-pantomime, with
text by St. George and music by Flotow. Burgmuller and Deldevez. which was suggested by
an actual incident and presented in Paris in 1844. Martha was first produced at the Court
Opera, Vienna. November 25. 1847. First London production July I. 1858. at Covent
Garden, in Italian. First American production 1852, in German.
Characters of the Drama
LADY HARRIET DURHAM. Maid-of-honor to Queen Anne Soprano
NANCY, her friend Mezzo-Soprano
SIR TRISTAN MICKLEFORD. Lady Harriet's cousin Bass
PLUNKETT. a wealthy farmer Bass
LIONEL, his foster-brother, afterwards Earl of Derby Tenor
THE SHERIFF OF RICHMOND Bass
THREE SERVANTS OF LADY HARRIET Tenor and Two Basses
THREE MAIDSERVANTS Soprano and Mezzo-Soprano
Chorus of Ladies. Servants. Farmers, Hunters and Huntresses. Pages, etc.
The scene is laid, at fint, in the Cattle of Lady Harriet, then in Richmond
and environs, during the reign of Queen Anne.
Flotow's melodious opera has always been a most popular one, with its spirited Fair Scene,
its beautiful duets and quartet, the famous third act
finale and the beloved "Last Rose of Summer."
The composer was of noble birth, a son of
Baron von Flotow of Mecklenburg, and was born
in 1812. His father destined him for a diplomat,
but the boy loved music, and went to Paris to
study. His first attempt at opera was Pierre el
Catharine, followed by Stradella and others.
Many great prima donne have sung the role of
Martha — Patti. Nilsson. Kellogg. Gerster. Richings.
Parepa Rosa ; and in the present day Sembrich,
have charmed their audiences with Flotow's beau-
tiful strains.
The fine overture, which contains many of
the best known melodies, is splendidly played
here by the band. On the reverse side of the
double-faced (35133) is a 'cello solo by Sorlin.
Overture
By Pryor's Band *35133 12-inch. $1.23
By Pryor's Band 31478 12-inch. l.OO
ACT I
SCENE I— Boudoir of Lady Harriet
l.li'NU. AND PLL'HKETT — ACT I
Lady Harriet, maid -of -honor to Queen Anne, is weary of the monotony of court life.
She is bored by her admirers, and jewels and flowers pall upon her. " Why do you weep ?"
says her faithful maid, Nancy. " I do not know." exclaims Harriet. Nancy, beginning the
duet, ventures to guess.
or ink of ountHt tiJe ** DOUBLE-FACED MARTHA RECORDS, page 217.
212
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — F LOT O WS MARTHA
Mesta ognor (Ah, These Tears
By Louise Homer, Contralto, and Bessie Abott. Soprano
i In Italian) 89O09
12-inch. $4.OO
N \ N < \ :
Of tlu- knight- -o III.IM- ami i-hai tiling
Who surround mir graciou- M>ll'cn.
Ami thfin-el\e- with wit arc arming,
Some out ha> -ii lucky In in
Ynur cold and haughty heart to win!
1- there aught in this alarming?
LADY HARRIET:
Vain belief! How can rejoice me
Such insipid, idle |n\
For to please and interest me
Flattery is not enough!
NAM ^ :
Riches heap on you their treasures,
llinmr high is offered you.
This tlou. not!
Hall- and tournament;, are giMiin.
And your colors win the \<-
Proudly from the banners waving.
While the victor vainly sighs
. -mile from your fair eyes,
Which hi* armor penetrated:
LADY HARRIKT:
All my glowing ardent \M
Please me not when they're fulfill'd!
What of h;i]ipine— I dreamed
Always has disgust instill'd.
The homages they offer,
1'iaise ana honor they bestow,
Leave me joyless, once obtained
Make me not with pride to glow.
Then, from ennui to save you,
Nothing is for you remaining
Hut to let your heart be con<nier'd.
Not a particle retaining!
LADY HARRIET:
In the midst of gold and pleasures
Weariness alone I see.
NANCY :
This is really too distressing;
Her's is called a brilliant lot!
If love does not work a wonder,
Tristan, Harriet's cousin, a gay but rather ancient beau, is now announced and proposes
long list of diversions for Harriet's amusement. She declines them all and teases him un-
icrcifully. The song of the servant maids, on their way to the Richmond Fair, now floats
i through the window; and hearing these strains of the happy peasants, Harriet conceives
madcap desire to accompany them. Nancy and Tristan protest, but she orders them to go
.•ith her. Dresses are procured and they start for the fair, the ladies in the disguise of
ervant girls, and Tristan garbed as a farmer.
SCENE II— The Fair at Richmond
The scene changes to the Richmond Fair, where a motley crowd of men and maidens
re looking for positions. Two young farmers, Plunkett and Lionel, now enter, the latter
THE FAIR SCENE
teing an orphan and adopted brother of Plunkett. Lionel's father, on his deathbed, had
liven Plunkett a ring, which was to be presented to the Queen should the son ever be
i ivolved in difficulties.
In this fine duet, one of the gems of Flotow's popular romantic opera, the friends speak
i'f Lionel's father and the incident of the ring.
213
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— F LOTO WS MARTHA
Solo, profugo (Lost, Proscribed)
By Enrico Cariuo and Marcel Journet (In Italian) 89O36 12-inch. M.OO
By Van Moose and de Gogorza (7n Italian) 74OO5 12-inch. 1.50
By Reinald Werrenrath, Baritone; Harry Macdonouf h. Tenor
(In English) 31769 12-inch. I .OO
Lionel tells the story of hi* adoption by Plun^ett's family in the fine aria beginning —
• • iMii irr.i fri.i • a
•• » i n »n • »•• ,. M _ <M t~t «. tm • * «• • Mi
This air it universally popular and has been used for many poems, including several
hymns. Plun^ett then sings —
»nd tells of the great love he has for his adopted brother.
The duet, which is a very beautiful one, then follows :
LIONEL:
Here in peace and sweet contentment
Have I passed my life with you;
Stronger, daily, grew a friendship
That forever lasts, when true.
Brother, think not wealth and splendor,
If perchance they e'er be mine,
BOTH:
Can
in as happy this heart render
As the friendship fix'd in thine.
PLL-NKETT:
We have never learnt his station.
Never knew your father's rank;
All he li-it to tell the secret
Was the jewel on your hand.
"If your fate should ever darken,"
Quoth he, "Show it to the Queen;
She will save you. she will guard you
When no other help is seen."
The disguised ladies now appear, accompanied by the unwilling and disgusted Tristan,
who considers the whole affair a joke in very bad taste. The two young farmers spy the
girls, and being much taken with their looks, offer to hire them. The ladies, carrying further
their mad prank, accept the money which is offered them, not knowing that they are legally
bound thereby to serve their new masters for a year. Tristan loudly protests, but is hooted
off the grounds, and the frightened girls are taken away by the farmers.
ACT II
SCENE — A Farmhouse
As the curtain rises the
farmers enter, dragging with
them the unwilling and ter-
rified maidens.
When the ladies have
recovered their breath and
begin to realize that they are
in no immediate danger, the
temptation to plague their
employers is irresistible, and
when the young men endeavor
to instruct the new servants
in their duties the fun com-
mences.
The maidens determine
to lead their captors a stren-
uous life, and when they are
ordered to get supper they
promptly refuse.
Spinning 'Wheel Quartet
By Victor Opera Quartet > In English) 7OO52 12-inch. $1.25
Astonished at such revolutionary conduct from servants, the young men exclaim :
THE M-iNNixi. wiii.M. QUAKTSTTB
LIONEL AND Pi.f NKKTT:
Surpris'd I am and astounded.
Ana I can say no more;
Such impudence unbounded
Was never seen before!
HARRIET AXD XAXCY:
Surpris'd they are and confounded,
Ana sorely puzzled is their brain;
This blow has smartly sounded.
May be they'll never try again!
214
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PE R A — F LOTO WS MARTHA
The girls are then requested to show their skill at the spinning wheels. When they
confess ignorance of the art the young men offer to teach them:
LIONEL AND PLUNKETT (spinning): HARRIET AND NANCY (silting at the wheels):
When tin- foot the wheel turns lightly \\ 'hat a charmiriK mi-iipation
Let tlu- hand the thread entwnu ; Tlui> to make the tin cad entwine;
liiaw and twi.st it. neatly, tightly, (iently guided, drawn and \v.
Th<n 'twill he both strong and fine. It becomes both strong and fine!
Nancy leads Plunlfett a merry chase, causing him to lose his temper, while Lionel finds
h mself falling in love with the beautiful Martha. She laughs at him, but is nevertheless
inpressed with his good looks and manly bearing; so much so that when he asks her
t< sing she consents, and taking the rose from her bosom she sings the exquisite " Last
Rose of Summer."
Last Rose of Summer
By Adelina Patti. Soprano (In English) 9503O 12-inch. $5. OO
By Luisa Tetrazzini. Soprano (In English) 883O8 12-inch. 3.OO
By Marcella Sembrich. Soprano (In English) 881O2 12-inch, 3.00
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano (In English) 74121 12-inch, 1.5O
By Elizabeth "Wheeler, Soprano ( Double-Faced) (In English) 16813 lO-inch, .75
By Elizabeth Wheeler. Soprano (In English) 5739 lO-inch, .60
As is generally known, this air is not by Flotow, but
is an old Irish tune, to which Moore fitted his poem. In fact,
Martha undoubtedly owes much of its vogue to this ancient
Irish air. The melody is a very old one called " The Groves
of Blarney." Moore wrote the words about 1813, and they
have become the most popular of all his verses.
'Tis the last rose of summer.
Left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone;
No flower of her kindred.
No rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes,
Or give sigh for sigh!
I'll not leave thee, thou lov'd one.
To pine on the stem;
Since the lovely are sleeping,
Go sleep thou with them.
Thus kindly I scatter
Thy leaves o'er the bed —
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead:
The farmers, somewhat subdued by the knowledge that
they have engaged two most spirited and insubordinate
damsels, now bid their new-found servants good night in this
beautiful number, one of the gems of Flotow's opera.
C IFT-T DU'OHI
KMBKICH AS MARTHA ACT I
Good Night Quartet
By The Lyric Quartet
PLUNKETT AND LIONEL:
Midnight sounds!
LADY AND NANCY:
Midnight sounds!
LIONEL (to Martha):
Cruel one, may dreams transport thee
To a future rich and blest!
And tomorrow, gently yielding,
Smile upon me! sweetly rest!
PLVNKETT (to Nancy):
Sleep the_e well, and may thy temper
Sweeter in my service grow;
(In English) 5855 10-inch. $0.60
Still your sauciness is rather
To my liking — do you know?
MARTHA AND NANCY:
Yes, good-night! such night as never
We have lived to see before;
Were I but away, I'd never
Play the peasant any more!
ALL:
Good-night !
(Harriet and Nancy retire to their chamber,
and Plunkett and' Lionel leave by the large
door, locking it after them.)
The maidens now peep out from their room and seeing no one, come out, and are ex-
citedly discussing their chances of escape, when Tristan's voice is heard outside softly calling
ts them. Overjoyed, they make their escape through the window, and return to their
Lome in the carriage provided by Tristan.
215
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — F LOTOWS MARTHA
ACT III
SCENE— A Hunting Park i" Richmond Forest
Act HI represents the Forest of Richmond, where the Queen is hunting with her attend-
ants. The young farmers, who have sought vainly for their late servants, have come hither
to witness the hunting and forget the two maidens who have wrought such havoc with their
affections.
The act opens with the spirited apostrophe to porter beer, sung by Plunktll.
Canzone del porter (Porter Song)
By Pol Plancon. Bass (In Italian) 81086 lO-inch. 92.00
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In Italian) 64O14 lO-inch. l.OO
By Carlos Francisco (Double-Faced.™ page 217} (In Italian) 16812 lO-inch. .75
This most famous of old English beverages is highly praised by the jovial Plun^elt. who
gives it credit for much of Britain's vigorous life.
PLUNKETT:
I want to ask you, can you not tell me. And that explaineth where'er it reigneth
What to our land the British strand Is joy and mirth! At ev'ry hearth
(iives life and power? say! Resounds a joyous sonic !
It is old porter, brown and stout, Look at its goodly color here!
We may of it be justly proud. Where else can find you such good beer?
It guides John Bull, where'er he be. So brown and stout and healthy, too!
Through togs and mists, through land and sea! The porter's health I drink to you!
Yes, hurrah: the hops, and hurrah! the malt,
They are life's flavor and life's salt.
Hurrah: Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!
Three records of this number are offered — the first by Plancon. whose PlurJtetl was ^
familiar figure to opera-goers a few years ago ; while Journet has also made a great success
in the part, which suits his robust voice and style admirably. His singing of this " Porter
Song" is a fine performance — spirited and magnetic. A lower-priced rendition, and a most
excellent one. is furnished by Carlos Francisco.
The farmers disperse, leaving Lionel alone, and he sings his famous "M'appari," the
melodious air of the broken-hearted lover, in which he tells of his hopeless passion for the
fair Lady Harriet, whom he knows only as Martha.
M'appari (Like a Dream
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor (In Italian) 88OO1 12-inch. $3.OO
By Evan 'Williams. Tenor (In English 74128 12-inch. 1.5O
Caruso sings this lovely air with a glorious outpouring of voice, giving it all the pathos
and tenderness which it requires; while Mr. Williams' rendition (in English) is also a very
fine one.
LIONEL:
Like a dream bright and fair. Oh! return happy hours fraught with hope
Chasing ev'ry thought of care, so bright;
Those sweet hours pass'd with thee Come again, sunny davs.
Made the world all joy for me. Sunny days of pure delight.
But. alas! thou art gone. Fleeting vision cloth'd in brightness,
And that dream of bliss is o'er. Wherefore thus, so soon depart:
Ah! I hear now the tone O'er my pathway shed thy lightness
Of thy gentle voice no more; Once again, and cheer my heart.
Lionel suddenly encounters Lady Harriet, and although amazed at seeing her in the
dress of a lady, warmly pleads his love.
.
Yes, 'tis thee!
Once more I do behold thee!
Praised be God; it is no dream!
HARRIET (atide) :
My heart!
LIOXEL:
LookeM down so proudly:
Yet my heart knew thee at once.
HARRIET (with dignity):
Knew me? You're mistaken !
LIOKEL:
I've hoarded thy fair image
Deep in iny breast — No —
This dress does not deceive mt —
Tis thee, thee! Be Heaven blest!
HARRIET:
Madman, you dream!
LIONEL:
Ah! If but a dream,
This, a creation, of my brain.
Then, oh Martha, let me enjoy
This delusion while it lasts!
(He attempt! to seise htr hand.)
HARRIET:
Hold! presumptuous man!
No further! thou hast rav'd too long uncheck'd!
216
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA FLOTOW'S MARTHA
Lady Harriet is forced to call the hunters, to whom she declares
that Lionel must be mad. He is distracted, while Plun^ett endeavors to
console him. The great finale, a part of which closes the Opera Medley
(see below), then occurs. It is a magnificent piece of concerted music.
ACT IV
SCENE I— Plunkelt's Farm House
Plunkctt is discovered alone, musing on the unhappy plight of his
foster brother, who, since his rejection by Harriet, is inconsolable. He
sings his great air, which is often omitted in American presentations of
the opera.
II mio Lionel (My Unhappy Lionel)
By Mania Battistini. Baritone
(In Italian) 920O5 12-inch, $3.OO
It is a fine number, superbly sung by Battistini, whose great
success in this role at Covent Garden is well remembered.
CARl'SO AS LIONEL
PLUMKXTT:
Poor Lionel! he sighs, he lament-,
He flics from his friend;
Hi- is beside himself with love
Accursed be the hour
When first \\e -aw that girl.
When first we brought her beneath our roof!
Soon will my Lionel die.
If no aid come from on high;
Fatal the hour.
When first his heart felt love's pow'r;
Weeping, he wanders in grief.
Nought to hi- pain brings relief;
Merciful (iod. hear my cry,
Kl-e must my Lionel die!
Nancy now enters, and she and Plunlfett soon come to an understanding. They decide
tc present Lionel's ring to the Queen, hoping thus to clear up the mystery of his birth.
SCENE II — A Representation of the Richmond Fair
Lionel's ring has been shown to the Queen, who discovers that the young man is
r< ally the son of the banished Earl of Derby. However, he refuses to accept his rightful
r, nk and continues to brood over the insult offered him in the forest. As a last resort a
complete reproduction of the Fair Scene of Act II is arranged, with booths and the crowd
o! servants all represented. Harriet, Nancy and Plun^ett are dressed in the costumes worn
at their first meeting.
Lionel is led in by Plunl^ett, and when he sees Harriet in the dress of a servant, the
cloud seems to pass from his mind and he embraces her tenderly. The two couples pledge
tl eir troth and all ends happily.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MARTHA RECORDS.
Overture By Pryor's Band]
Nocturne in El (Opus 9) (Chopin) [35133 12-inch. $1.25
By Victor Sorlin. 'Cellist (Piano ace. ) I
l^ast Rose of Summer By Elizabeth Wheeler. Soprano I
I In English) 1 68 1 3 1 0-inch.
^ Tannhauser — The Evening Star By Victor Sorlin, 'Cellist]
Canzone del porter (Porter Song)
By Carlos Francisco. Baritone (In Italians
| Trooatore — // balen del suo sorriso (The Tempest of the Heart)
By Francesco Cigada. Baritone (In Italian)
Gems from Martha
Chorus of Servants — Quartet, "Swains So Shy" — "Last Rose of Sum-
mer" -"Good Night Quartet" "May Dreams Transport Thee" — Finale.
" Ah, May Heaven Forgive Thee."
By the Victor Light Opera Company (In English) 31797 12-inch. »1.OO
Martha Selection
By Victor Orchestra 31O29 12-inch. l.OO
16812 lO-inch.
.75
.75
217
(Italian)
BALLO IN MASCHERA
(French) f
BAL. MASQUE
Hahf
(Ea(luh)
MASKED BALL
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by M. Somma. music by Verdi. First produced in Rome at the Teatro Apollo,
February 17, 1859; at Paris, Theatre des Italiens, January 13, 1861. First London production
June 15. 1861. First New York production February II, 1861.
Characters
RICHARD, Count of Warwick and Governor of Boston Tenor
REINHART, his secretary Baritone
AMELIA, wife of Reinhart Soprano
ULRICA, a negress astrologer Contralto
OSCAR, a page Soprano
of the Count
Scene and Period : In and near Boston, end of the Seventeenth Century.
The opera was composed for the San Carlo, Naples, and first called Gustavo HI (after an
assassinated Italian monarch), but after the announcement had almost created a riot in Naples,
Verdi was forced to change the scene from Stockholm to Boston, and the name to Masked
Ball. Finally it was thought best to abandon the Naples premiere altogether, and the opera
was taken to Rome.
There are many, of course, who consider this work old-
fashioned — and so it is, not pretending at all to be a great
music drama ; but there are many far more ambitious works
with certainly less real music. The familiar En tu and Saper
oone»te and the fine concerted numbers in Acts II and III are
well worth hearing. The Victor has assembled a very fine
collection of the best music in the opera, and presents it
with the belief that this revival is the best heard in recent
years.
Richard. Count of Warwick and Governor of Boston, falls
in love with Amelia, the wife of Reinhart, his secretary and
intimate friend. This love is returned, but the wife's conscience
troubles her. and she consults Ulrica, a black sorceress, hop-
ing to secure a drug that will cause her to forget Richard.
Ulrica sends her to gather a certain herb which will prove
effective. Richard, who had also gone to consult the astrolo-
ger, overhears the conversation, and follows Amelia to the magic
spot. Amelia '3 husband, who has come in search of Richard to
warn him of a conspiracy to assassinate him, now appears, and
Richard makes his escape, after requesting Reinhart to escort
the veiled lady to her home without attempting to leam her
identity. On the way, however, they are surrounded by the
conspirators and Amelia is revealed. Reinhart swears vengeance
on his false friend and joins the plotters.
At the Masked Ball. Richard is stabbed by Reinhart, but
the dying man declares the innocence of Amelia and forgives
his murderer. CAKUSO AS BICHAKD
cawi eutoif
218
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MASKED BALL
ACT I
SCENE I — A Hall in the Governor's House
The hall is filled with people — officers, deputies, gentlemen, etc. — waiting for the
appearance of the Governor. He enters, is warmly greeted by those assembled, receives
their petitions and inspects a list of the guests invited to the Masked Ball. He sees Amelia 's
n inic, and in an aside sings his rapturous air.
La rivedra nell'estasi (I Shall Behold Her)
By Nicola Zerola, Tenor
(In Italian) 64167 lO-inch. $1.OO
This, the first of the lovely gems with which the score
of Ballo in Maschera is studded, is effectively given by Zerola,
v hose beautiful voice is shown to great advantage.
KiClIARn (rfaiiinij asiili'):
Amelia — <li.u. -\\ii-t name!
Its nirit Miuiul lilK my lira it with joy!
HIT In -anti-oils, charming image
Inspires my soul with love;
llcic soon shall I hrhol'l her
In all her tender charms.
No matter what the splendor
Of night's most brilliant stars,
I swear none is so brilliant
As my love's dazzling eyes!
Reinhart enters and tells the Governor of a plot against
\ is life.
(On the Life Thou
ZEROLA AS RICHARD
Alia vita che t'arride
Now Dost Cherish)
By Mattia Battistini. Baritone
(In Italian) 88232 12-inch. $3.00
In this fine air he enthusiastically praises Richard's noble acts, and tells him his friends
; nd faithful subjects will defeat the plans of the conspirators.
A negro woman, Ulrica, is now brought in and accused of being a witch. Richard
1 aughs at the accusation and dismisses the woman. He calls his courtiers around him, and
suggests that for a lark they go disguised to the hut of the sorceress and consult her. The
friends agree, and the plotters, headed by Samuel and Tom, see a chance to further their
plans.
SCENE II— The Hut of Ulrica
The hut is crowded with people who have come to have their fortunes told. The
.-orceress stands over her magic cauldron and sings her incantation.
Re dell' abisso (King of the Shades)
By Carolina Pietracewska, Contralto In Italian) 76OO5 12-inch. $2.OO
She calls on the abyssmal king to appear and aid in her mystic rites.
ULRICA (05 if inspired):
Hasten. () King of the Abyss!
Fly through the ambient air
And enter my abode.
Three times has been heard screeching.
The ominous lapwing.
Three times, too. has been hissinK
Tile venomous red drapon.
And three times have been groaning
The spirits from the K!
The Governor now arrives, dressed as a sailor, and accompanied by his companions.
They are conversing with the witch when a knock is heard, and all leave the hut by Ulrica's
orders except Richard, who conceals himself in a corner.
Amelia enters and asks the sorceress to give her peace of mind by banishing a love
vhich she cannot control. The witch promises speedy relief if Amelia will gather a certain
iierb from -which can be brewed a magic liquor.
Delia citta all'occaso (Hard by the Western Portal)
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano; Lina Mileri. Contralto: Gino
Martinez-Patti. Tenor (In Italian) *68143 12-inch, $1.25
•Doubk-FaceJ Record— For title ofoppouk dJe *e DOUBLE-FACED MASKED BALL RECORDS, page 223.
219
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MASKED BALL
Amelia asks for directions, and the witch proceeds :
UUMCA: Accurs'd, abhor'd. deserted.
Then pause and listen. And cull the flowers lowly
<io from the city eastward. From those black rocks unholy.
To where by gloom engirted Where crimes have dark atonement made
Fall the pale moonbeams on the field. With life's departing sigh!
The frightened girl consents to go that very night, and takes her departure. Ulrica now
admits the people again, and Richard, in the character of the sailor, asks her to tell his for-
tune. His inquiry of the prophetess takes the form of a barcarolle — the favorite measure of a
sea-song — and the ballad, vigorous and tuneful, has all the swing of a rollicking song of the sea.
Di tu se fidele (The Waves Will Bear Me)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor, and Metropolitan Opera Chorus
(In Italian) 87O91 lO-inch. 92.OO
By Nicola Zerola. Tenor (In Italian) 64166 lO-inch. l.OO
This attractive ballad is full of humor, the staccato passages
towards the close exhibiting the Governor's impatience to learn
the future. In a gay mood he banters the woman, asking her
to tell him if he will meet with storms on his next voyage.
RICHARD:
Declare if the waves will faithfully hear me;
If weeping the lov'd one from whom I now
tear me.
Farewell, to me saying, my love is betraying.
With sails rent asunder, with soul in com-
motion,
I go now to steer thro' the dark waves of
ocean,
The anger of Ileav'n and I loll to defy!
Then haste with thy magic, the future
exploring.
No power have the thunder or angry winds
roaring.
Or death, or affection my path to deny!
This famous Barcarolle has been a favorite with many great
tenors, but no one has ever sung it as Caruso has given it here.
Ulrica rebukes him, and examining his palm, tells him he is
soon to die by the sword of that friend who shall next shake his
hand. The conspirators. Samuel and Tom, are uneasy, thinking
themselves suspected, but the Governor laughs and asks who will
grasp his hand to prove the prophecy false. No one dares to
grant his request.
Reinhart, who has become anxious about his chief and has come in search of him, now
enters, and seeing the Governor, shakes him by the hand, calling him by name, to the
astonishment of ail those not in the secret. Sir Richard tells the witch she is a false prophet,
as this is his most faithful friend.
KICHAUD:
The oracle has lied!
That man who gra*|>ed my hand
Is my most faithful frieno!
All the people greet the Governor with cheers, and kneeling, sing the hymn:
O figlio d'Inghilterra (O, Son of Glorious England)
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano ; Ines Salvador. Mezzo-Soprano : Francesco
Cigada. Baritone : Aristodemo Sillich. Bass : La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *63173 lO-inch. »O.75
This noble concerted number, which closes the first act. is sung in a splendid manner
by Huguet, Salvador. Cigada and Sillich of La Scala forces, assisted by the famous chorus
of that opera house.
ACT II
SCENE I — A Field near Boston — on one side a Callows
Amelia, much frightened by her lonely surroundings, enters in search of the magic herb.
She sings her dramatic air. Yonder Plant Enchanted.
'—ForlUie o/oppa«fc rtfc *c DOUBLE-FACED MASKED BALL RECORDS, page 223.
220
GOBITZ AS «EINHA«T
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA THE MASKED BALL
Ma dall'arido stelo divulsa (Yonder Plant Enchanted
By Celestina Boninsegna. Soprano
By Lucia Crestani. Soprano
In Italian)
(In Italian)
92000
*68143
12-inch. $3.OO
12-inch. 1.25
EAMES AS AMKL1A
Ah ! qual soave brivido
Heart
AMKLIA:
When :il l.'i-l fuiiii it- stem I »lia!l -.
Yoiidct weed <>t dicad virtue enchanted,
I'tnin my tempest-torn bo-nm f"
\\'lu-n that image so ethereal shall peri-h.
What remain- to tlice tlu-ii, oh, my I.
Ah. tear-- blind nit !
Tin- weight of my sorrow
Chains my sti-ps on their desolate jm:-
Hi. ut. have courage;
1'ioin tlu--i- rui-ks their hardnes- borrow!
'•. oh. Drath. let thy mereiful dart,
Still forever my poor throbbing heart!
(./ distant dock strikes.)
Hark! 'tis midnight! Ah. yon vision!
Moving. hicathiriK. lo! a figure,
All mist-like upward wreathing!
Ha! in those orbits baleful anger is seething;
I'ix'd on me they angrily burn!
Deign, oh. Heaven. Thy strength to impart
To this fainting, fear-stricken heart.
The vision resolves itself into Richard, who now
approaches. The unhappy girl confesses that she loves
him, but begs him to leave her. They sing a fine
duet.
(Like Dew Thy Words Fall on My
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor
(In Italian) *68O26
12-inch. $1.25
RICHARD:
Like dew thy words fall on my heart.
Aglow with love's fond pa-
Ah, murmur with compassion those gentle
words again!
liright star that bidst all gloom depart,
My hallow'd love enshrining;
While thus on me thou'rt shining,
Ah. let night forever reign!
Ru HARD:
Amelia! thou lov'st me!
AMELIA!
1 love thee,
I'.ut thy noble heart
mine own!
AMELIA:
I-'rimi out the cypress bower,
Where I had thought it laid in death.
Returns with K'ant power, the love my heart
doth fear!
Ah. would hv Heaven 'twere granted.
To sigh for him my latest breath.
Or in death's sleep enchanted rest my weary
spirit here!
will protect me from
They are interrupted by the appearance of Reinharl, who comes to warn Richard that
1 is enemies are lying in wait to murder him. Richard, unwilling to leave Amelia, is forced
t 5 ask Reinhart to escort the veiled lady to the city without seeking to discover her identity.
Reinhart swears to obey, and Richard makes his escape. The couple start for Boston, but
jire surrounded by the conspirators, who take Reinhart to be the Governor. Disappointed
i -» their prey, they tear the veil from the unknown lady and Reinhart is astounded to see that
i : is his wife. The great finale to Act 11 now occurs.
W se di notte qui con la sposa (Ah ! Here by Moonlight)
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano; Renzo Minolfi. Baritone; Cesare Preve. Bass:
Chorus In Italian) *35179 12-inch. » 1.25
Amelia is overcome with shame, but protests her innocence. Reinhart bitterly upbraids
her and denounces his false friend Richard, while the conspirators depart, anticipating the
sensation which the city will enjoy on the morrow.
* Doublc-FaceJ Record— For title ofooooute tiJe .-« DOUBLE-FACED MASKED BALL RECORDS, page 223.
0]
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-THE MASKED BALL
Reinhart. now bent on revenge, decides to cast his lot with the
plotters, and the act closes as he says to Amelia with deep meaning :
REIXHAIT (alone with Amelia):
I »hall fulfill my promise
To take thcc to the city!
AMELIA (aside):
His voice like • death warrant
Doth sound in my ear!
ACT III
SCENE I— A Room in Reinhart' s Hoax
Reinhart is denouncing Amelia for her supposed crime, and finally
decides to kill her. She begs to be allowed to embrace her child
once more, and her husband consenting, she goes out. Left alone,
the unhappy man repents his resolution, and resolves to spare the
guilty woman's life. In the greatest of the airs allotted to Reinhart he
swears to avenge his wrongs.
Eri tu che macchiavi quell'anima (Is It Thou ?)
By Ernilio de Gogorza, Baritone
In Italian)
By Mattia Battiatini. Baritone
(In Italian)
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone
• In Italian)
By Francesco Cigada. Baritone
(In Italian)
By Giuseppe de Luca. Baritone
In Italian)
Samuel and Tom enter and Reinhart tells them he knows of their plots, and will assist
them, as he desires the Governor's death. They draw lots, and Reinhart is chosen to be the
assassin. Amelia enters in time to realize the state of affairs, and is about to plead for the
Governor's life, when Oscar, the page, enters bearing an invitation to the Masked Ball. The
page, beginning an effective quartet, tells of the brilliancy of the occasion.
Di che fulgor ('What Dazzling Light)
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano: Francesco Cigada. Baritone: Carlo
Ottoboni. Bass: Maria Grisi. Soprano (In Italian) *b2O8to 10-inch. JO. 73
The varied emotions of the characters are expressed by the librettist as follows :
88324
92044
85044
*35179
*62086
12-inch. 51.00
12-inch. 3.OO
12-inch. 3.0O
12-inch. 1.25
10-inch. .75
SAM MARCO AS BEIMIARt
OSCAR:
What brilliant lights, what
fill the joyous dwelling!
music gay, will
What crowds of youths and maidens fair — AMELIA (aside):
Amid the crush of dancers gay — there'll be no
chance of failing!
(".in I not prevent this crime
Without my husband betraying?
OMAR (to Amelia):
You wilt be queen of the dance.
AMELIA do herself):
L'lrica can perchance assist me.
SAM AND TOM it« R fin hart):
What shall be our style of costume?
RUN HART:
A doublet blue.
With crimson scarf
t'pon the left side fastened!
their hearts with rapture swelling!
AMU.IA:
And I. myself, ah. hapless me! — the fatal
scroll so blindly
Drew from the vase at his command:
Now by his hand the C'ount must die!
RUN MART:
There 'mid the sounds of music light — the
coward traitor meeting.
I'll strike the vengeful dagger home — and stay
his vile heart's beating!
SAM AND TOM:
Revenge in ma«k and domino! — 'Twill thus
!><• more availing.
The conspirators go out after agreeing on the password, "Death!"
SCENE II— The Governor's Private Office
Richard, alone, resolves to tear the unworthy love from his heart and send Amelia and
Reinhart to England. A page brings a note to the Governor from an unknown lady who
warns him of the plot, but Richard resolves to brave his enemies and attend the ball.
* Doukk-FoctJ RtcorJ—Fer ntlt of oppotHe ttdt «« DOUBLE-FACED MASKED BALL RECORDS, pagt 223.
222
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE MASKED BALL
SCENE HI — Grand Ballroom in the Governor's House
Reinhart, mingling with the guests, meets the page Oscar, and attemps to learn how the
Governor is dressed. The page teases him, singing his gay air, Softer oorreste.
Saper vorreste — Canzone (You W^ould be Hearing)
By Luisa Tetrazzini. Soprano In Italian) 883O4 12-inch, *3.0O
In reply to Reinhart 's questions the merry page tauntingly sings:
< >-i \K:
You'd fain be hearing, what dre-> In-'- wearing
\Vlun In- h.-i- bidden, the fact he hidden? w
1 know right well but may not tell
Tra la la la, la la la!
Of love niv heart feels all the smart,
Yet watchful ever, my >.ecret never
Rank nor bright eyes shall e'er surprise!
Tra la la la, la la la!
This gay number is brilliantly sung by Tetrazzini, the high B in the cadenza being taken
vith ease.
The page finally reveals to Reinhart that the Governor is dressed in black, with a red
i bbon on his breast.
Amelia meets the Governor and warns him against the plotters. He bids her farewell
and is about to go, when Reinhart stabs him. The dying Governor, supported in the arms of
1 is friends, tells Reinhart that his wife is guiltless, and that to remove her from temptation
1 e had planned to send Reinhart to England to fill an honored post.
The secretary is overcome with remorse, and Richard dies, after declaring that Reinhart
i lust not be punished.
DOUBLE-FACED MASKED BALL RECORDS
Delia citta all'occaso (Hard by the Western Portal)
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano; Lina Mileri. Contralto:
Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor < In Italian] \ 68 143 12-inch, $1.25
Ma dall'arido stelo divulsa (Yonder Plant Enchanted)
By Lucia Crestani. Soprano In Italian)}
Ve' se di notte qui con la sposa (Ah! Here By Moon-
light) By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano; Renzo Minolti.
Baritone; Cesare Preve, Bass; Chorus In Italian) J351 79 12-inch, 1.25
Eri tu che macchiavi quell* anima (Is it Thou ?)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone In Italian)]
Ah ! qual soave brivido (Like Dew Thy Words Fall on
My Heart) By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano, and Gino
Martinez-Patti, Tenor In Italian)], ~n-, ._ . , . .,,
i? i i i\ , \r • •;• ,• D tj f- OoOZO 12-incn, 1.25
rorza del Uestino — /Von tmprecare umiltali tiy Ida (jiacomellt.
Soprano; Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor; Cesare Preve, Bass
(In Italian )
O figlio d'Inghilterra (Oh. Son of Glorious England i
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano; Inez Salvador. Mezzo-
Soprano; Francesco Cigada. Baritone: Aristodemo , C>3173 lO-inch, .75
Sillich. Bass ; La Scala Chorus In Italian)
Ernani — Ernani involami By Maria Grisi, Soprano (In Italian > \
Eri tu che macchiavi quell'anima (Is it Thou?)
By Giuseppe de Luca. Baritone In Italian
Di che fulgor 'What Dazzling Light) By Giuseppina J62O86 lO-inch. .75
Huguet. Soprano; Francesco Cigada. Baritone; Carlo
Ottoboni. Bass; Maria Grisi, Soprano (In Italian}]
223
SCENE FROM 1IEFISTOFELE — ACT III
MEPHISTOPHELES
MEFISTOFELE
* \fau-fetu-ioh-fch' -lay)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text and music by Arrigo Bolto ; a paraphrase of both parts of Goethe's " Faust," with
additional episodes taken from the treat-
ment of the legend by other authorities.
The first production at La Scala, Milan,
1 868, was a failure. Rewritten and given
in 1875 with success. First London pro-
duction July 6, I860. First American
production at the Academy of Music,
November 24, 1880. with Campanini,
Gary and Novara. Other productions
were in 18%. with Calv£, and in 1901
with Mclntyre, Homer and Planc.on.
Some recent notable revivals: At the
Metropolitan, when the opera was
brought out for Chaliapine, the cast
including Farrar and Martin, and the
Boston Opera production of 1910.
both noteworthy for their splendid
settings.
Characters
MEFISTOFELE ................ Bass
FAUST .................... Tenor
MARGARET ....... . ...... Soprano
MARTHA ................ Contralto
WAGNER ................. Tenor
HELEN .................. Soprano
PANTAUS ............... Contralto
NEREUS . . Tenor
Celestial Phalanxes, Mystic Choir,
Cherubs, Penitents, Wayfarers, Men-
at-arms, Huntsmen. Students, Citi-
zens, Populace, Townsmen,
Witches, Wizards, Greek Chorus,
FAUST LLAVINC HIS STUDIO— ACT i Sirens, Naiads, Dancers, Warriors.
224
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPE R A — BOITO'S MEFISTOFELE
Arrigo Bolto well deserves a conspicuous place among the great modern composers. His
Mefistofele ranks with the masterpieces of modern Italy, and contains scenes of great beauty,
notably the Garden Scene, -with its lovely music, and the Prison Scene, in which the pathos of
the demented Margaret's wanderings, the beautiful duet and the frenzy of the finale are
pictured by a master hand.
Bolto is not only a composer, but a poet of ability and a clever librettist. Notable among
his writings are the librettos of Verdi's Otcllo and Fahtaff, which should rather be called
diamas set to music, for it is unfair to class them with the old-fashioned Italian librettos.
The story of Boito's opera is directly drawn from Goethe's Faust, but the composer has
chosen episodes from the whole of Goethe's story, not confining himself to the tale of
Gretchen, but including the episode of Helen of Troy. In his Mefistofele Bolto has followed the
gieat poet's work more closely than did Gounod's librettist, and the work is a deeper one in
many respects.
PROLOGUE
SCENE — The Regions of Space
The prologue to Boito's opera is a most impressive scene, which takes place in the indef-
ir ite regions of space. Invisible angels and cherubim, supported by the celestial trumpets,
sing in praise of the Ruler of the Universe.
Mefistofele is represented hovering between Hell and Earth, denying the power of God.
r- e addresses the Almighty in his Hail, Great Lord!
Ave Signer (Hail, Sovereign Lord)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In Italian) 64126 10-inch. ll.OO
The Devil contends that man is but a weakling, easily cheated of his salvation. Standing
o \ a cloud Mefistofele mockingly addresses the Creator :
Hail. Sovereign Lord,
Forgive me if my bawling
Somewhat behind is falling
Those sublime anthems sung
In heavenly places!
Forgive me if my face i-
Now wanting the radiance
That, as with a garland.
The cherub legion grit
Forgive me if in speaking,
Some risk I'm taking of irrcv'rent out-
breaking!
The puny king of puny earth's dominions,
Erreth through wrong opinions
And like a cricket, with a long leap rushing
'.Mnl stars his nose is pushing.
Then with superb fatuity tenacious,
Trills with pride contumacious!
Vain, glorious atom!
Proud mid confusion!
Phantom of man's delusion!
Ah! in such deep degradation
Is fallen the master,
Lord of the whole creation,
No more have I the will,
While in that station. From ih<- nit>nn K.ililon
Him to tempt to ill! >'••[•; i i*-«i, uh..r mi-uu <•». JOI-RXET AS UEFISTOFELE
Then, discussing Faust with the Mystic Chorus. Mefistofele wagers that he can entice the
philosopher from the path of virtue. The challenge is accepted, and Mefistofele disappears
to begin his plots against the soul of Faust.
Journet sings this great number splendidly, and it will be pronounced one of the most
s'riking features of his Victor list.
ACT I
SCENE I — A Square in Frankfort — Piaster Sunday
The aged philosopher. Faust, and his pupil Wagner, while mingling with the crowd,
oDserve a grey Friar who seems to be shadowing their movements. Faust is alarmed and
s.»ys to Wagner:
1 AI-.ST: Observe him closely. Tell me. who is he?
V/ACNEK: Some lowly Friar, who OCRS alms from those he passes.
225
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PER A — BOlfTO'S MEFISTOFELE
FAUST: Look more closely. He moves slowly on in lessening circles; and with each spiral, comes
ever nearer and nearer. Oh! as I gaze. I see his footprints marked in fire!
W.M.MB: No. master, 'tis some idle fancy that thy brain deceives thee; I only see there a poor
grey friar. Timidly he ventures to approach us. and we are to him but two passing stranger*.
FAVST: Now he seems as though he wove nets about our path. His circle* grow smaller! He
draweth close! Ah!
WACNU (carelessly) : Look calmly. 'Tit a grey friar, and not a specter. Muttering his prayers.
he tells his brads as he journeys. Come hence, good master.
As they leave the square, followed by the Friar, the scene changes to Faust's laboratory.
SCENE II - The Studio of Fautl. It Is Night
Faust enters, not observing that the Friar slips in behind him, and conceab himself in
an alcove. The aged philosopher delivers his soliloquy, Dal camp/.
Dai campi, dai prati (From the Green Fields)
By Alberto Amadi. Tenor (In Italian) *63313 lO-inch. »O.75
He speaks of his deep contentment, his love for Cod and his fellow man.
FAI-ST:
From the meadows, from the valleys, which Its love for its God!
lie bathed in moonlight. Ah! From the meadows, from the valleys.
And where paths silent sleep, I come return- I come to read the- blest Kvangels;
ing; my soul filled Who delight me, and fill me with holy fire!
With calmness, mysterious and deep, {Opens a Bible, placed upon a high readina
The passions, the heart rudely trying, desk. At he begins to meditate he is
In quiet oblivion arc lying; startled by a cry from the Friar in the
My spirit knows only its love for its fellows; alcove.)
The Friar appears, and throwing off his disguise, reveals himself as the Devil, singing a
splendid aria, / Am the Spirit.
Ballata del fischio, " Son lo spirito" (I Am the Spirit)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In Italian) 7421O 12-inch. M.5O
Mefistofele says that he is that great force which forever thinketh ill but doeth well, and
then continues:
MF.FISTOFELE:
I'm the spirit that denieth all things, always; On I go. whistling! whistling! Eh!
Stars or flowers — that by sneers and strife Part am I of that condition,
supplieth Of the whole obscurity.
Cause to vex the Heavenly powers. C'hild of darkness and ambition,
I'm for Naught and for Creation, Shadows hiding, wait for me.
Ruin universal, death! If the light usurps, contending,
And my very life and breath. On my rebel scepter's right.
Is what here they call transgression, sin and Not prolong'd will be the fight,
Death! Over sun and earth is pending.
Shouting and laughing out this word I throw: Kndless night!
"No!" Sland'ring, wasting, howling, hissing. Shouting and laughing, etc.
This is sometimes called Ballata del fischio, or Whittling Ballad, because of the peculiar
whistles Bolto has introduced in the number. Journet delivers this splendid number with
admirable declamatory power, bringing out the strange symbolism of the climax in a thrill-
ing manner.
Mefistofele offers to be Faust's servant if he will accompany him. "What is the price?"
asks the philosopher. "Up here I will obey thee," says Mefistofele, "but below our places
will be reversed." Faust says he cares nothing for the future, and if Mefistofele can give him
but one hour of happiness, for that one hour he would sell his soul. The bargain is made
and they set forth.
This departure from the laboratory of Faust is strikingly pictured in the great painting of
Kreling. a reproduction of which is given on page 224.
ACT II
SCENE— The Garden of Margaret
Faust (now a handsome young man known as Henry) is strolling in the garden with
Margaret, while Mefistofele, as in Gounod's version, makes sarcastic love to Martha, whom
Bolto has pictured as Margaret's mother. Faust pleads for a meeting alone with the maiden,
but she dares not consent because her mother sleeps lightly. He gives her a sleeping
draught, assuring her that it will not harm her mother, but merely cause her to sleep soundly.
The four then sing a fine quartet, and the scene suddenly changes to the Brocken.
• DoaUt-FoctJ Record— For title ofoppotUe rf* «e DOUBLE-FACED MEFISTOFELE RECORDS, page 2 29.
NOTE — Mefistofele quotation* are from the Diuon libretto, by penrnMOQ. (Copy't 1 880. Oliver Diuon Company)
228
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPE RA — B Ol'TO'S MEFISTOFELE
SCENE II— The Summil of the Bracken— The Night of the
Witches' Sabbath
This scene shows a wild spot in the Brocken moun-
tains by moonlight. The wind is whistling in weird gusts.
A.'e/?a/o/e/e is helping Faust to climb the jagged rocks, from
which flames now and then dart forth. Will-o-the-wisps
fl itter to and fro, and Faust welcomes them, grateful for
t! e light they give.
Folletto, folletto (Sprites of Hades)
By Gennaro de Tura, Tenor, andGaudio
Mansueto, Bass
(In Italian) 87O67 lO-inch. $2.OO
Mefistofele echoes him, ever urging him to climb higher.
M i.i- ISTOKELE:
(.'onie up higher, and higher, and higher,
Farther y» t 'tis more dreary the road
That will lead us to Satan's abode,
Dark the i-ky is, the accent grows steeper;
Come up higher, and higher, and higher!
FAVST :
Ah! wild-fire, pallid light,
Now so dim, now so bright,
Flash o'er us thy ray
To illumine our way,
Come nigher, come nigher
For dark is the ascent
As higher and higher.
We're upward advancing,
Come flame wildly dancing,
Come nigher, and nigher!
FARRAR AND MARTIN IN ACT II
THE VISION OF MABOABtT
Arriving at the summit, Mefistofele
summons the infernal host — demons,
witches, wizards, goblins, imps — and
presides over the satanic orgies as King.
All pay him homage and dance in •wild-
est joy as he breaks into fragments a
glass globe, typifying the earth, crying :
"On its surface vile races dwell, de-
graded, toilsome, quarreling among
themselves. They laugh at me, but I
can laugh also!"
Faust now sees a vision of Margaret,
on her way to prison for the murder of
her mother and her babe. A red stain
on her neck horrifies him, but Mefistofele
laughs and says, "Turn away your
eyes." The act closes in a riotous orgy,
the demons whirling and dancing in
a mad revelry. This wild scene is
graphically pictured in the painting by
Kreling.
ACT III
SCENE— The Prison of Margaret
The demented girl is lying on a
straw bed. She rouses herself and sings
her sad ballad, L 'altra nolle.
L'altra notte (Last Night in
the Deep Sea'
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano
(Italian) 88114 12-inch. »3.OO
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BOITO'S MEFISTOFELE
MI.LIIA AS IILLEX
She raves of the cruel jailors, whom the say* threw
her babe into the ocean and now accuse her of the crime.
HAMAUT:
To the sea. O night of sadness!
They my babe took and in it threw him!
Now to drive me on to madneM.
They declare 'twas I that slew him!
Cold the air is. the dark cell narrow,
And my spirit broken to-day.
Like the timid woodland Mtarrow,
Longs to fly ; ah. to fly oft, far, far away.
Father, pity me!
In a deal lily slumber falling.
Died my mother, no aid could save her;
And to crown the woe appalling.
They declare 1 poison gave her!
Mefistofele now enters, followed by Faust, who begs
the demon to save Margaret. The fiend reminds Faust
that it is his own fault, but promises to try.
Ifinnonu:
To this condition, who lias bro't her?
I or you? I will do what 1 can.
Here is the cell key.
Sleeping are all the jailers.
And the coursers infernal for speedy fli.-ht
arc ready!
However, he promises to try, and goes out.
Faust goes to Margaret, who does not know him and
is frightened, thinking her jailers have come for her.
He urges her to fly with him, and they sing a tender
duet. Far Away.
Lontano, lontano (Away
From All Strife)
By Giuaeppina Hujfuet. Soprano.
and Gennaro de Tura. Tenor
I n Italian)
87056 10-inch, >2.OO
MARGARET AND FAUST:
Away, far from strife and commotion,
O'er wave* of a wide-spreading ocean,
'Mid perfumes exhaled by the sea,
'Mid palm trees and flow'rs in profusion,
The portal of peace and seclusion.
The blue isle seems waiting for me.
There, skies in their beauty transcendent,
Si < in girt with a rainbow resplendent,
Reflecting the sun's loving smile.
The flight of all hearts that arc loving.
And hopeful and moving and roving,
I* turned towards that life-giving island.
Away to that island far distant!
The return of Mefistofele drives
Margaret into a frenzy, and she refuses
to leave the prison, finally falling into
Faust's arms in her death agony. Her
senses returning for a brief period, she
forgives him and dies, while a chorus
of celestial beings announce that her
soul is saved. Faust and Mefistofele dis-
appear just as the headsman and jailers
come to conduct Margaret to execution.
ACT IV
The Night of the Classical Sabbath— A
Moonlit View in the Vale of Temfte
We are now transported to distant
Greece, where Mefistofele has resurrected
EXECUTION
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OP E R A-BO I TO 'S MEFISTOFELE
x?
'he beautiful Helen of Troy for the further temptation of Fausl. The scene shows an en-
chanting spot on the banks of the Peneus, with the moon shedding a golden light upon
Helen. Pantalis and groups of Sirens. Helen begins her enchanting ode to the moon, fol-
owed by the trio.
Scena della Grecia— La luna immobile (Moon Immovable!)
By N. Ardoni, Soprano; Lavin de Casas. Mezzo-Soprano: Gaetano
Pini-Corsi. Tenor (In Italian) 87O68 10-inch. $2.OO
Fausl and Mefislofele enter and the former soon forgets all else in the love of the fair
Grecian. Mejistofclc, however, feels out of place in this classic neighborhood, and leaving
Faust in the arms of Helen, returns to the Brocken, where he amuses himself with his
iatanic crew.
EPILOGUE
SCENE— Faust's Studio
Faust has returned to his studio, again old and feeble and full of remorse for his past life.
He has tasted all the pleasures of the earth and found them empty. He sings his famous
epilogue :
Giunto sul passo (Nearing the End of Life)
By Florencio Constantino. Tenor (In Italian) 74O84 12-inch. $1.5O
By Alberto Amadi (Double-faced See Mow) (In Italian) 63313 lO-inch, .75
FAI
N raring the utmost limit of life's extremist
goal,
In a vision delightful did wander forth my
soul.
King of some placid region, unknown to care
and striving,
I found a faithful people and fain would aid
their living.
Ah', would then that this fair vision could
but be my last dream !
Look you — the crowds now come within my
observation !
Lo, the crowds turn t'wards cities IK-av'n-
ward turn the nation!
Holy songs now I hear.
Now I bathe in the radiant splendor of
Heaven's glorious morning!
n my soul is already dawning!
Mefislofele enters for his final triumph, but Faust turns to the Bible and seeks salvation.
Mefislofele. in desperation, summons the Sirens to his aid, but Fausl, leaning on the sacred
book, prays for forgiveness, and the defeated Mefislofele sinks into the ground. A shower
of roses, a token of Faust's salvation, falls on the dying man as the curtain descends.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MEFISTOFELE RECORDS
Selection By Pryor's Band 31458 12-inch. $1.OO
(Dai campi. dai prati From the Green Fields)
By Alberto Amadi. Tenor (In Italian}
) Giunto sol passo < Nearing the End of Life)
By Alberto Amadi, Tenor (In Italian)
63313 lO-inch. .75
(German)
DIE MEISTERSINGER
(Enfluh)
THE MASTERSINGERS
l>e- My -tk
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Both text and music of Die Meistersinger von NUrnkerg are by Wagner. The idea
of the opera was suggested to the composer in boyhood, as was Tannhauser, by the reading
of one of Hoffmann's novels, and was planned as a kind of burlesque of the Minnesinger con-
test in Tannhauser. First production in Munich, June 21, 1868.
The first performance in England took place under Richter. at Drury Lane. May 30,
1882; an Italian version was given at Covent Garden, July 13, 1889. and an English produc-
tion by the Carl Rosa Company at Manchester, April 16, 16%.
In 1888 it was given for the first time at Bayreuth; and the first American production
took place in New York, January 4, 1886.
Master-Singers.
FIRST PROGRAM OF MEISTKR-
SINGER, MUNICH, 1 868
Characters
HANS SACHS, cobbler,
POGNER, goldsmith,
VOGELGESANG, furrier,
NACHTIGAL, buckle maker,
BECKMESSER. town clerk.
KOTHNER, baker,
ZORN, pewterer,
DSSUNGER, grocer.
MOSER, tailor.
OR TEL. soap boiler,
SCHWARZ, stocking weaver.
FOLZ, coppersmith,
SIR WALTER VON STOLZING. a young Fran-
conian knight
DAVID, apprentice to Hans Sachs.
EVA, Pogner's daughter
MAGDALENA, Eva's nurse
A NIGHT WATCHMAN .
Bass
Bass
Tenor
Bass
Bass
Bass
Tenor
Tenor
Tenor
Bass
Bass
Bass
. Tenor
. Tenor
. Soprano
. Soprano
Bass
Burghers of all Guilds. Journeymen, Apprentices. Girls and People.
Scene : Nuremberg in the middle of the sixteenth century.
To the opera-going public in general Meistersinger is the most
entertaining of all the Wagner operas. Its gaiety and tunefulness are
charming, and its story easily understood by an audience, which
cannot be said of most of the works by the master.
The humor is essentially German, — an intermingling of play-
fulness, satire, practical jokes, and underneath all something of
seriousness and even sadness, while the romantic element, provided
by the lovers. Eva and Walter, is not lacking.
The opera is a satire on the musical methods of the days of
the Reformation, the mediaeval burgher's life in Nuremberg being
pictured with a master hand. The loves of Walter and Eva; the
noble philosophy of Sachs, the cobbler-poet; the envy of the ridicu-
lous Beclpncuer ; and the youthful frolics of David — all are surrounded
by some of the most glorious music imaginable.
The first act opens in St. Catherine's Church at Nuremberg,
where £IMI. daughter of the wealthy goldsmith Pogner. and Walter, a
230
OTTO <X>R1TZ
AS HANS SACHS
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE M A S T E R S I N G E R S
young knight, meet and fall in love. When Waller learns that Eva's hand has been promised
by her father to the winner of the song contest, he resolves to compete, and remains
for the examination before
the meeting of Master-
singers. Beckmesser, who also
wishes to marry Eva, is chosen
marker, and under the rigid
rules of the order gives Walter
so many bad marks that he is
rejected in spite of the influ-
ence of Hans Sachs in his
favor.
Act II shows a street, with
the houses of Hans Sachs and
Pogner on opposite sides. The
apprentices, who are putting
up the shutters, plague David
on his affection for Magdalena,
Eva's nurse. Sachs drives
them away and sends David
to bed, then sits down in his
door-way and soliloquizes.
WALTER'S TRIAL — ACT i
Was duftet doch der Flieder (The Scent of Elder Flowers)
By Herbert "Witherspoon. Bass (In German) 74145 12-inch. 51. 5O
He cannot forget the song which Walter delivered before the Mastersingers, — its beauty
haunts him.
>A< MS:
The elder's scent is waxing
So mild, so full and strong!
It- charm my limbs relaxing:
Words unto my lips would throng.
NVIiat boot such thoughts a- I can span
I'm but a |>oor. plain-minded man!
When work'- dc-pi-ed altogether,
Thou, my friend, -etti st im- free;
Hut I'd better stick to my leather
And let all this poetry be!
(He tries again to work. Leaves off and
reflects. )
And yet — it haunts me still.
I feel, but comprehend ill:
Cannot forget it, — and yet cannot grasp it;
I measure it not, e'en when I cla-p it.
It -ccmed so old, yet new in its chime. —
Like songs of birds in sweet May-time: —
Spring's command
And gentle hand
\\\- -mil with this did entruM :
lie must !
His power n>-e as needed;
That virtue well I heeded.
The bird who sang to-day
Ha- got a throat that rightly waxes;
Masters may feel dismay.
Hut well content with him Hans Sach- i-!
Eva learns of Waller's rejection, and is so indignant that she promises to elope with him.
The lovers are interrupted and forced to hide by Beckmesser, who comes beneath Eva's
v indow for the double purpose of serenading her and rehearsing the song he is to sing for
the prize on the morrow. Hans Sachs, hearing the tinkling of the lute, peeps out, and just
a } Beckmesser begins to sing Sachs breaks out into a jolly folk song.
|IAVII> AM) HANS SM II.-
SACHS:
Tooral looral !
Tiddy fol de rol !
Oho! Tralala! oh..1
When mother Eve from Paradise
. the Almighty driven.
Her naked feet so small and nice,
I'.v -tones were sorely riven!
231
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA THE M A ST E R S I N G E R S
UCKUKSU**! SEJtENAOE
r i» greatly annoyed and says Sachs must be drunk. After a long altercation with
the cobbler. Bed(messer finally start* his song, but as Sachs continues to hammer on his shoe at
each mistake or wrong accent, fledtmeuergets badly mixed, and delivers himself of this doggerel :
RECK MESSES:
the dawning dayliaht.
\\iih great pleasure I do;
For now my heart takes a right
I'ourujK both fresh and new.
I do not think of dying.
Rather of trying
A young ni.-ii./.-ti to win.
Oh. wherefore doth the weather
Then fo-day so excel ?
1 to all my together
Tis 6rcause a daituf/
My her loved father.
At Ins wish rather.
To be wed doth go in.
The bold man who
Would come and view.
May sec the maiden there so true,
On whom my hope* I (irmly glue.
There/or* is the sky so bright blue,
As I said to begin.
The neighbors now begin to put their heads out the
windows and inquire who is bawling there so late. Magdalena
opens Eca's window and signals to Bec^mtsser to go away ;
but David, thinking she is waving her hand at the marker,
becomes jealous and attacks Beckmesscr. The noise brings
everyone into the street, and the curtain falls on something
resembling a riot.
Act III opens in Sachs' workshop. Walter, who had
spent the night with Sachs, comes in and tells the cobbler
of a wonderful melody which had come to him in a dream.
They write it down and leave it on the table. Walter goes out
and Be.ckme.sser enters, sees the song, and questions Sachs about
it. Sachs makes him believe it is his own and offers to give it to him, having conceived a
plan to force the Mastersingers to consent to the appearance of Waller. Bec^meuer is
overjoyed and runs out to learn the song. Eva enters to
get a shoe fitted, and then occurs the great scene in which
the famous quintet, one of the finest numbers in the opera,
is sung.
Quintette— Selig wie die Sonne (Brightly
as the Sun)
By Johanna Gadski. Soprano; Marie Mattfeld.
Soprano: Ellison Van Hoose. Tenor; Marcel
Journet. Bass: Albert Reiss. Baritone
In German) 95201 12-inch. $5.OO
The young girl, who has just had fully revealed to her
the noble character of Hans Sachs, turns to the good shoe-
maker, and with a grateful heart sings —
EVA:
Through thec life's treasure
1 control.
Through thee I measure
First my soul.
And were my choice but free,
Tis you would please my eyes;
My nunband you should be.
None else should win the prize!
Sachs then alludes to the fate of King Mark in Tristan,
who married Isolde only to find too late that she loved
another, and says:
SACHS:
To find the man before too late
1 sought, or else that had been my fate!
232
BEN AT U AS BECKMESSEB
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE M A ST E R S I N G E R S
He calls in Magdalena and David, who are dressed for the festival, and tells them he
wishes them for witnesses for a christening. All look amazed, and Sachs explains that he
wishes to christen Sir Walter's Master Song. As no apprentice can be a witness, Sachs sur-
pr ses David by creating him a journeyman. Eva then commences the Quintette of Baptism
with a short solo, beginning:
Se • •
Brirkl
1'C. we
die Sun • - oe me
— S3 — b f —
• on Glli • eke*
U.hl.
In the rapture of her new-found love she sings of
the Prize Song:
I-'.v v :
In this sweet and holy strain
>t hidden;
Stilling all the welcome pain
That fills my heart unbidden;
M \<;DALENA AND DAVID (btwildfred) :
Am I awake <>r dreaming still?
WALTER (tenderly to I
I- it still tin- morning dream?
Dan- I try tn rede its theme5
Hut this strain, tho' whiskered
Will greet thine ear loud and ck
'Mid the Master's guild shall n-e.
There to win the higlu—t j
IIvss SAI us (u'ir/i deep emotion):
To the maid I fain would sing
( >f my secret hidden;
But to tell my heait'^ -«<it pain,
Now it is forbidden!
Mme. Gadski's Eca is quite familiar to opera- goers
and is one of the most delightful of her impersonations.
'" GAUSKI AS EVA Mr. Van Hoose's delivery of Sir Walter's music is a
n ost artistic one, while the part of Sachs is splendidly sung by Journet. Miss Mattfeld, who
a ways makes a pretty, coquettish Magdalena, and Herr Reiss, whose clever and amusing
/ 'avid is perhaps the best of his impersonations, sing the music of these characters most
f ? ectively.
During the Quintette, the beautiful theme of the Preislied frequently appears.
I -
CAN PRODUCTION, 1 886
SCENE \\-Jl Field on the Shores
of the River Pcgnitz
The scene suddenly changes
to an open meadow on the banks
of the Pegnitz, where the contest
is to be held. The spectacle is a
brilliant one, with gaily decor-
ated boats discharging the vari-
ous Guilds, with the wives and
families of the members. It is in
this scene that the famous March
of the Guilds is played. A fine
rendition of this number has been
given by Sousa's Band.
March of the Guilds
By Sousa's Band
35044 12-inch. $1.25
The Mastersingers now arrange their procession and
march to take their places on the platform.
HOMER AS MACDALEXA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA THE M A ST E R S I N G E R S
When all are assembled. Sachs rises, and in a noble address
states the terms of the contest.
SACHS:
A Master, noble, rich and wine,
Will provr you thik with pleasure:
Hi- only child, the highest prize
With all his wealth and treasure,
He offers as inducement stron;:
To him who in the art of song
Hefore the people here
As victor shall appear.
Ye Masters who comjiete to-day,
To you before all here I say :
Ilethink you what a prize this is!
I.< t each if he would win it.
lie sure a guileless heart is his;
Pure love and music in it.
This crown's of worth infinite,
And ne'er in recent days or olden,
P.y any hand so highly holden.
As by this maiden tender:
(iood fortune may it lend her!
Thus Nuremberg gives honor due
To Art and all her Masters too.
(Great stir among all present. Sachs got*
up to I'ogner. iclto presses his hand, deeply
moved.)
Beckmeuer. who is in an awful state with his efforts to commit
Walter's song to memory, wipes his heated brow and begins. He
confuses his old melody with the new one. loses his place, mixes
his lines, and is forced by the laughter of the people to stop
In a towering rage he accuses Sachs of plotting his defeat, then flings down the song and
rushes off. Sachs calmly picks up the scroll and remarks that the song is a very fine one,
but that it must be rendered properly. The Mastersingers accuse him of joking, but he
declares:
SACHS: 1 tell you, sirs, the work is fine;
Hut it is easy to divine
That lieckmesser has sung it wrong.
I swear, though you will Tike the song
When someone rehearses
The rightful tune and verses.
And he who does will thus make known
That he composed them, clearly;
A Master's name. too. he should own
Were he but judged sincerely.
I am accused and must defend:
A witness let me bid attend!
Is there one here who knows I'm right,
Let him appear before our sight.
(Walter advances amid a general stir.)
TMr MASTEM: Ah. Sachs! You're very sly indeed! —
Hut you may for this once proceed.
SACHS: It shows our rules are of excellence rare
If now and then exceptions they'll bear.
Prnptr.: A noble witness, proud and bold!
Mt thmk- he should some good unfold.
SACHS: Master* and people all agree
To piye my witness liberty.
Sir Walter von Stplzing, sing thr «ong!
You. Masters, see if he goes wrong.
The Mastersingers agree that Walter may attempt
the air, and he mounts the platform and sings the noble
Prize Song.
Preislied (Prize Song)
By Evan Williams
By Mischa Elman. Violinist
By Sousa's Band
By Victor Sorlin. 'Cellist
HAMS SACHS AND EVA
(In Englith)
74115
74186
*35O44
*35I11
12-inch, M.5O
12-inch. 1.5O
12-inch. 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
Dcvlk-FoctJ RecorJ-ForUtk o/o*PoWir *fc «* DOUBLEJACED MASTERSINCER RECORDS, page 235.
234
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA -THE MASTERSINGERS
WALTER (-cho has ascended to the platform with
firm and proud steps):
MotnitiK was gleaming with roseate light,
!i-i|
With M-cnt distilled
Whci c. beauty beaming,
• all dreaming,
A garden did invite.
(I lie Masters here, absorbed, let fall the
scroll they are -catching to prove that
It'alter knotes the song; he notices it with-
out seeming to do so, and note proceeds in
a freer .<:
Wherein, beneath a wondrous tree
With fruit superbly lailrn.
In blissful love-dream I could see
The rare and trncU-r niaiili-n.
Whose charms beyond all price,
Entranced my heart —
Kva, in Paradise!
THK I'KOPLK (softly to one another):
That is <|uitc different! \\'ho would surmise
That so much in performance lv
WALTKR:
Evening fell and night closed around;
Hv rugged way
My f<-et did -tray
Towards a mountain.
Where a fountain
Knslaved me with its sound:
And there beneath a laurel tree,
With starlight glinting under.
In waking vision greeted me
\ *wcct and solemn wonder;
She dropped on me the fountain's dews,
That woman fair —
Parnassus's glorious Muse.
' ll'ith (treat exaltation):
Thrice happy day.
To which my poet's trance gave place!
That Paradise of which I dreamed.
In radiance before my face
Glorified lay.
To point the path the brooklet streamed:
She stood beside me,
Who shall my bride be.
The fairest sight earth ever gave,
My MUM-, to whom I bow,
So angel \\ect and grave.
I woo her boldly now,
Before the world remaining,
I'.y might of music gaining
Parnassus and Paradise.
PEOPLE (accompanying tltc close, -eery softly):
I feej as in a lovely dream.
Hearing but grasping not the theme!
(live him the prize!
MASTERS:
glorious singer! Victor. ri-< '
Your song has won the Master-prize!
Several vocal and instrumental renditions of this lovely song are given. Mr. Williams
si igs it beautifully in the purest of English, -while the instrumental performances by Sousa
ai d Sorlin are most pleasing. Elman gives the arrangement by Wilhelmj of the PreislieJ,
which has often been played in America — in fact, as one critic has said, "it has been sawed
ai.d scratched almost to annihilation." But Elman recreates it, and plays it with a mar-
velous softness and purity of tone which will delight every listener.
Eva, who has listened with rapt attention, now advances to the edge of the platform
and places on the head of Walter, who kneels on the steps, a wreath of myrtle and laurel,
tl en leads him to her father, before whom they both kneel. Pogner extends his hands in
benediction over them.
Waller and Eva lean against Sachs, one on each side, while Pogner sinks on his knee before
h m as if in homage. The Mastersingers point to Sachs, with outstretched hands, as to their
chief, while the 'prentices clap hands and shout and the people wave hats and kerchiefs in
enthusiasm.
An :
Hail Sachs! Hans Sachs!
Hail Nuremberg's darling Sach-'
( The curtain falls)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MEISTERSINGER RECORDS
J Prize Song
I M eistersinger March
| Prize Song
\ Ernani Selection
By Sousa's Band) 44 12.inch< $1.25
By Sousa s Band!
By Victor Sorlin. 'Cellist]35111 12.incht 1>25
By Pryor s Band)
235
• French'
MIGNON
'Engli.h'
MIGNON
•Me-nuon'i (A/in' -yon'
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Barbier and Carre, based upon Goethe's IVilhtlm Meisler. Music by Ambroise
Thomas. First production at the Optra Comiguc, Paris, in 1666. In London at Drury Lane.
1870. First New York production November 22. 1872, with Nilsson, Duval and Capoul.
Character* of the Drama
MlCNON. a young girl stolen by gypsies Mezzo-Soprano
FlUNA, (Fil-te'-nafi* an actress Soprano
FREDERICK, a young nobleman Contralto
WlLHELM ME1STER. a student Tenor
LAERTES, I/.<U/-«T' -<<**> an actor Tenor
LOTHARIO. (lM4Mf-MMA) an Italian nobleman Basso Cantante
QARNO, (G«^Ar'.no) a gypsy Bass
Townsfolk. Peasants, Gypsies, Actors and Actresses.
The scene of Acts I and II is laid in Germany ; of Act III in Italy.
Overture
Part I and Part II By La Scala Orchestra *68025 12-inch.
By Pryor's Band 31336
The overture is full of the grace and delicacy for
•which Thomas' music is celebrated, and contains the
principal themes, notably Filina's dashing "Polonaise."
The Pryor record is a fine example of the perfection at-
tained in the playing of this organization. Every detail
of the wonderful instrumentation which Thomas has
written, and especially the passages for the wood-wind,
is clearly brought out. A fine orchestral rendition by
the La Scala players, in two parts, is also offered.
ACT I
SCENE — Courtyard of a German Inn
Mignon, a daughter of noble parents, was stolen
when a child by gypsies, and as the act opens is a
girl of seventeen, forced to dance in the public streets
by the brutal Giarno. chief of the gypsy band.
The first scene shows the courtyard of a German
inn, where townspeople and travelers are drinking.
After the vigorous opening chorus, sung here by the
La Scala forces, Lothario, a wandering minstrel, enters
and sings, accompanying himself on his harp.
Opening Chorus and Solo, " Fuggitivo
e tremante" (A Lonely Wanderer)
By Perelld de Sefurola. Bass,
and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *S5OO4 12-inch. »1.5O
Fuggitivo e t re m ante (A Lonely "Wanderer)
By Cesare Preve. Bass (In Italian) *6265O lO-inch. »O.75
The minstrel is in reality Mignon 's father, whose mind was affected by his daughter's
abduction, and he wanders about seeking her.
LOTHARIO: A lonely wanderer am I! I Mray from door to door.
As fate 'loth guide, or a* the storm d >th hurry in-.
Far, far I'll roam in search of her!
* DoukkFaaJ Rttonl-ForlUk of oppotik tiJt we DOUBLE-FACED MlCNON RECORDS, page 241.
236
FARKAX AS MIu.Vo.V
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THOMAS' MIGNON
The gypsy band appears and Mignon is ordered to dance by Giarno, who threatens her
will his stick when she wearily refuses. Wilhelm, a young student, protects her from the
gyp >y and questions her about her parents. She remembers but little, but tells him of her
impression of home in this lovely Connais-tu le pays, full of tender beauty.
French)
Connais-tu le pays?
(German >
Kennst du das Land?
(Engluh)
(Knowest Thou the Land?)
(Italian)
Non conosci il bel suol ?
(In French) 88O98
(In German) 88O9O
(In French) 882 1 1
(In German) 91O83
(In Italian) *35178
(In French) 64OO5
12-inch,
12-inch.
12-inch.
lO-inch.
12-inch.
lO-inch.
$3.OO
3.OO
3.OO
2.00
1.25
l.OO
dolCf.
:u/.j ; J j ug^
Con - nais
Know • eit
MOM
le
j/ojt
pa - ys
der land
oO fleu
u-here the
rit
I'o - ran ger?...
• *»ge grows!
By Marcella Sembrich. Soprano
By Ernestine Schumann-Heink. Contralto
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
By Emmy Destinn. Soprano
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano
By Zelie de Lussan. Soprano (Piano ace.)
Six records of this beautiful air. in French, German and Italian, by six famous singers,
ranging in price from $1.00 to $3.00, are listed here for a choice.
This air is one of the happiest inspirations of the composer. It is said that much of its
charm comes from Thomas' intimate study of Scheffer's painting, " Mignon." At any rate he has
caught the inner
sen ,e of Goethe's ****~ V = 13°
pot in and has
exp ressed it in
exc uisite tones.
Th : opening
pa; sage :
giv :s us an idea of the melody, one of the most beautiful in the entire range of opera. The pas-
sin late longing
of the orphan - Miosox.
child for her
childhood home
is :ffectively ex-
pr< ssed in this
superb climax:
in which Mignon seems to pour forth her whole heart in a
flood of emotion. The words are most beautiful ones.
Knowest Thou the Land ?
M G*ON:
Knowest thou yonder land where the orange grows.
Where the fruit is of gold, and so fair the n
Where the breeze gently wafts the song of birds,
Where the season round is mild as lover's words?
Where so calm and so soft, like Heaven's blessing true,
Spring eternally reigns, with the skies ever blue?
Alas, why afar am I Miayin--, why ever linger here?
AJth thcc I would fly!
there I Tb there! my heart's love obeying,
'Twere bliss to live and die!
'Tis there my ' In-art'- love obeying,
I'd live, I would die!
Wilhelm, full of pity for the helpless girl, offers Giarno
a -ium of money to release her, and goes into the inn to
co nplete the bargain. Lothario comes to Mignon to bid her
faiewell, saying he must go south, following the swallows.
Then occurs the beautiful "Swallow Duet," one of the
ge-ns of the opera.
Les hirondelles (Song of the Swallows)
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano: Marcel Journet.
Bass (In French) 89O38 12-inch, $4.OO ABOTT AS F,L,*A
' Doublt-Faced Record- For title o/oppo»fc tide *x DOUBLE* ACED MIGNON RECORDS. tuge24l
237
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— T H O M A S* MIGNON
Mli.Xi'N AM
MK. SON: (accompanying herself OH the harp):
Oh swallows gay and blithe,
Ye joy of every land.
I'nfold your gentle wings.
Speed quickly on your way!
LOTHARIO:
The harp, touched by her gentle hand
A melancholy sound mysteriously gives furth.
MIGNON:
Ye blithe and gentle swallows,
I'nfold your nimble wings;
8uick, hasten to the land
'here winter never reigns.
Thrice happy bird, thrice happy bird.
Who first the wished-for good
Right joyously shall reach.
The effectiveness of Thomas' exquisite score de-
pends very much on the perfection of its rendering;
and this is especially true of the first act music — the
Connais-tu, Lothario's song, and this serene and beauti-
ful duet, given so charmingly here.
Very little need be said about Miss Farrar's
familiar impersonation of Mignon. It is always de-
lightful, both to eye and ear. Journet sings the music
of Lothario with dignity and beauty of voice; while
Farrar's every note is exquisite in its loveliness.
Wilhelm is now invited to go to the Castle of Prince
Tieffenbach with the troupe of players, headed by the
lovely Filina, who has observed the handsome student
with an appreciative eye. He hesitates, thinking of Mignon, but she begs to be allowed to
accompany him disguised as a servant.
MIONON:
Stranger! thou didst purchase me —
l)isposc of me, henceforth, e'en a* thou wilt.
WILHF.LM:
In this very town, to which Fate hath brought
thee.
There lives an aged relative of mine.
Who, to her home, will gladly welcome thee.
Mir. sow:
Must I then part from thee?
WILHELM :
My child, thou can'st not dwell with me;
III could I the part perform,
Of father!
MIGNON:
Could I not disguise myself.
And as thy servant, travel with thee?
WILHELM (taking her hands):
And what couldst thou do then?
Mir.xoN:
With love and gratitude,
My heart is filled.
To follow ther. O master mine.
Indeed were happiness to me!
WILHELM:
Would'st thou anew thy liberty renounce,
And be a slave once more?
MICXOH (sadly):
Well since mv prayers thou wilt not hear,
(pointing to Lothario, who approaches)
I 11 e'en depart with him!
LOTHARIO (rushing to Mignon, and encircling
her with his arms) :
Come! my foot»teps follow;
Through by-paths tone and wild!
(.Attempts to draw Mignon with him.)
Wilhelm finally yields a reluctant consent,
not knowing what else to do, and the act
ends with the departure of the players.
FA*BAB AS MICNON ACT II
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A-T HOMAS' MIGNON
ACT II
SCENE I— A Boudoir in Tieffenbach Castle
Act II represents a room in the Prince's castle. Filina is seated in front of her toilet
talle, musing on the handsome Wilhelm, who has made a deep impression on her some-
wl at volatile affections. Wilhelm enters with Mignon, who meets with a cool reception
from the gay actress. Wilhelm makes love to Filina while Mignon watches them with a
sad heart, as she has learned to love her new master. When left alone, she tries by
the aid of Filina' s rouge to make her complexion as beautiful as that of the actress
who has dazzled her master, and, noting the effect in the glass, sings a gay song with
an odd refrain, called by the composer " Styrienne."
Scyrienne, " Je connais " (I Know a Poor Maiden)
By Geraldine Farrar. Soprano In French) 88152 12-inch. $3.OO
Miss Farrar has given us a charming rendition of this Mignon air, which (next to the
th<: well-known Connais-tu) is the favorite one in the opera.
•• • i x :
\\Y11 I know a poor young child, I fain would turn away,
A -ad young child of Bohemia, I'.ut so improved am seeming.
On \vh<»e pale sunken checks joy ne'er rested, Am I the same, or dreaming?
Ah! ah! ah! ah! what a dull story! Ah! All! la la
I cannot leave the glass, Am I still Mignon?
So much improved I'm seeming, N<>! no! 'ti- I no longer!
Am I the same, or dreaming? Hut then! 'tis not she either!
Ah! la la. Some other secrets she must have her charms
Looking in the glass) : to heighten.
Am I still Mignon? (.Opens the door of the dressing room):
("an it be Mignon that I sec? Is it not there she keeps her gayest dresses?
One fine day, the child in play, Yes! alas! were I Filina, would he love me
A stratagem boldly trying, a- well?
To the master's good pleasure applying. What idle folly ! (From the nitron wore.
Ah! ah! ah! what a foolish story! "Tis a demon now tempts me! Copv'tiMO.)
Miss Farrar sings this quaint and fascinating "Styrienne" with the child-like gaiety and
< 1 arm which belong to it ; and her voice is as pure and true as a flute when she reaches
th; high D at the end of the air.
Mignon now goes into the closet, and after Wilhelm has returned makes her appearance
in one of Filina's dresses. He tells her in a beautiful air that he must leave her.
Addio, Mignon (Farewell, Mignon)
By M. Regis. Tenor (In French) *45O23 lO-inch. $1.OO
By Emilio Perea. Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) *6342O lO-inch, .75
Mignon utters a cry of grief and begins to weep, while Wilhelm tenderly says :
\V 1 1. HELM :
Farewell, Mijrnon, take heart!
Thy tears restrain!
In the bright years of youth no i;ricf doth
linger long.
!• not, Mignon !
tlu-e just Heaven will watch with f
ring care.
Oh, niay'st thott thy dear native land mice
more regain !
May fortune on thy fate henceforth 1>< ni^nly
smile!
It pains me much to leave thee: my stricken
heart
With thy lone destiny will ever sympathize!
Farewell. Minnmi. take heart!
Then dry thy !•
Mignon refuses money -which he offers her, and is about to bid him farewell when
F Una enters, and seeing Mignon in one of her own dresses, eyes her with sarcastic amuse-
ment, which puts Mignon into a jealous rage and she rushes into the cabinet, tears off the
borrowed finery and puts on her gypsy garments.
SCENE II— The Gardens of the Castle
The scene changes to the park of the castle. Mignon, in despair, attempts to throw
herself into the lake, but is prevented by Lothario, who consoles her. In a fit of jealousy she
* Doubte-Faced Record— For title of opposite tiJe tee DOUBLE-FACED MIGNON RECORDS, page 24 1.
239
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— T HOMAS' MIGNON
wishes that fire would consume* the castle in which Filina had won her master's affections.
Lothario is puzzled by this and goes oft muttering to himself.
The actors and guests now issue from the castle proclaiming the beauty and talent of
Filina. In the flush of her triumph she sings the brilliant Polonesc or polacca (French Polonaise),
one of the most difficult and showy of all soprano airs.
Polonese, " lo son Titania" (I'm Fair Titania !)
By Luiaa Tetrazzini. Soprano (In Italian) 88296 12-inch, 93.OO
By Giuaeppina Hutfuet, Soprano (In Italian) *35178 12-inch. 1.25
By Mile. Korsoff. Soprano (In French) *45OO6 ID-inch. l.OO
The Victor is able to offer three fine renditions of this popular number, headed by the
superb Tetrazzini record, one of the most perfect in her list. Mile. Korsoff, of the Optra
Comique, sings the air in French with much brilliancy, while an Italian record is furnished
by that gifted Spanish prima donna, Mme. Huguet.
lo ton Titania
(Behold Titania f)
CHOEUS:
She is truly divinr. Filina!
At her ffi-t we lay our hearts and our flowers!
What charms, what heautics are hers!
Ah! what success! Bravo! Honor lo Titania!
FILINA:
Yes; for to-night I am quern of the fairies!
Observe ye here, my sceptre bright,
(Raiting the u-and which she holds in her
hand.)
And behold my num'rous trophies!
(Pointing to the wreath which hc.s been pre-
sented to her.)
I'm fair Titania, glad and gay.
Thro' the world unfctter'd I blithely stray.
With jocund heart and happy mien,
I cheerily dance the hours away.
Like the bird that freely wings its flight.
Fairies dance around me.
Elfin sprites on nimble toe around me gaily
dance.
For I'm fair Titania!
Both night and day. My attendants rver sing.
The achievements of the god of Love!
On the wave's white foam,
'Mid the twilight grey, 'mid hedges, 'mid
flowers,
I blithely do dance!
Behold Titania, glad and gay!
Wilhelm now sees Mignon and is about to speak to her when Filina interposes and asks
her to go to the castle on some errand. The young girl, glad to escape meeting Wilhelm.
obeys, but has no sooner gone than the castle is discovered to be in flames, the half-witted
Lothario having set fire to it after having heard Mignon' 3 jealous wish.
H'ilhelm rushes into the burning castle and soon reappears with the unconscious form
of Mignon, while the curtain falls on a magnificent tableau.
ACT III
SCENE— Count Lothario's Castle in Italy
This act takes place in the castle of Lothario, to which the old man has instinctively re-
turned with Mignon, followed by Wilhelm. who now realizes that he loves his youthful ward.
The young girl is recovering from a dangerous illness, and as Lothario watches outside her
sick room, he sings a beautiful lullaby or berceuse,
Berceuse (Lullaby) (Ninna nanna)
By Pol Plancon. Bass (In Italian) 85126 12-inch. »3.OO
By Gaudio Mansueto. Bass (In Italian) *55OO4 12-inch. 1.5O
By Cesarc Preve. Bass (In Italian) *6265O lO-inch. .75
LOTHARIO:
I've soothed the throbbing of her aching he< By day and night some heav'nly spirit
And to her lips the smilr I have restored. The maiden doth protect ;
Her weary eyes at last have clo«ed On wings celestial, it doth hover round
In gentle slumber; Protecting her from harm!
• DvMt-FoctJ Recorl-Fo, Hlk of OH*** *iJe tee DOUBLE-FACED Af/C.VO.V RECORDS, page 241.
240
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A-T HOMAS' MIGNON
H'ilhclm takes Lothario's place as watcher, and tells of his new-found affection in this
beautiful air, given here by M. Regis, of the Paris Optra Comique.
Kile ne croya.it pas (Pure as a Flower)
By M. Regis. Tenor (In French) *45023 10-inch, $1.OO
\Vii.n
In -imtliinK yon poor. haiilexs maiden
At l;i-t 1 II.IM dtSCOW • >ret :
From her >«<•«•! li|>- my name <
Ah! littli- thought the maid.
In innocence arrayed.
What she in her breast had nurtured,
Would ardent love become,
And thus pervert the peaceful current
( >l~ her peaceful life.
< Hi haltny April,
Who to the wither'd flowers r< -t..ietli their
cob
Ki" her fair cheek.
And a grateful sigh of love cause to escape!
Mignon now comes with feeble step on the balcony, and seeing Wilhelm, is much agi-
t.ited. He endeavors to soothe her, but she insists that only Lothario loves her. Lothario now
enters, and announces that he is the Count Lothario, having been restored to his right mind by
t!ie familiar scenes of his ancestral home. He shows them the jewels and prayer book of
his lost daughter, and tells them her name was Sperata. Mignon starts at the name and
riurmurs :
Ah. that sweet name to my car is familiar,
A memory of my childhood
It may be, that's gone forcvci !
She then begins to read from the book a little prayer, but soon drops the book and
continues from memory, her hands clasped and her eyes raised to Heaven. Lothario is much
agitated and when she has finished, recognizes her as his lost daughter. Father and
c aughter are reunited, while a blessing is bestowed on the young people by the happy
7 othario.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS MIGNON RECORDS
12_inch $1 50
Opening Chorus and Solo, " Fuggitivo e tremante "
By Andrea Perello de Segurola, Bass, and
La Scala Chorus
Ninna nanna By Gaudio Mansueto. Bass
Preludio. Parte 2a (Overture. Parte 2)
By La Scala Orchestra , Rn,< ,, ,
n • •• r\ //-» r» ,DoO25 12-incn.
Preludio, Parte la (Overture, Parte 1)
By La Scala Orchestra
Poloncse— lo Son Titania ! (I'm Fair Titania !
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano (/n Italian}
Non conosci il bel suol ? (Dost Thou Know That Fair
Land?) By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian]
Polonaise — lo Son Titania!
By Mile. Korsoff. Soprano (In French) \
Lak.me — Pourquoi Jans lea grands hois
By Alice Verlel, Soprano i In French )
Adieu, Mignon. Courage (Farewell, Mignon)
By M. Regis. Tenor (In French
Kile ne croyait pas (Pure as a Flower
By M. Regis. Tenor (In French i
I Fuggitivo e tremante
1 Ninna nanna
I Gavotte By Victor String Quartet) 16323
\ Norma Selection (Bellini) By Pryor's Bandl
I Addio. Mignon (Farewell. Mignonl
By Emilio Perea. Tenor (In Italian) 6342O
I Stelle a"Oro — Romanza By Siloano Isalberti, Tenor (In Italian))
241
35178 12-inch. 1.25
lo_inch> 1-OO
45O23 Id-inch. l.OO
By Cesare Preve. Bass),-, -_ ._ . . _,
T> /-• ii n , O2O5O lO-incn. .75
By Cesare Preve, Bass)
lO-inch. .75
lO-inch. .75
NORMA
(/Vor'-moA)
OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Book by Felice Romani, founded on an old French story. Score by Vincenzo Bellini.
First production December 26, 1831. at Milan. First London production at King's Theatre,
in Italian. June 20. 1833. In English at Drury Lane, June 24. 1837. First Paris production
December 8, 1835. First New York production February 25, 1841.
Characters
NORMA, High Priestess of the Temple of Esus Soprano
ADALGISA, a Virgin of the Temple Soprano
CLQT1LDE, attendant on Norma Soprano
POLLJONE, a Roman proconsul commanding the legions of Gaul ... Tenor
FLAVIO. his lieutenant Tenor
OROVESO. the Arch-Druid, father of Norma Bass
Ministering and Attendant Priests and Officers of the Temple, Gallic
Warriors. Priestesses and Virgins of the Temple,
two children of Norma and Pollione
Scene and Period : The scene is laid in Caul, shortly after the Roman conquest
Norma. although an opera of the old school and seldom performed nowadays, contains
some of the loveliest of the writings of Bellini. Its beauties are of the old-fashioned kind
which our forefathers delighted in, and which are an occasional welcome relief from the
abundance of "music dramas" with which we are surrounded of late. Especially charm-
ing is the spirited overture, always a favorite on band programs.
Overture
By Arthur Pryor's Band * 351 fab 12-inch. $1.25
By Victor Band * 35O29 12-inch. 1.23
The briskness and sparkle of this fine overture and its inspiring climax are well pre-
served in Mr. Pryor's vigorous rendering, and in the splendidly played Victor Band record,
made under Mr. Rogers' direction.
The scene is laid among the Druids at the time of the Roman invasion. Norma, the
High Priestess, though sworn to bring about the expulsion of Rome, is secretly married to
a Roman proconsul, Pollione, by whom she has two children. She rebukes the Druids for
wishing to declare war, and after the ceremony of cutting the mistletoe, she invokes peace
from the moon in the exquisite prayer, Casla Diva.
Casta Diva (Queen of Heaven)
By Marcella Sembrich. Soprano (In Italian) 881O4 12-inch. »3.OO
By Celestina Boninsefna. Soprano (In Italian) 92O25 12-inch. 3.OO
By Giuseppina Huguct. Soprano (In Italian) * 16539 lO-inch. .75
This lovely air still holds a high place in popular favor, its beauty and tenderness mak-
ing it well worthy of a place among modern airs. As evidence of the great popularity of
this number, three famous prima donnas have selected it for their Victor lists.
Not MA:
Queen of Heaven, while thou art reigning Queen of Heaven, hallow'd l>y thy presence,
Love upon us is still remaining. Let its holier, sweeter essence.
Clad in purrnc«. alone disdaining Quelling ev'ry lawless licence.
As above, so
jpon us is still rematmnvr.
n pureness. alone disdainir_
Grosser earth's nocturnal veil. As above, so here prevail!
In the next scene Norma discovers that her husband loves Adalgisa. and in her rage she
contemplates killing her children; but her mother's heart conquers, and she resolves to
' Dovkk-FoctJ Record— For Nile of opptuttc liJe tee mil page.
242
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — BELLINI'S NORMA
jield her husband and children to AJalgisa and expiate her offences on the funeral pyre.
. I./u/gMci pleads with her, urging her to abandon her purpose, and offers to send Pollione
I ack to her.
This scene is expressed in the exquisite Hear Me, Norma, familiar to every music-lover.
Mira o Norma (Hear Me, Norma
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano,
and Lina Mileri, Contralto
(In Italian) * 62101 lO-inch. $O.75
By Arthur Pry or's Band * 16323 lO-inch. .75
The lovely strains of this melodious number have
delighted countless hearers in the eighty years since it was
written.
A i) A i.e. ISA:
I>earest Norma, before thee kneeling,
Virw these darlings, thy precious treasures;
I.i-t that sunbeam, a mother's, feeling,
Kreak the night around thy soul.
NORMA :
• l-t win that soul, by this entreating
Ilack to earth's delusive pleasu:
I-'iotn the phantoms, far more fleeting.
Which in death's deep ocean shoal?
Pollione refuses to return to Norma and attempts to seize
Adalgisa against her will. Norma foils this attempt and
reasons with him. telling him he must give up his guilty love
or die. This is expressed in a dramatic duet.
(n mia mano (In My Grasp)
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti. Tenor
(In Italian) * 683O9 12-incn. $1.25
Pollione still refuses, and Nornta strikes the sacred shield to summon the Druids. She
Icdares war on Rome and denounces Pollione, but offers to save his life if he will leave the
• ountry. He refuses, and she is about to put him to death, when love overcomes justice
.md the Priestess denounces herself to save Pollione. Norma's noble sacrifice causes his love
to return and they ascend the funeral pyre together. As the flames mount about them
hey are declared purified of all sin.
C.RISI AS NoKMA
( Weber)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS NORMA RECORDS
12-inch. $1.25
12-inch.
1
By Arthur Pryor's Band!-,., ,
By Arthur Pryor's Band!
By Victor Band\_-O2
By Victor Bandl 35°29
1.25
(Overture
[ Oberon Overture
(Overture
I Huguenots Selection
| In mia mano alfin tu sei (In My Grasp)
By Ida Giacomelli. Soprano, and Gino Martinez-Patti.
Tenor (In Italian) I , a~na , , •
r- c> i • ., ci HIT TI t\ OO3O9 12-incrt. 1.25
ravonta — ria oero lasciarli (ona// / Leave I nee Pi
By ClotilJe Esposito, Soprano, and Gino Martincz-Patti, Tenor
( In Italian)
I Norma Selection (Hear Me. Norma!) By Pryor's Band! .,__,. in-'nch 75
{ Mignon — Gavotte By Victor String Quartet I
(Casta Diva (Queen of Heaven)
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano (In Italian) 11^530 IQ inch 75
| Lucia — Regnava net silenzio (Silence O'er All)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian))
jMira o Norma (Hear Me. Norma) By Ida Giacomelli.
Soprano, and Lina Mileri, Contralto (In Italian) >621O1 lO-inch. .75
Carmen — Preludio, Act IV By La Scala Orchestra]
* Double-FactJ Record— For titk of opposite
' above till.
243
ELYSIUM — ACT II
(Italian)
ORFEO ED EURIDICE
(Or'-fee-oh ay U.neJ*f*h*)
(Enjluh)
ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
(Or'-fye-ia and L'-ri-Jet'-chee)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Book by Ramieri De Calzabigi ; music by Chriatoph Willibald von Cluck. First pro-
duction in Vienna. October 5, 1762. First Paris production. 1764. First London production
at Covent Garden, June 26. 1860. Other revivals were during the Winter Garden season of
1863; in 1885 (in German), by the Metropolitan Opera under Walter Damrosch ; the English
production in 1886 by the National Opera Company, and the Abbey revival in Italian in
1892; and the Metropolitan production of 1910. with Homer. Gadski and Cluck.
Cast
ORPHEUS Contralto
EURIDICE Soprano
LOVE Soprano
A HAPPY SHADE Soprano
Shepherds and Shepherdesses, Furies and Demons, Heroes and
Heroines in Hades.
This opera, which has been called "Cluck's incomparable masterpiece," and^of which
the great Fetis wrote, "it is one of the most beautiful productions of genius." may be
properly termed a purely classical music drama. The music is exquisite in its delicacy and
244
HdMKR AND CADSKI AS ORPHEUS AND
ETRYDICE
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
grace, while the story is an interesting and affect-
ing one. Orpheus may be called the grandfather
of grand opera, it being the oldest work of its
kind to hold its place on the stage, the first repre-
sentation occurring one hundred and fifty years
ago.
The opera has had only one adequate Ameri-
can production previous to the Metropolitan
revival, and that was during the American Opera
Company season of 1886 — the Abbey revival of
1892 meeting with but indifferent success. Such
has been the interest aroused by the recent per-
formances, that it is likely to be heard quite
frequently in the future.
The story concerns the Greek poet Orpheus,
who grieves deeply over the death of his wife
Euridice, and finally declares he will enter the
realms of Pluto and search for her among the
spirits of the departed. The goddess Love appears
and promises to aid him, on condition that when
he has found Euridice he will return to earth
without once looking back.
Orpheus journeys to the Gates of Erebus, and
so softens the hearts of the Demon guards by his
grief and his exquisite playing of his lyre, that he
is permitted to enter. He finds Euridice^ and
without looking at her, takes her by the hand and
b ds her follow him. She obeys, but failing to understand his averted gaze, upbraids him
f i T his apparent coldness and asks that he shall look at her.
Su e con me vieni cara (On "My Faith Relying)
By Johanna Gadski. Soprano: Louise Homer. Contralto
(In Italian) 89O41 12-inch. $4.0O
Orpheus, knowing that to cast a single look at his loved one means
death to her, keeps his face averted. The dialogue portrays the emotions
o" the characters, while Gluck's music suggests the present perplexity
a id the tragedy which is to follow.
Unable to endure longer the reproaches of his wife, he clasps her
KI his arms, only to see her sink down lifeless.
Ach, Ich habe sie verloren (I Have Lost My
Eurydice)
By Ernestine Schumann-Hcink. Contralto
(In German) 88O91 12-inch. »3.OO
J'ai perdu mon Euridice (I Have Lost "My
Eurydice)
By Jeanne Gerville-Reache. Contralto
(In French) 88198 12-inch. 3.OO
Che faro senza Euridice (I Have Lost My
Eurydice)
By Louise Homer. Contralto
(In Italian) 88285 12-inch. 3.OO H..MKR AS ORPHEUS
"Malheureux! qu'ai-je fail? El Jans quel precipice m'a plongt" mon funesle amour!'
( 'Wretched one, what have I done! Into what gulf has my fatal love cast me?") cries the
hapless youth, and breaks into his pathetic lamentation, the beauty and pathos of which have
never been questioned.
245
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
THE GATES OF HELL — ACT IV
"I hare lost my Eurydice It is your faithful husband.
My misfortune is without its like. Hear my voice, which calls you.
(>uel fate! I shall die of my sorrow. Silence of death! vain hope!
kurydicc, Eurydice, answer me! What suffering, what torment, wrings my heart!"
Of the many beautiful numbers in Cluck's drama this lovely aria of mourning, (best
known by the Italian title Che faro senxa Euridice) is the most familiar. No fewer than three
renditions, in German. French and Italian, by three famous exponents of the part of Orpheus.
are offered for the choice of opera lovers.
The grief -stricken poet is about to take his own life when the goddess again appears and
arrests his arm.
LOTS:
Hold, Orpheus! Kurydice! revive!
ORPHEUS (.despairingly): To embrace the fond youth
What would you with me? Who dared so much for the«!
I»VE: ORPHEUS:
Thine anguish well doth prove My Eurydice!
Thy constancy and truth. EURYDICE {.reviving):
'Tis time that the trial be ended! My Orpheus! (They embrace.)
(Curtain)
EfRYIMCE RESTORED TO ORPHEUS — ACT III
246
OTELLO AND DESDEMONA
OTELLO
Engli.h)
OTHELLO
(.Olh-thef -low)
(Oh-tef-lowi
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text by Arrigo Boito after the drama of Shakespeare. Music by Giuseppe Verdi,
•irst production February 5, 1887. at La Scala, Milan. First London production May 18.
1889. First American production April 16, 1888, with Campanini as Otello. Some notable
evivals occurred in 1894, with Tamagno and Maurel ; in 1902, with Eames, Alvarez and
Scotti ; and in 1908 at the Manhattan, with Melba, Zenatello and Sammarco.
Characters
OTELLO, a Moor, general in the Venetian army Tenor
lAGO, (Ee-<th'-go) his ensign Baritone
CASSIO, (Cau -et-oh) his lieutenant Tenor
RODERIGO, (Roh-der-ee'-go) a Venetian gentleman .Tenor
LODOVICO. ambassador of the Venetian Republic Bass
MONTANO, predecessor of Othello in the government of Cyprus . Bass
A HERALD . Bass
DESDEMONA, wife of Othello Soprano
EMILIA, (Au-met'-lee-ah) wife of lago . Mezzo-Soprano
Soldiers and Sailors of the Republic ; Venetian Ladies and Gentlemen ;
Cypriot Men, Women and Children ; Greek, Dalmatian
and Albanian Soldiers; an Innkeeper.
Scene and Period : End of the fifteenth century ; a seaport in Cyprus.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-VERDI'S OTELLO
VEBDI AND HAVRE!. AT FIRST
PCBFOBMAKCE OF OTELLO
After having given the world his splendid Aida, Verdi
rested on his laurels and was silent for sixteen years ;
then, at the age of seventy- four, he suddenly astonished
the world with his magnificent Otello. a masterly music-
drama which alone would suffice to make him famous.
The change from the Verdi of 1853 and II Trovatore,
to the Verdi of 1867 and Otello. is amazing. Each opera
produced by him shows a steady advance, until something
approximating perfection is reached in Otello. the writing
of which was an astonishing feat for a man of nearly eighty
years of age.
The text, by that accomplished scholar and master
librettist. Boito. follows closely the tragedy of Shakespeare.
ACT I
SCENE— Otello's Cattle in Cyprus. A Storm is Raging
and the j4ngry Sea is visible In the Background
Venetians, soldiers, including logo, RoJerigo and Cassia,
are awaiting the return of Otello. His vessel arrives safely,
and amid much rejoicing the Moor announces that the war
is over, the enemy's ships having all been sunk. He goes into the castle, and logo and
RoJerigo plan the conspiracy against Cassia and Otello. by which RoJerigo hopes to secure
DesJemona for himself and logo to be revenged on Otello.
They join the soldiers and try to induce Cassia
to drink. He refuses, but when logo toasts DesJemona,
he is compelled to join. logo sings the rousing BrinJisi :
Brindisi— Inaffia 1'ugola (Drinking Song
—Let Me the Cannakin Clink)
By Pasquale Amato. Baritone, and Chorus
In Italian) 88338 12-inch. $3.OO
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone
(In Italian) 88082 12-inch. 3.0O
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone (Piano ace.)
(In Italian) 87O40 10-inch. 2.OO
during •which he continues to fill Cassia's glass. When
the latter is quite drunk they pick a quarrel with him.
and he draws his sword, wounding Montana, while
/ago and Cauio rouse a cry of "riot," which brings
Otello from the castle. He disgraces Cassia and orders
all to disperse, remaining alone with DesJemona for a
long love scene. Part of this scene has been recorded
here by Mme. Lotti and M. Conti, of Milan. The cur-
tain falls as husband and wife go slowly into the castle.
Quando narravi (\Vhen Thou
Speakest)
By F. Lotti. Soprano : F. Conti. Tenor
(In Italian) *55O23 12-inch. $1.5O
M.l /AH AS OTELLO
ACT II
SCENE —A Room in the Cattle
The crafty logo is advising Cassia how to regain the favor of Otello, telling him that he
must induce DesJemona to intercede for him. Cassia eagerly goes in search of DesJemona,
•while lago gazes after him, satisfied with the progress of his schemes, and then sings the
superb Credo.
•DoaUt-FoctJ RecorJ—For title o/oppowlr tide tte DOUBLE-FACED OTELLO RECORDS.
248
251.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A - V E R D I ' S OTELLO
Credo (Otello's Creed)
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone In Italian) 88O3O 12-inch. $3.OO
By Pasquale Amato. Baritone ' In Italian) 88328 12-inch. 3.OO
By Ernesto Badini. Baritone (In Italian) *55023 12-inch. 1.5O
This is a free adaptation of logo's last speech with Cassia
in Shakespeare, Act 11. In his setting Verdi has expressed
fu ly the character of the perfidious logo : cynical, vain,
weak and subtle. He declares that he was fashioned by a
cnel God who intended him for evil, and that he cares
naught for the consequences, as after death there is nothing.
Scotti's singing of this number is a most impressive one;
wliile the wonderful rendition by Amato will be pronounced
one of the most striking in his list.
logo sees DesJemona approach and Caui'o greet her, and
as soon as the young officer is earnestly pleading with her
to intercede for him, logo runs in search of Otello, and sows
the first seeds of jealousy in the heart of the Moor, bidding
him watch his wife well. Otello, much troubled, seeks
D:sJemona and questions her. She begins to intercede for
Cissr'o, but the Moor repulses her, and when she would wipe
his perspiring brow, roughly throws down the handker-
cl.ief, which is picked up by /ago.
Left alone with /ago, Otello gives way to despair, and
expresses his feelings in the bitter Ora e per semprn.
Ora e per sempre addio (And Now,
Forever Farewell)
By Francesco Tamagno, Tenor
(In Italian) 95O03 lO-inch. $5.OO
By Enrico Caruso 87O71 10-inch. 2.OO
By Nicola Zerola 64168 lO-inch. l.OO
Now finally convinced that DesJemona is deceiving him, he
bids farewell to peace of mind, ambition and the glory of conquest.
Caruso delivers the number magnificently, being especially
effective in the closing passage. Other renditions are the famous
one by Tamagno, and a popular-priced record by Zerola.
logo further says that he has seen Desdemona's handkerchief
in Cassia's room, at which news Otello is beside himself with rage.
The act closes with the great scene in which /ago offers to help
Otello secure his revenge, and they swear an awful oath never
to pause until the guilty shall be punished.
ACT III
SCENE— The Great Hall of (he Castle
Otello now seeks DesJemona and contrives an excuse to borrow
her handkerchief. She offers it, but he says it is not the one, and
asks for the one he had given her, with a peculiar pattern. She
says it is in her room and offers to bring it, but he at once de-
nounces her, and sends her away astonished and grieved at the
sudden jealousy which she cannot understand. He re-
mains looking after her in the deepest dejection, then
sings his sorrowful soliloquy, Dio mi potevi.
Dio mi potevi scagliare (Had it Pleased
Heaven)
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor
(In Italian* 8824O 12-inch. $3.OO
By Carlo Barrera. Tenor
ALDA AS DESDEMONA In Italian) *55OO9 12-inch. 1.5O
AMATO AS IAGO
* Double-Face J RecorJ— For lilk of oppotik tiJt tee DOUBLE-FACED OTELLO RECORDS. page 251.
Jl'l
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — VERDI'S OTELLO
$1.50
now arrive
" Had Heaven seen fit to send me sorrow, shame, poverty," he says. " I could have
endured it with patience, but this blow is too much to bear."
logo now tells Otcllo how he had slept in Cassia's room lately and had heard Cassia talking
in his sleep, bemoaning the fate which had robbed him of Desdemona and given her to the
Moor. This dream is related in a highly dramatic air :
Era la notte (Cassio's Dream)
By Mario Ancona. Baritone (In Italian) 87O15 10-inch. 92.OO
Cassio enters, and /ago, bidding Otcllo watch behind a pillar, goes to the young officer,
and with fiendish ingenuity induces him to talk of his sweetheart Bianco. Otello, listening,
thinks that it is of Desdemona that Cassia speaks. Cassia produces the fatal handkerchief,
telling logo he had found it in his room, and wondering to whom it can belong. Otello,
seeing the handkerchief and not hearing the conversation, has no further doubt of Desdemona j
guilt, and when Cassia departs he asks logo how best can he murder them both. The villain
suggests that Desdemona be strangled in her bed, and says he will himself kill Cassio. In a
highly dramatic duet, given here by Barrera and Badini, they swear a solemn oath of vengeance.
Ah! millc vite (A Thousand Lives!)
By Carlo Barrera, Tenor; E. Badini. Baritone (In Italian) *55OO9 12-inch
Messengers
from the Senate bearing orders
for Otello, who has been re-
called to Venice, and Cassio
appointed Governor of Cyprus
in his stead. He announces
his departure on the morrow,
and then unable to control his
rage and jealousy he publicly
insults DesJemona and flings
her to the ground. As she
is being led away by her
maids he falls in a fit. The
people, considering the sum-
mons to Venice an additional
honor for the Moor, rush in.
shouting "Hail to Otello,"
when logo, pointing with
fiendish triumph to the pros-
trate body, cries, '^Behold
SCOTTI, WICKIIAM, ALDA AKD SLEZAK i* oTKi i " your Lion of Venice !
ACT IV
SCENE — DesJemona's Bedroom
The heartbroken DesJemona is preparing to retire, assisted by her maid, Emilia. She
tells Emilia that an old song of her childhood keeps coming into her mind. Then she sings
the sad and beautiful Willow Song.
Salce, salce (Willow Song)
By Nellie Melba. Soprano (In Italian) 88146 12-inch. >3.OO
By Frances Alda. Soprano (In Italian) 88214 12-inch. 3.OO
This plaintive song seems like the lamentation of a broken heart, its last words being
prophetic of the coming tragedy.
The faithful Emilia leaves her, and she kneels before the image of the Madonna and
sings the noble Aoe, one of the most inspired portions of the wonderful fourth act, in which
Verdi has risen to his greatest height.
Ave Maria (Hail, Mary1
By Nellie Melba. Soprano (In Italian) 88149 12-inch» *3.OO
By Frances Alda. Soprano (In Italian) 88213 12-inch. 3.OO
•Doabk-FcccJ RtcorJ— For title of app^Oc tiJt *, DOUBLE-FACED OTELLO RECORDS, page 25 1
250
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA VERDI'S OTELLO
This prayer occurs in the last act of the opera, and is sung by DesJemona as she retires
to the couch from which she is fated never to rise. The "Ave Maria" is introduced by a
characteristic monotone for the voice, accompanied by some organ-like harmonies which
steal in with exquisite effect from the strings of the orchestra.
The portrayal of the mingled apprehension and resignation of DesJemona in this scene
through the medium of the voice is worthy to rank with Melba's most celebrated operatic
creations — her Marguerita — her Juliet — her Mimi. The purity and youthfulness of the feeling
in parted, apart from the freshness and delicate perfection of the tones themselves, is amaz-
in j, filling the mind with wonder at the perpetual miracle of Melba's perfect art. Mme.
A da, whose DesJcmona has been one of the finest of her impersonations at the Metropoli-
ta i, sings the number beautifully.
At the close of the air Desdemona remains kneeling and prays in broken accents, her
voice being almost inaudible.
And now we come to the most dramatic scene of the opera, one in which the nerves
of the spectators are strained to the breaking point.
Otello enters and rushes
toward the bed, but stops
and gazes at his sleeping wife
a long time, then approaches
and kisses her. She wakes
and speaks his name. He
accuses her again of an in-
trigue with Cassia, but she
swears that it is false and
that the handkerchief was
not given by her to Cassia.
He disregards her cries for
mercy and strangles her.
Emilia knocks at the door and
is admitted by Otello, who is
in a kind of daze, not realiz-
ing what he has done.
Seeing Desdemona lifeless, she
accuses him of the crime
and calls loudly for help. All
rush in and Emilia, seeing
logo, denounces him as the
author of the plot, and tells
Otello that Desdemona was
i-inocent. The Moor is torn with remorse, and tenderly gazing on his dead wife, sings
t ic passage with which his last air begins.
Morte d'Otello (Death of Otello)
By Francesco Tamatrno. Tenor (In Italian) 95OO2 lO-inch. $5.OO
By Nicola Zerola. Tenor (In Italian) 74217 12-inch. 1.50
He then draws a dagger and stabs himself, and with a final effort to embrace the
Desdemona he has so cruelly wronged, he dies.
THE MURDER OF OESDEMONA (ALDA AND SI.K.ZAK)
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS OTELLO RECORDS
Dio mi potevi scatfliare (Had It Pleased Heaven)
By Carlo Barrera. Tenor (In Italian
Giuramento— Ah ! mille vite (A Thousand Lives)
By Carlo Barrera, Tenor; Ernesto Badint. Baritone
(In Italian)
Quando narravi i When Thou Speakest
By F. Lotti. Soprano: F. Conti. Tenor (In Italian I
Credo (Otello's Creed)
By Ernesto Badini. Baritone In Italian!
Ml
55009 12-inch. M.5O
55O23 12-inch. 1.5O
'Italian i
I PAGLIACCI
(En(lwh)
THE PLAYERS
(£e
Drama in Two AcU. Words and Music by R. Leoncavallo
The English version quoted from is by Henry Grafion Chapman
QuoUboo* from text and miuie (<rzcep( the Prologue) by kind primiaion of G. Schwmcr. (Copy' I 1906)
^__ Ruggiero Leoncavallo was born at Naples.
March 8, 1658, and waa the son of a magistrate,
the Chevalier Vincont, president of the tribunal
of Potenza. His mother was a daughter of the
celebrated artist, Raffaele d'Auria, famous for
his decorations in the royal palace at Naples.
He took up the pianoforte at an early age
with Simonetti, a well-known teacher of Naples,
; m^m H and entered the Neapolitan Conservatoire, where
If j* he studied under Cesi, Ruta and Rossi. At sixteen
4ft. he made a concert tour as a pianist with some
success. Leaving the Conservatoire at eighteen
he promptly showed his leaning toward operatic
composition by beginning to write an opera, the
libretto based on de Vigny's well-known drama,
Chatter ton. Finding an impressaiio, the produc-
tion of this opera was promised, but at the last
moment he was deserted by his manager and the
young composer was reduced to poverty. He did
not despair, however, and abandoning for a time
his operatic pretensions, set to work at anything
which would give him a living. He gave lessons
and played accompaniments at cafe concerts, finally
becoming a concert pianist, the latter occupation
taking him to many countries — England. France,
Holland, Germany and Egypt. Returning to Italy
after several years of these wanderings, he proved
that he had not been idle by submitting to the house of Ricordi the first part of a tremen-
dous trilogy based on the subject of the Renaissance in Italy.
This monumental work he entitled Crepusculum (Twilight), and the three parts were
called : I — Medici ; II — Girolamo Savonarola ; III — Cezare Borgia. This Ricordi accepted, agreeing
to produce the first part, and Leoncavallo spent a year in its completion. Three years passed
by and the production was not made. In despair he went to the rival firm of Sonzogno,
which encouraged him to write the opera which was to make him famous. The young
composer went to work and in the space of five months completed his opera, basing the
plot on an actual occurrence in the court where his father was presiding as judge.
The production of Pagliacci was made on May 21, 1892, at the Teatro dal Verme,
Milan. Its success was overwhelming, and the name of Leoncavallo was heard throughout
the world. His fame led to the production, in 1893, of the first section of the great trilogy,
Medici ; but it •was not well received. Other operas by Leoncavallo which have been pro-
duced with more or less success are: Chatterton (produced 1896); Boheme (1897); Zaza
(1900); and finally Roland, written at the request of the German Emperor (1904). He has
written also a symphonic poem, Serafila ; a ballet (La Vita d'una Marionella) and several
comic operas.
But it is Pagliacci which will keep the name of Leoncavallo remembered. Its master-
fully constructed libretto ; its compelling and moving story ; the orchestration, written with
extraordinary skill; and finally, its moving and intensely dramatic plot, which always holds
an audience in rapt attention.
It is indeed a matter for congratulation that the Victor is able to offer such a fine pro-
duction of this master work.
LEONCAVALLO
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Victor Company takes pleasure in announcing Leoncavallo's famous two-act musical
drama, recorded especially for the Victor under the personal direction of the composer.
The records in the series were made in the presence of Signor Leoncavallo, and the music
conducted by him, a feature which should make this collection ever valuable and unique.
Any question arising in future concerning the composer's intentions in regard to the opera
may be decided by reference to this performance as he himself conducted it. This advan-
tage would have been priceless with regard to many well-known operas of the past, as it
would have settled many controversies. But now, by means of the Victor, the composer's
ideas may be imperishably recorded.
The artists selected by Signor Leoncavallo to interpret his great work are well known
and most competent ones. Mme. Huguet, one of Italy's most beloved prima donne, has a
voice of ample range and power, and sings the music of Nedda most beautifully. Cigada's
Tonio is a remarkable performance, the richness and beauty of his voice being especially
noticeable in the Prologue and the duet with Nedda. As Canio a choice of tenors is offered,
t u- more delicate voice of Barbaini being contrasted with the splendid fire and intensity of
F'aoli's singing. Badini as Silvio is fully adequate, -while the smaller parts are well filled.
Nothing need be said about the orchestra and chorus of La Scala, as their reputation is
\vorld wide.
Leoncavallo's beautiful opera is admirably suited for reproduction on the Victor, and
while listening to the singing of the artists who have rendered these dramatic scenes, no
great imagination is required to picture the various situations.
In addition to the La Scala series, which was made under the composer's direction,
i iany other Pagliacci records are listed in their proper places.
THE ARGUMENT
During the orchestral introduction Tonio, in his clown costume, suddenly appears in
front of the curtain and begs permission to revive the ancient Greek prologue. He then
tomes forward as Prologue and explains that the subject of the play is taken from real life;
reminds the audience that actors are but men, with passions like their own, and that the
author has endeavored to express the real feelings and sentiments of the characters he will
i itroduce. He then orders up the curtain.
The first act shows the entrance to an Italian village. Canio and his troupe of strolling
I layers, or pagliacci, having paraded through the village, return to their traveling theatre.
I allowed by a noisy crowd of villagers. Canio announces a performance for that evening at
s:ven, then goes with Peppe into the tavern. Tonio, the clown, remains behind ostensibly
t > care for the donkey, but takes advantage of his master's absence to make love to Nedda,
Canto's wife. She repulses him scornfully, striking him with her whip, and he swears to be
i svenged. Silvio, a rich young villager, in love with Nedda, now joins her and begs her to
t:y with him. She refuses, but admits that she loves him, her confession being overheard by
Tonio, who hurries in search of his master. Canio returns too late to see Silvio, but hears
. '.Wi/u 'a parting words, " Forever I am thine 1 " Mad with jealousy, he demands the lover's
name, and when Nedda refuses, tries to kill her, but is restrained by the others. Nedda
yoca to dress and Canio is in despair at the thought of being obliged to play while his heart
i i breaking.
Act II : The curtain rises on the same scene and the play is about to begin. This
f roves to be the usual farce in which the Clown makes love to Columbine during the
absence of her husband, Punchinello, but is laughed at and resigns his pretensions, finally con-
s:nting to act as a lookout while Columbine and her accepted lover. Harlequin, dine together.
Strangely enough, this conventional farce is very like the situation in the real lives of
tie players, and when Punchinello (Canio) arrives and surprises the lovers, as the play
demands, he loses his head when he hears Columbine repeat in the farce the very words
re overheard her say to her real lover earlier in the day. Mad with rage, he again demands
her lover's name. Nedda tries to save the situation by continuing the play, while the
audience is delighted by such realistic acting until the intensity of Canio 's passion begins to
terrify them. The other players endeavor to silence him, but in vain. Finally, stung by his
t.mnts, Nedda defies him and is stabbed. Canio hoping that in her death agony she will reveal
t ic name of her lover. She falls, calling upon Silvio, who rushes from the crowd only to
riceive in turn the dagger of the outraged husband. As Canro is disarmed by t'.ie peasants
he cries as if in a dream. "La commcJia e finita" — (The comedy is ended).
253
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
ARRIVAL Of THE PLAYERS — ACT 1
(Italian)
I PAGLIACCI
(EtP,
(Engluh)
THE PLAYERS
(French)
PAILLASSE
(German)
DIE BAJAZZI
(Dto«flaAW-*0
DRAMATIC OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Libretto and music by Ruggiero Leoncavallo. First performed at the Teatro dal Verme,
Milan, on May 21, 1892; in London. May 19. 1893. First New York production June 15. 1894.
with Kronold, Montegriffo and Campanari. Some famous casts of recent years at the Metro-
politan and Manhattan opera : Caruso, Farrar, Stracciari — Alvarez, Scheff, Scotti — Farrar.
Bars, Scotti — Cavalirri. Rousseliere, Scotti — Deveyne, Martin, Campanari — Donalda, Basnt,
Sammarco. etc.
Soprano
Character* in the Drama
NEDDA (/W^A* (in the play "Columbine"), a strolling player,
wife of CANIO
CANIO (KaA'-nee-oA) (in the play "Pagiiacdo " [Punchinello]),
master of the troupe Tenor
TONIO ( roA'-n«.oA> (in the play "Taddeo"). the clown Baritone
PEPPE (Pct>'.pag) (in the play "Harlequin") Tenor
SILVIO. (S/r^w-oA) a villager Baritone
Villagers and Peasants
The scene it laid in Calabria, near Montallo, on the Feast of the Assumption.
Period, between 1865 and 1870.
254
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA -LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
( In Italian)
88326
12-inch,
$3.OO
{In Italian)
88029
12-inch.
3.0O
In Italian)
81021
lO-inch.
2.OO
(In Italian)
88176
12-inch.
3.0O
(In English)
*16157
lO-inch.
.75
(In EnglL'h)
*35002
12-inch.
1.25
31352
12-inch,
1.00
*35158
12-inch,
1.25
12-inch, $1.25
THE PROLOGUE
Leoncavallo chose a novel way to introduce his characters, and wrote this number in the
midst of the orchestral prelude, when Tonio comes forward, like the prologue of ancient
Gieek tragedy, and explains that the subject of the play is taken from real life, and that the
composer has devoted himself to expressing the sentiment, good or bad, but always human,
of the characters he introduces.
Prologo (Prologue)
By Pasquale Amato. Baritone
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone
By Emilio de Gogorza. Baritone
By Alan Turner. Baritone
By Alan Turner. Baritone
By Pryor's Band
By Pryor's Band
PfologO (Prologue) (Complete in two parts)
i a) Part I Si puo ? (A Word)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian
(b) Part II— Un nido di memorie (A Song of Tender !*351 71
Memories)
H By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian \
The first part of the Prologue is in itself a miniature overture, containing the three repre-
sentative themes associated with the main events of the drama to be unfolded.
The first is the motive which r^.— i^— u.=»i * _„ k» V
always accompanies the appearance |
of the players or pagliacci :
The second theme represents
Canio 's jealousy and is a sombre i
strain suggestive of revenge :
The third repre- c^j
ssnts the guilty love j 0 _ t
of Nedda and Silvio: 1ft 3 ££
and appears f re- t> —
c| icntly throughout the opera, not only in the love duet, but in the last act, when Nedda
refuses to betray her lover even with death awaiting her.
The presentation of these themes is followed by the appearance of Tonio, the clown,
w Ho peeps through the curtain and says :
and (.-cntlemen!
Ion me if alone I appear.
I am the Proln
He then comes in front of the curtain and explains the author's purpose, which is to
pi esent a drama from real life, showing that the actors have genuine tragedies as well as
mimic ones.
Our author loves the custom of a prologue to
his st.iiy,
And as he would revive for you the ancient
glory,
He sends me to speak before ye!
Hut not to prate, as once of old.
That the tears of the actor are false, unreal,
He then goes on to speak of the author's inspiration, and says :
•i; of tender metn'ries
Peep in his Itst'niiiR heart ->ne day was ringing;
Anil then with a trembling hand he wrote it,
And he marked the time with sivhs and tears.
Come, then:
Here on the stage you shall behold us in human fashion.
Ami • d passion
lli-art* that weep and languish, cries of rage and anguish.
And bitter laughu i !
* Double-FaceJ RecorJ—For {ilk of opposite jiJe tee DOUBLE-FACED PAGLIACCI RECORDS, page 265.
255
i.'&^vi^
That hi« siiihs and the pain that i- told.
lie has IKI 1
No! our author tn-night a chapter will borrow
From life with its laughter and Ml
Is not the ai tor a man with a heart like you?
So 'tis for men that our author has written.
And the story he tells you is true!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
The beautiful andante which follows is the most admired portion of the aria, and is
indeed a noble strain.
Ah. think then, tweet people, when ye look on u»,
Clail in our motlc) anr tinsel.
For ours are human hearts, beating with passion.
We are but men like you. for gladness or sorrow,
Tis the same broad Heaven above us.
The same wide, lonely world before us!
Will ye hear, then, the story,
As it unfolds itself surely and certain!
Come, then! Ring up the curtain!
The curtain now rises, as the pagliacci motive reappears in the orchestra.
Opening Chorus— " Son qua!" (They're Here!)
By La Seal* Chorus (Doubk-foceJ— See por< 265) (In Italian) 16814 lO-inch.tO.75
The first scene, representing the edge of a small village
in Calabria, is now revealed to the audience. The people
engaged in celebrating
are engaged in
^^^ the Feast of the Assumption,
^r ^^^^ y^jt 9 *n<^ among the attractions of-
^ J^^ ' ' fered to the crowds who have
m Js^K ^J flocked to the village is the
troupe of strolling players head-
ed by Canto. These wandering
mountebanks are common in
the rural districts of Italy and are
known as pagliacci. They take
with them a small tent (usually
carried in a cart drawn by a
donkey), which they set up in
the market places of the small
villages, or anywhere that they
see a prospect for the earning
of a modest living.
A number of the towns-
people have assembled in front
of the little theatre and are
awaiting the return of the
clowns, who have been parad-
ing through the village to
announce their arrival, as is the custom. As the curtain rises,
the sound cf a drum and trumpet is heard from a distance, and the villagers are full of
joy at the prospect of a comedy performance. They express their excitement in a vigorous
opening chorus. This is a clever bit of writing, but so difficult that it is seldom well given.
The famous chorus of La Scala. however, under the hfAJESEgifc , ^T • f f Ll i ml
leadership of Maestro Sabaino, have given this stirring *y— r — *- *'» * < l» t * *™_ *^
.... | -T-i • r» • L §••«•• •••«»«•• • f> * «• »»#i» • ••
number in splendid style. 1 his on-recurring phrase: LM« M. S w». •>*•»... * •" »»**••»:
which is presented with many odd modulations, produces a peculiar and novel effect.
SAMMAKCO AS TOMIO
Bors: Hi! They're here!
They're coming back!
Fagliaccio's there
The grown-up folks and boys
All follow after!
Their jokes and laughter
They all applaud.
WOMEN: See, there's the wagon!
My. what a fiendish din!
The Lord have mercy on us!
ALL: Welcome Papliaccio;
Long life to him.
The prince of all pagliaccio*.
Vnti drive our cares away
With fun and laughter!
The little troupe has now come into view and the noise is redoubled. Canto appears at
the head of his company, his wife, Nedda, riding in the cart drawn by a donkey, while
Tom'o and Prop* make hideous noises on the bass drum and cracked trumpet, which con-
stitute the orchestra of the players. Canto is dressed in the traditional garb of the clown,
his face smeared with flour and his cheeks adorned with patches of red. He tries to
M
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
« ddress the crowd, but the noise is tremendous.
'OHIO beats the drum furiously to silence the
voices, but it is not until Canio has raised his
hand to command attention that he is allowed
to speak.
Un grande spettacolo! (A
Wond'rous Performance !)
By Antonio Paoli. Tenor: Fran-
cesco Cigada. Baritone : Gaetano
Pmi-Corsi. Tenor: and Sig.
Rosci. Baritone
(In Italian) 92O09 12-inch. $3.00
He begins to address the peasants in this
fashion :
CANIO:
A wondrous performance
I say will be given,
By your humble servants
This evening at seven.
The wrath of Pagliaccio
\Vi!l there be presented —
What vengeance he took,
And the trap he invented!
You'll witness tin- carcass of Tonio tremble,
And see him dissemble and pile up the plot!
So honor us by coming this even;
Come all, then, at seven :
The crowd boisterously express their joy
it the prospect of an evening's entertainment.
Canio now turns to assist Nedda to alight from
the cart, but finds Tonio, the Fool, there before him. Giving him
on the ear, he bids him be off, and Tonio slinks away muttering,
boys in the crowd jeer him, saying:
Does that suit you, Mr.
ARRIVAL OF THE PLAYERS
cuff
The
Lover?
He goes grumbling into
Tonio threatens the boys, who run away,
the theatre, saying, aside :
He'll pay for this ere it's over!
One of the peasants invites the players to the wine shop for a
friendly glass. They accept, and Canio calls to Tonio to join them, but
he replies from within : " I'm rubbing down the donkey," which causes
a villager to remark, jestingly :
A PEASANT: Careful, Pagliaccio!
He only stays behind there
For making love to Nedda!
/ Canio smiles, but knits his brow and is
evidently impressed by the thought.
CANIO: Eh! What?
You think so?
(He becomes serious, and signing to the peasants
to come round him, he begins to address them.)
HARLEQUIN
Un tal gioco (Such a Game !)
By Antonio Paoli and La Scala Chorus
By Nicola Zerola. Tenor
(In Italian)
> In Italian)
9201O
64206
12-inch. $3.OO
10-inch. 1.00
The first trace of Canio' s jealous nature is now shown, as he takes with apparent
seriousness the idle joke of the peasant, and begins to warn the spectators as follows:
257
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
CAN 10 : Such a game. I'd have you know.
Twcrc better not to play, my neighbors!
To Tonio. aye. to you all I say it!
For the stage there and life, they are different altogether!
If up there, (pointing to the theatre)
Pagliaccio his lady should discover
With some fine fellow in her room.
He'd give the two a rating
And take a jolly beating!
(With a sudden change of tone)
or resign himself.
Hut if Nedda I really should surprise so.
What came after were a far different story!
Nedda, who is listening, is surprised and says aside : " What does he mean ?" The
villagers, rather puzzled at his earnestness, ask him if he is serious. With an effort he rouses
himself from his gloomy mood and says lightly :
Not I — I love my wife most dearly!
(He approaches Nedda and kisses her on the forehead. )
1 he sound of bagpipes (oboe) is heard in the
distance, telling of the merrymaking in the village,
and the church bells begin to toll the call to vespers.
1 he people commence to disperse, and Canto again
repeats his melodious strain of invitation:
r
LIT
FARRAI AS NEODA
M* H n »» «• . i. «• *«••••*• r"r . . . HI
«M i— . r— «• ••». • •"•«•! IMfM-Ult « «•••«!
(He goes with seoc.ral peasants into the inn.)
Coro della campane (Chorus of the
Bells)
By La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *35172 12-inch. $1.25
This is the famous Bell Chorus, or " Ding Dong "
Chorus, one of the most remarkable numbers in the
opera. It is sung with spirit, and the chiming bells are
introduced in a most effective manner. The people go
off singing and the measures die away in the distance.
Ballatella, "Che volo d'antfelli!" (Ye
Birds 'Without Number!)
By Alma Cluck. Soprano (In Italian) 74238 12-inch. »1.3(>
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) *35172 12-inch. 1.25
Nedda. left alone, is troubled by her remembrance of Canio's manner and wonders
if he suspects her. She speaks of the fierce look he had given her, and says :
I dropt my eyes, fearful lest he should have read there
What I was secretly thinking.
But shaking off her depression, she becomes once more alive to the brightness of the
day, which fills her with a strange delight. A gay tremolo in the strings announces the
theme of the birds, and Nedda speaks of her mother, whom she said could understand their
language. NEDDA: Ah. ye birds without number!
What countless voices!
What a*k ye? Who knows?
My mother. »hr that was skillful at telling one's fortune,
Understood what they're singinr.
And in my childhoofl, thus would she sing me.
Then follows the brilliant Balatella or Bird Song, beginning :
258
VICTOtt BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
It is a most beautiful number with an exquisite accompaniment, mainly of strings.
Mme. Cluck gives it here in delightful fashion, singing with dazzling brilliancy, while a very
me rendition by Mme. Huguet is offered as part of a double-faced record.
So ben che deforme (I Know That You
Hate Me)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Fran-
cesco Cigada. Baritone
(In Italian) *35173 12-inch, $1.25
At the close of her song Nedda finds that the hideous
Tonio has been listening, and now seeing the handsome
Columbine alone, begins to make love to her; but she
scornfully orders him away. He persists, but his protesta-
tions are greeted with mocking laughter, and Nedda says
insolently:
NKDIJA:
Tlu-ri-'s tinif. if vim likf,
Once more to tell im- this evening
When you will be acting the fool!
CLUCK AS NEDDA
TONIO:
You mock me? Wretched creature!
By the cross of the Savior
You shall pay for this, and dearly!
Just now, it is painful.
In a furious rage, Tonio swears she rr.uct listen to him
and cries:
NCDDA:
Conic, or I'll be calling Canio!
you !
\rd her.)
12-inch, $1.25
TONIO (screaming) :
NFDOA (watching him):
NF.DDA:
A threat, t-h?
I'.ut not until I'vi I
(Rushing
Nulla scordai ! (Naught I Forget !)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Francesco Cigada, and Ernesto Badini
(Doubled with above duet) (In Italian) *35 1 73
Tonio, driven almost to madness by Nedda's scorn and ridicule,
seizes and tries to kiss her. She strikes him across the face with her
whip, crying:
Oh. you would, you cur!
I'.y tin III, •--,•«! Virgin of Assumption,
Nedda. I swear it,
You -hall pay me for it! (Rushes off.)
Scorpion! at last you've shown your nature!
Tonio. the clown.
The heart of you is just as crooked as your body!
The young villager, Silvio, whom Nedda has secretly met on
previous visits to the town, now jumps over the wall. Nedda,
alarmed, cries : SILVIO
NFDDA: Silvio! In the daytime? What folly!
SILVIO (smiling): I fancy it's no great risk I'm taking!
Canio I spied from afar with Pcppe yonder.
Ay! at the tavern I saw them!
She tells him of Tonio's behavior and bids him beware, as the clown is to be feared.
Her lover cheers her and laughs at her fears, and they sing the beautiful love duet, in
which Silvio urges her to fly with him ; but she is afraid and begs him not to tempt her.
He persists, and reproaches her for her coldness, until finally in a passion of abandon-
ment she yields, singing the beautiful passage which begins the record :
Then together they aing the lovely duet :
mnu (O uu*,m*i*u*t)
BOTH:
NEDOA:
All. all forgot!
Look into my eyes, love,
All is forgotten!
Then kiss me. dear!
kit •— — T> • - •• • rm
SILVIO; Thon'lt come?
NEDDA (passionately ) :
kiss me once more!
BOTH: I love thee!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
The lovers, who have cast aside all prudence and see only
each other, fail to observe Canio, who has been warned by Tonio
and has hurried from the tavern.
TONIO (holding Canio back) : Now just step softly.
And you will catch them now!
SILVIO (disappearing over the wall):
To-night at midnight,
I'll be there below!
NEDDA: 'Till to-night then.
And forever I'll be thine!
(She sees Canio and giocs a cry of fear. ) Ah I
Aitalo Signer! (May Heaven Protect Him!)
By Antonio Paoli Tenor; Giuseppina Huguet,
Soprano; Francesco Cigada, Baritone ; Gaetano
Pini-Corsi. Tenor (In Italian) 92O11 12-inch, I3.0O
Canio, who has not seen Silvio, but has heard Nedda's part-
ing words, now rushes toward the wall. Nedda bars his way.
The record begins with the melodramic music written by Leonca-
vallo for this exciting struggle, during which Canio pushes her
aside and runs in pursuit of Silvio.
SILVIO AND NEDDA
NEDDA (listening anxiously) :
CANIO (from behind):
TONIO (laughing cynically):
NEDDA (turning to Tonio with loathing) :
TONIO (with fiendish satisfaction) :
May Heaven protect him now!
Scoundrel! Where hidest thou?
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Bravo! Well done, Tonio!
All that I C9uld do!
But I hope in the future to do better!
Canio re-enters, out of breath and com-
pletely exhausted. As he turns to Nedda with Q tZEZHLJ~ 4> ^
suppressed rage we hear again in the accom- lq> 4 J pJ~jlJ ftJ I J*n!n /Ja3J!
paniment that dismal theme of revenge :
which throughout the opera always accompanies the scenes of Canio 's jealousy and passion.
CANIO:
No one!
That shows how well he knows that path.
But no matter!
(Furiously) :
Because right now you'll tell me his name!
NEDDA (indifferently) :
Me?
CANIO (in frensy) :
You ! By God in Heaven !
And if up to this moment I have not cut your throat,
'Tis because I'd have you name him !
Speak now!
Nedda proudly refuses. Filled -with joy because of
S'lvio's escape, she cares not what may be her own fate.
Canio, beside himself, rushes on her with the knife, but
Peppc holds him back and takes away his weapon. Tonio
comes to Peppe 's assistance, saying :
Restrain yourself, good master,
'Tis best to sham awhile.
The fellow will come back,
You take my word for it!
They finally persuade him to restrain himself, and
beg him to make ready for the play, as the audience is
already assembling. Nedda goes into the theatre and Canio
remains alone, his head bowed with shame and baffled
revenge in his soul.
CABUSO SINGING "VESTI LA GIUBBA*'
Vesti la giubba (On With the Play)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor
By Carlo Albani. Tenor
By Nicola Zerola. Tenor
88061
74097
64169
12-inch, $3.OO
12-inch, 1.5O
10-inch, l.OO
260
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
We now come to the most famous of the numbers in
Leoncavallo's opera, the great Lament of Pagliaccio. Its heart-
breaking pathos never fails to touch the listener, -when sung by
such artists as the Victor offers.
The unhappy Canio, left alone after the exciting scene with
Nedda, wrings his hands and cries :
Yet I must force myselfJ
I am not a man,
I'm but a Pagliaccio!
CANIO:
To play! When my head's whirl-
ing with madness,
Not knowing what I'm saying or
what I'm doing!
The great aria now follows, in -which the unfortunate Pagliaccio
describes how he must paint his face and make merry for the public
while his heart is torn with jealousy.
CANIO:
The people pay you, and they must have
their fun!
If Harlequin your Columbine takes from
you.
Laugh loud, Pagliaccio!
And all will shout, well done!
Laugh, Pagliaccio, for the love that is- ended!
(Sobbing): CANI°
Laugh for the pain that is gnawing your
heart !
(He mooes slowly toward the theatre, weeping; he stops at the entrance and hesitates. Seized
by a new fit of sobbing, he buries his face in his hands ; then as the curtain slowly falls, rushes
into the tent. )
Caruso's Canio is still the great feature of Pagliacci, and his magnificent singing of this
famous lament cannot be described — it must be heard. In all that this artist has done there
is no piece of dramatic singing to equal in emotional force his delivery of the reproaches of the
clown, which he pours out not only on his faithless wife, but on himself and the occupation
that bids him be merry when his heart is breaking. Sometimes Caruso's voice merely delights
the ear — here he searches the heart ; and is not merely the greatest of tenors, but is the clown
himself, full of the most tragic emotion.
ACT II
SCENE — Same as Act I
La Commedia (The Play) Part I, S ere n at a cTAr-
lecchino (Harlequin's Serenade)
By Giuseppina Huguet and Gaetano Pini-Corsi.
(Double-faced— See page 265) (In Italian) 35174 12-inch, $1.25
Passing over the preparations for the play and the quarreling
chorus of the peasants as they fight for the best seats, which is not
interesting without the action, we come to the commencement of the
comedy. The curtain is drawn aside, disclosing a small room with
two side doors and a window at the back. Nedda as Columbine is
discovered walking about anxiously. The tripping minuet movement
•which runs throughout the
action of the comedy now
begins.
Columbine rises and looks out of the window, saying:
Papliaccio, my husband, till late this evening
Will not be at home.
The sound of a guitar, cleverly imitated by the violins, pizzicato,
causes Columbine to utter a cry of joy, and the voice of Harlequin
is heard out- H^wm* (p^ppe. betim «*»)
NEDDA AS COLUMBINE
side in the FJ>=
Serenade.be- i^
CTT
ginning:
in which he extravagantly rhapsodizes his sweetheart.
261
Co -ton. M- nvil to - ae • .o 1 • d> Af-lee - <fcb
CM • DB-bUM, joor B« • U • qoin » lura wUk JOB,
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
La Commedia (The Play) Part II, E dessa ! (Behold Her !)
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano: Francesco Cigada. Baritone: and
Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor (In Italian) *35174 12-inch, $1.25
Tonio as Taddeo, with his basket, now peeps through the
door and says
exaggerated ly,
with a comical t^SE'r 1^*^^
cadenza :
The audience laughs in delight as Tonio tries to express his love
by a long exaggerated sigh. Columbine tries to suppress him by
inquiring about the chicken he had been sent for, but Tonio kneels,
and holding up the fowl says :
See, we are both before thee kneeling!
His pretensions are cut short by Harlequin, who enters and leads
him out by the ear. As he goes he gives the lovers a mock benediction,
singing:
Then I my claim surrender. Bless you, my children!
This scene is most cleverly done and the three records depicting
the little farce are among the most enjoyable of the series.
Versa il filtro nella tazza sua! (Pour the Potion
in His W^ine, Love !)
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor: Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano:
AMATO AS TONIO Francesco Cigada. Baritone : and Gaetano Pini-
Corsi, Tenor (In Italian) 91O73 lO-inch, $2.OO
By Augusto Barbaini. Tenor; Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano; Francesco
Cigada. Baritone: and Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor
(Double-faced — See page 265) (In Italian) 35175 12-inch, 1.25
The lovers now partake of their feast and make merry together. Harlequin takes from
his pocket a little vial, which he gives to Columbine, saying :
HARLEQUIN:
Take this little sleeping draught,
'Tis for Pagliaccio!
Give it him at bedtime.
And then away we'll fly.
COLUMBINE (eagerly):
Yes, give me!
Upon the scene suddenly bursts Tonio, in mock alarm crying :
TONIO (bau-ling loudly) :
lie careful! Pagliaccio is here!
Trembling all over, he seeks for weapons!
He has caught you, and I shall fly to cover!
The lovers simulate the greatest alarm, at -which the excited audience is highly pleased,
and applaud lustily. Harlequin leaps from the window, and Nedda continues the scene by
repeating C-olumbine's next lines, which by a strange chance are the very words she
had spoken to SSfffSttr , ._
Siloio earlier in |f t * < >r~> I *» r ' rjE?V r r r \ * *r p f i»'"'g
the day : * •. - »M - M E ^ •*•*-*• *••*•*>
TUl to • n«M, tk»! A«d la n . m I stall b. tfclnl
Can'.o, dressed as Punchinello, now enters from the door on the right.
CANIO (u-ith suppressed rage):
Hell and damnation!
And the very same words, too!
(Recovering himself) :
liut, courage!
(Taking up his part):
You had a man with you !
COLUMBINE (lightly):
What nonsense! You are tipsy!
PAGLIACCIO (restraining himself u'ith difficulty) :
Ah. if tiiou wast alone here
Why these places for two?
COLUMBINE:
Taddeo was supping with me. _
He's there — you scared him into hiding!
TADDEO (from within) :
Believe her, sir! She is faithful!
(Sneering) :
Ah, they could never lie, those lips so truthful!
262
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
The audience laughs loudly, which enrages the unhappy man, and forgetting his part
he turns to Nedda and fiercely demands the name of her lover :
CANIO: Woman, 'tis thy lovi-r's name I want,
The wretched scoundrel from whose arms thou comest!
Oh, shameless woman!
NEDDA (faintly, much alarmed): Pagliaccio! Pagliaccio!
No, Pagliaccio non son !
(No, Punchinello No
More !)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(Italian) 88279 12-inch, $3.0O
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor
(Italian) 92O12 12-inch, 3.0O
By Nicola Zerola, Tenor
(Italian) 74247 12-inch, 1.5O
By Augusto Barbaini, Tenor
(Italian) *35175 12-inch, 1.25
Throwing off entirely the mask
of the player, Canio becomes again
the jealous husband, and sings this
great aria, which is second only to
the Vesti la giubba in dramatic power.
CANIO:
No, Pagliaccio, I'm not!
If my face be white,
'Tis shame that pales it
And vengeance twists my fea-
tures!
******
I am that foolish man
Who in poverty found and
tried to save thee!
He gave a name to thee,
A burning love that was mad-
ness!
(Falls in a chair, over-
whelmed.)
The people, while a little puz-
zled by such intensity, loudly ap-
plaud what they think is a piece of
superb acting.
CANIO (recovering himself): All my life to thee I sacrificed with gladness!
Full of hope and believing far less in God than thee!
Go! Thou'rt not worth my grief,
O thou abandoned creature!
And now, with my contempt,
I'll crush thee under heel!
Caruso's rendering of this great scene is a magnificent one. The opening passage is
delivered -with tremendous power, as Canio pleads his defense, saying that he is no
longer a player, but a man, and protests as a man against the wrong inflicted upon him.
His passion gives place to a softer strain as he speaks of his love for Nedda, his faith-
fulness and his sacrifices for her. At the close is the intense climax, with its splen-
did high B flat. Other fine renditions of the air are by Paoli, Zerola and Barbaini.
COLUMBINE AND HARLEQUIN AT SUPPER
Finale
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor; Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Francesco
Cigada, Baritone; Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Ernesto Badini,
Tenor; and Chorus (In Italian) 92O13 12-inch. $3.OO
263
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
THE PLAY — ACT II
The close of Canio 's great
air, " No, Pagliaccio No More ! "
is greeted with loud cries of
" bravo" from the excited au-
dience.
Nedda is now thoroughly
alarmed, but courageously
faces her husband with out-
ward calm.
NEDDA (coldly but seriously) :
'Tis well!
If thou think'st me vile,
Send me off, then,
Before this moment's over!
CANIO (laughing loudly):
Ha! Ha!
Oh, nothing better would'st
thou ask.
Than to be let run to meet
thy lover!
No! by Heaven, for here thou
stayest.
Until thy paramour's vile
name thou sayest!
Nedda, in desperation,
tries to continue the play, and
as the little gavotte movement
is resumed in the accompani-
ment, she sings:
NEDDA: Oh dear, I never knew that you
Were such a fearful man, sir!
There's nothing tragic for you here.
Come now, Taddeo, answer!
The crowd begins to laugh, but is checked by Canio's appearance, which is alarming.
CANIO (violently): Ah, you defy me!
You'll name him, or else I'll kill you!
(Shouting): Who was it?
NEDDA (throwing off her mask defiantly):
No, by my mother,
I'm faithless, or whatever you choose to call me;
(Proudly): But cowardly, no, never!
I will not speak!
No, not even if you kill me.
As she sings we hear triumphantly appearing above her
voice the CT?*"""" '""'^""i .
love motive: , a » •», ^~r*8«.iJ> 4. . , »!>l^" V -iHTfr ». .
•' •• ff^PC I t* I ~] i li^y yf I
p-=— I
telling of her passion for Silvio, which is to endure even unto death.
Canio now rushes toward her, but is restrained by Tonio and Peppe.
Nedda tries to escape, but Canio breaks away and stabs her, crying :
CANIO: Take that!
Perhaps in death's last agony,
You will speak!
Nedda falls, and with a last faint effort calls:
"Oh, help me, Silvio."
Siloio, who has drawn his dagger, rushes to her, when Canio cries :
Ah, 'twas you! 'Tis well! (Stabs him.)
CANIO (as if stupefied, letting fall his knife) :
The comedy is ended!
Then once more is heard the tragic motive of jealousy and death, now thundered out
by the orchestra as if rejoicing at its final triumph.
Curtain.
264
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LEONCAVALLO'S PAGLIACCI
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS PAGLIACCI RECORDS
(In Italian)
[Prologue, Part I — Si puo
By Francesco Cigada. Baritone
[Prologue, Part II — Un nido di memorie
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian)
(Prologue By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English) \
\ Come into the Garden, Maud By Harold Janis, Tenor)
fPrologue By Pryor's Band! „,, 1 ,_
\ Flying Dutchman Fantasia By Pryor's Band)
Coro della campane By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) I
Che volo d'angelli [35 1 72
By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano (In Italian)}
So ben che deforme By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, i
and Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) I
Nulla scordai ! By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Francesco |
Cigada, Baritone; Ernesto Badini, Tenor (In Italian)]
La Commedia — Part I By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano,
and Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor (In Italian)
La Commedia — Part II By Giuseppina Huguet. Soprano;
Francesco Cigada, Baritone ; Gaetano Pini-Corsi, Tenor
(In Italian)
Versa il filtro nella tazza sua ! By Augusto Barbaini,
Tenor; Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; Francesco Cigada,
Baritone ; Gaetano Pini-Corsi,Tenor (In Italian)
No, Pagliaccio non son!
By Augusto Barbaini, Tenor (In Italian)
Pagliacci Selection By Pryor's Band 31799
f Prologue By Alan Turner. Baritone (In English) \ . , 1 , _
\ Brown Eyes By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English))
Opening Chorus, "Son qua"
By La Scala Chorus
Trovatore — Per me ora fatale
By Ernesto Caronna, Baritone, and Chorus
35171 12-inch, 1 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch. 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
35173 12-inch, 1.25
35174 12-inch, 1.25
35175 12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, l.OO
lO-inch, .75
(In Italian) |168U
(In Italian}]
lO-inch, .75
LE THEATRE
THE COMEDY is ENDED!
265
(Italian) (English)
PESCATORI DI PERLE PEARL FISHERS
(Pet-kah-toh' -ret Jee Pair-laay)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Carre and Cormon. Music by Georges Bizet. First production at the Theatre
Lyrique, Paris, September 29, 1863. First London production, entitled "Leila," at Covent
Garden, April 22, 1887; and as Pescafori di Perle, May 18, 1889. First New York production
January 1 1, 18%.
Characters
LEILA, a priestess Soprano
NADIR, a pearl fisher Tenor
ZURGA, a chief Baritone
NOURABAD, high priest Bass
Priests, Priestesses, Pearl Fishers, Women, etc.
Scene and Period : Ceylon ; barbaric period.
Les Pecheurs de Perles, one of Bizet's earlier operas and the first one to achieve success,
is a work dealing with an Oriental subject, and contains much music of charm and original-
ity, showing traces of that dramatic force which reached its full development in Carmen.
The character of the music, less passionate and highly colored than Carmen, is yet equally
original and of even more striking beauty.
The story tells of the love of two Cingalese pearl fishers for the priestess Leila, and of
the generosity of the unsuccessful rival, who helps the lovers to escape at the cost of his
own life.
THE PRELUDE
The prelude is a most beautiful number, and considered one of the finest of Bizet's
instrumental -writings.
Preludio (Prelude)
By La Scala Orchestra *621OO lO-inch. $O.75
ACT I
SCENE — The Coast of Ceylon
The rise of the curtain discloses a company of Cingalese pearl fishers, who, after
choosing one of their number, Zurga, to be their chief, are enjoying themselves with games
and dances. Nadir appears and Zurga recognizes him as a friend of his youth. They
greet each other and speak of the days when they were rivals for the hand of a beautiful
woman. Nadir, beginning the duet, recalls the moment when the friends first beheld
the lovely Leila.
Del tempio al limitar (In the Depths of the Temple)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor, and Mario Ancona, Baritone
(In Italian) 89OO7 12-inch, $4.OO
By Giorgini and Federici (In Italian) 88319 12-inch, 3.OO
By John McCormack and G. Mario Sammarco (Italian) 87082 lO-inch, 2.OO
By Giuseppe Acerbi and Renzo Minolfi (In Italian) *68O63 12-inch, 1.25
In an impressive strain he describes the scene within the Temple of Brahma :
NADIR: Lifts her veil, revealing
In the depths of the temple A face that haunts me still
A lovely form we beheld, With its beauty ethereal!
That form I still can seel NADIR-
£V»CA: jjut now j^j. vej| sjle <jrops
Twas a vision of beauty! And passing through the wandering crowd
T^R:t, i- • u j She disappears.
The kneeling worshipers astonished Now a s{,!anpe emotion overpowers me,
Now murmur. The goddess comes! j fear to touch thy hand
ZURGA:
She descends from the altar ZUPGA:
And, moving near to us A fatal love both our souls possess.
*Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED PEARL FISHERS RECORDS, page 268.
266
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— BI ZET'S PEARL FISHERS
They speak of their sudden realization of the fact that they had both fallen in love at
sight with the priestess, and fearing their friendship was in danger, they swore never to see
her again. The comrades, now pronouncing themselves entirely cured of their infatuation,
pledge anew their friendship and swear to be brothers to the end.
A fisherman now enters and announces the arrival of the mysterious veiled lady who
comes once a year to pray for the success of the fisheries, and whom the Ceylonese have
adopted as their guardian saint. She enters and begins her prayer. Nadir recognizes her
voice and realizes that it is the priestess Leila. The pearl fishers sing a chorus of appeal to
Brahma for a blessing, in which Leila joins.
Brahma gran Dio (Divine Brahma !)
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *68O62 12-inch, $1.25
This is a most impressive record, the lovely voice of Mme. Brambilla showing to great
advantage above the choral background.
Leila goes into the temple and the people disperse. Nadir, left alone, is agitated by his
discovery, realizing that he still loves the maiden. He recalls the memories of his first sight
of her in a lovely song.
Mi par d'udir ancora (I Hear as in a Dream)
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor (In Italian) 74O67 12-inch, $1.50
Leila reappears and the act closes with her prayer to Brahma for the good fortune of the
fishermen. Just as the curtain falls she recognizes Nadir, and contrives to let him know
that she loves him.
ACT II
SCENE— A Ruined Temple
As the curtain rises Leila and Nourabad, the high priest, are seen, they having sought
shelter in the ruins of an ancient temple. The high priest, in a fine air, reminds Leila of her
oath to renounce love and marriage and devote herself to the welfare of the people. She
says that she will keep her promise and tells him of a vow she made when a child to a
fugitive who implored her to save his life. Although his pursuers held a dagger to her
breast she refused to betray him and he escaped to safety.
Siccome un di caduto (A Fugitive, One Day)
By Giuseppina Piccoletti, Soprano (In Italian) *68307 12-inch. $1.25
The high priest sternly recites the punishment which will overtake her should she
prove false to her vow. "Shame and death be thy portion !" cries the stern priest. Left
alone, the miserable woman broods over her unhappy plight. Bound by an oath which she
now regrets, and conscious of her love for Nadir, which may mean death for them both, she
sinks down in an agony of despair. Nadir enters and asks her to fly with him, defying
Brahma and the priests. She at first repulses him, but love is finally triumphant and the
lovers rapturously embrace, while a fearful storm rages, unheeded, without the ruins.
This scene is expressed by a splendid duet, two records of which are given here for
a choice.
Non hai compreso un cor fedel (You Have Not Understood)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Fernando de Lucia,
Tenor (In Italian) 92O54 12-inch, $3,00
By Giuseppina Piccoletti, Soprano, and Ivo Zaccari,
Tenor (In Italian) *68062 12-inch, 1.25
The lovers are surprised by Nourabad, and Nadir flees, closely pursued by the priests.
He is captured and brought back, while Zurga is summoned to pronounce sentence on the
guilty lovers. His friendship for Nadir moves him to mercy, and he spares their lives and
bids them fly the country. As they go, however, the high priest tears the veil from Leila,
and when Zurga realizes that it is the woman Nadir has sworn never to see, he is enraged
and sentences them both to death.
*Douole-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED PEARL FISHERS RECORDS, page 268.
267
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— B I ZET'S PEARL FISHERS
ACT III
SCENE I— The Camp of Zurga
Zurga is discovered alone, brooding over the impending death of his friend and the
woman he loves. His mood of despair is interrupted by Leila, -who appears at the entrance
to his tent and asks him to dismiss the guards and speak with her alone. She asks mercy
for Nadir in a dramatic aria.
Temer non so per me (I Fear Not)
By Emilia Corsi, Soprano (In Italian) *63394 lO-inch, $0.75
She proudly refuses to plead for her own life, but begs that he spare the friend whom
he loves. Zurga refuses and summons the guards to conduct her to execution.
SCENE II— The Place of Execution
The scene shows the wild spot where the funeral pile has been erected. Leila and
Nadir are led in, and are about to mount the pyre when a red glow is seen in the sky, and
Zurga enters crying that the camp is on fire, and bids the people fly to save their children
and effects. All run out except Leila, Nadir and Zurga, and the high priest, who, suspecting
a plot, hides to hear what Zurga will say. The latter confesses that he kindled the fire in
order to save the lovers. Unfastening their chains, he bids them escape, while Nourabad
runs to warn the Indians, and Leila and Nadir, beginning the great trio, voice their gratitude.
Terzetto finale — Fascino etereo
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano: Giuseppe Acerbi.Tenor;
Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) *68O63 12-inch, $1.25
The lovers praise the generosity and greatness of Zurga, who for the sake of friendship
has committed an act which may cost him his own life. He bids them fly at once, and they
go as the voices of the enraged Indians are heard returning for vengeance. Nourabad
denounces Zurga for the escape of the victims and for the destruction of the camp, and he
is forced to mount the funeral pyre. As the flames mount about him he cries :
ZURCA:
Farewell, my friend!
Farewell, my Leila!
For thee I give my life!
As Zurga dies a fiery glow reveals that the forest is ablaze, and all prostrate themselves,
fearing the displeasure of Brahma. The curtain falls as the flames envelop the stage.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS PEARL FISHERS SELECTIONS
Del tempio al limitar (In the Depths of the Temple)
By Giuseppe Acerbi and Renzo Minolfi (In Italian)
Terzetto finale — Fascino etereo
By Linda Brambilla. Soprano : Giuseppe Acerbi,
Tenor ; Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian)
(Non hai compreso un cor fedel (You Have Not Under-
stood) By Giuseppina Piccoletti, Soprano, and
Ivo Zaccari. Tenor (In Italian)
68063 12-inch. $1.25
68O62 12-inch, 1.25
Brahma gran Dio (Divine Brahma !) By Lina Brambilla.
Soprano, and La Scala Chorus In Italian)
[Siccome un di (A Fugitive, One Day) 1
By Giuseppina Piccoletti, Soprano (In Italian) V68307 12-inch, 1.25
Hermes — S'io t'amo By Melis and Taccani (In Italian)}
/Pearl Fishers Selection Sousa's Band) „--.„„ •><, ;__t, , 0<
i c^- • M/-L i /c • ji \ r> • D j/35033 12-inch, 1.25
I Spinning Wheel (Spindler) Pryor s Band]
(Preludio (Prelude) By La Scala Orchestral
< Ebrca— Rachele allor che Iddio [621OO 10-inch, .75
By Gino Martinez-Patti, Tenor (In Italian) }
[Temer non so per me (I Fear Not) 1
By Emilia Corsi. Soprano (In Italian) [63394 lO-inch, .75
Jana — Si dannato mono By Taccani (In Italian)}
\
*'Doubk-Faced Records — For title of opposite side see above list.
268
'Italian
(French)
'English)
IL PROFETA LE PROPHETE THE PROPHET
(EelPro-fau'-tah)
(Leh Proh-fauf )
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Text by Scribe. Music by Giacomo Meyerbeer. First presented in Paris, April 16,
1849. First London production July 24, 1849. First New York production November 25,
1854. Revived at the Manhattan Opera in 1909 with d' Alvarez, Lucas and Walter- Villa.
Characters
JOHN OF LEYDEN, (Ly'-den) the Prophet, chosen leader of the Anabaptists . . Tenor
BERTHA, his sweetheart Soprano
FIDES, (Fee'-dayz) mother of John of Leyden Mezzo-Soprano
COUNT OBERTHAL, ruler of the domain about Dordrecht Bass
ZACHARIAH, 1 (Bass
JONAS, >three Anabaptist preachers < Tenor
MATHISEN, J [Bass
Nobles, Citizens, Peasants, Soldiers, Prisoners.
Scene and Period : Holland and Germany ; in 1 543, at the lime of the Anabaptist uprising.
Meyerbeer's great work is certainly entitled to
be called a grand opera, for it is grand to the utmost
in theme, character and scenes ; and with its brilliant
and impressive music, at the time of its production
sixty years ago was a model of its kind, as opera- goers
demanded melodramatic action, tuneful music and
opportunity for ballet ; and all these requirements
are fully met with in Le Prophete.
The plot is based on the Anabaptist fanaticism
of the sixteenth century, which agitated a large part
of Germany and Holland, and the leader of which
was one Bockelson, commonly called John of Leyden.
ACT I
SCENE — A Suburb of Dordrecht, Holland
The story furnished by the librettists describes
John as the son of the widow Fides, an innkeeper of
Leyden. At the opening of the opera he is about
to wed Bertha, an orphan. She, being a vassal of
the Count Oberthal, is obliged to ask his permission
before marrying, and goes with Fides, John's mother
to beg the Count's consent. The Count, struck with the young girl's beauty, covets her
for himself, refuses his consent and orders Fides and Bertha into the castle.
ACT II
SCENE — The Inn of John in the Suburbs of Leyden
Three Anabaptists enter and being struck with the resemblance of John to the portrait
of the guardian saint, David, at Munster, they try to induce him to become their leader. He
refuses, but tells them of a strange dream he has had.
JOHN: Under the vast dome of a splendid temple
I stood — the people at my feet were prostrate —
The royal coronal adorn'd my brow!
The Anabaptists declare that Heaven has spoken in the dream, and promise that he shall
yet be a ruler; but John's thoughts turn to his beloved Bertha, and in this beautiful Pastorale
he tells them that another and sweeter life calls to him.
copyr DUPO»T
ALVAREZ AS THE PROPHET
269
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— MEYERBEER'S PROPHET
Pastorale (There's a Sweeter Empire)
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 64112 lO-inch >1.OO
Slezak, whose John is one of his greatest roles, sings this lovely romanza with beautiful
expression.
JOHN: Less than this thatch'd roof
Oh, there's a sweeter empire, far. My hopes would bless,
Which long has been my guiding star; Sweet home of calm felicity.
Oh, thou my joy, my greatest gain, Where I would gladly live and die,
If in thy faithful heart I reign! Where Bertha will forever prove
For me, the proudest kingdom, Alike my bosom's queen and love!
Bertha, who has escaped from the castle, now runs in, asking John to save her. She is
concealed by him as the Count's soldiers enter and threaten to kill Fides unless John delivers
up the maiden. To save his mother's life he is forced to yield, and sees his bride carried
off to become the Count's mistress.
Fides, in her gratitude, sings this most dramatic and intense of Meyerbeer's airs, which
has attained a world-wide popularity.
Ah, mon fils ! (Ah, My Son !)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In French) 88284 12-inch, $3.OO
By Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Contralto (In French) 88187 12-inch, 3.OO
FIDES:
Ah, my son! Blessed be thou!
Thy loving mother to thee was dearer
Than was Bertha, who claim'd thy heart!
Ah, my son! For thou, alas,
Thou dost give for thy mother more than life,
For thou giv'st all the joy of thy soul!
Ah, my son! now to heav'n my pray'r ascends
for thee ; From Operatic Anthology, by permission of
My son, blessed be forever more! G. Sciiirmer. (C'opj't law.)
The part of Fides, the most interesting in the opera, is one of Mme. Schumann-Heink's
great successes, and the Ah, mon fils, a dramatic aria full of real passion, she sings with
exquisite tenderness.
This role being originally written for a soprano, requires a voice of wide compass and
great power. Mme. Homer's voice not only possesses these qualities, but is brilliant in the
higher register and full and musical in the lower, and she sings this wonderful music just as
Meyerbeer wrote it, delivering the beautiful words with real pathos.
John, left by his mother to bitter thoughts, hears the Anabaptists in the distance, and
resolves to join them as a means of vengeance on the Count. The compact is soon made
and they depart, leaving some blood-stained garments to lead Fides to believe John has been
slain by the Count's assassins.
ACT III
SCENE — Camp cf Anabaptists in the Westphalia Forest
The city of Munster is about to be besieged by the rebels, and before proceeding to the
charge, John, now the Prophet, and in command of the rebels, makes them kneel and pray for
victory. They chant the Miserere, and John sings this noble Inno or hymn.
Re del cielo e dei beati (Triumphal Hymn, " King of Heaven")
By Francesco Tamagno, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 95O05 10-inch, $5.OO
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor, and La Scala Chorus (Italian) 91O8O lO-inch, 2.0O
By Luigi Colazza, Tenor (Double-faced-See t>. 273) (Italian) 16578 10-inch, .75
JOHN: Let's unfurl the sacred flag,
King of Heaven and of the angels, He whom we serve is Lord
I will praise Thee, Of Heaven and earth.
Like David, Thy servant. Let's sing and march away.
A voice I heard — "Array thyself, The eye of Heaven will watch over us,
And safely on I will guide thee." A supreme power will guide us!
Praise to the Omnipotent! With songs of joy — with shouts of glory —
Yes, victory is on our side, On — on to Munster!
Three renditions of this inspiring number are presented. Tamagno, who was perhaps
the most famous of all Prophets, sings the air gloriously, while other fine records are furnished
by Colazza and Paoli, the latter being assisted by La Scala Chorus.
271
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — ME YERBEER'S PROPHET
ACT IV
SCENE I— A Public Square in Munslef
The insurgents have captured the city. The Prophet is received with mixed feelings,
some denouncing him as an impostor. Fides, reduce to beggary, meets Bertha, who had
escaped from the Count and come to Munster to seek John. Fides tells her John is dead, and
Bertha, thinking the Prophet is respon-
sible, swears to have vengeance.
SCENE II— The Munster Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral scene is
one of Meyerbeer's most brilliant com-
positions. It forms a striking contrast
to the rest of the opera, so gloomy with
religious and political fanaticism, and
as a piece of glittering pageantry with
gorgeous decoration, pealing bells,
solemn chants, and the stately Corona-
tion March, has seldom been equaled.
Coronation March
By Arthur Pryor's Band
31503 12-inch. $1.OO
By Garde Republicaine Band
4115 10-inch, .60
The great symphonic march which
occurs in this scene is by far the most
striking instrumental number in Meyer-
beer's opera. It is brilliant and power-
ful, with superb instrumentation, and
even without the dramatic setting in
which it is played in Prophete, always
produces a marked effect on the listener.
Of the performance of this noble
and stately march by Pryor's Band, we
can only say that it is superb in every
respect, and the record has a volume
of tone which makes one marvel that it all could come from the minute disc vibrations.
As John passes into the church, Fides sees him, and in a transport of joy greets him
as her son. He declares she is mad, knowing it is death to both if he acknowledges her.
She finally realizes the situation, confesses that she is mistaken, and is led away to prison.
ACT V
SCENE I— The Crypt of the Palace at Munster
The first scene takes place in the prison vaults beneath the palace, where Fidts, feeling
certain that John will contrive to see her, patiently awaits his coming. She at first denounces
him as an ungrateful son, then, repenting, prays that Heaven may soften his heart and lead
him to repent.
Prison Scene, Part I
By Ernestine Schumann-Heinle, Contralto (In French) 88094 12-inch, $3.OO
JOHN DENYING HIS MOTHER ACT IV
Whither have you led
Fmfes (alone):
O! my cruel destiny!
me?
What, the wails of a prison! they arrest my
footsteps.
I am no loncer free.
Bertha swore my son's death, he denied his
mother;
On his head let the wrath of Heaven fall !
(Her wrath subsides.)
Though thou hast abandoned me,
But my heart is disarmed,
Thy mother pardons thee.
Yes, I am still a mother.
I have given my cares that thou may'st be
happy.
Now I would give my life.
And my soul exalted, will wait for thee in
heaven !
An officer enters and announces the arrival of the Prophet.
Prison Scene, Part II
By Ernestine Schumann-Heink. Contralto
(In French) 88O95 12-inch, $3.00
272
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — MEYERBEER'S PROPHET
Fides then begins the second part of her great
scene.
FIDES (joyfully) :
He comes!
I shall see him, delightful hope!
Oh, truth! daughter of heaven,
May thy flame, like lightning.
Strike the soul of an ungrateful son.
Celestial flame restore to him calmness!
Restore, bless'd Heaven, his guardian angel!
Immortal grace, Oh! conq'ring come;
With thy pure love his heart reprove;
Tho' he be guilty, save him now
From that dark abyss which threatens to
engulf him;
Let thy light pierce this ingrate son,
Conscience riv n, his soul soften,
Like brass in furnace fierce,'
That he may ascend and reign in Heav'n!
When John enters, Fides denounces the bloody
deeds of the Anabaptists and calls on her son to
repent and renounce his false robes.
FIDES:
But thou, whom the world detests.
Yes, thou, braving Heaven's behests;
Thou, whose fell hand is reeking with blood;
Go thou, my son no longer now!
Far from my heart, far from my eyes —
Blood-stain'd, go!
John confesses his sins and pleads for forgiveness,
uu SUT. CAKIS JOHN THE PROPHET finally kneeling and receiving her blessing, just as a
faithful officer enters and informs John that the Ana-
baptists are plotting to deliver him to the Emperor's forces, which are marching on the city.
Bertha enters through a secret passage, revealed to her by her grandfather, who was
once keeper of the palace. She has resolved to blow up the palace and the false Prophet,
and is horrified to learn that John is the Prophet. She denounces him for his crimes,
and declaring she has no longer reason to live, stabs herself.
John, in despair, resolves to die with his enemies, and sending away his mother, plans to
have the palace set on fire, and goes to the banquet hall.
SCENE II— The Great Hall of the Palace
After the Emperor's forces have entered, crying, " Death to the Prophet," John orders
the gates closed. An explosion occurs and the palace falls, carrying down to death John
and all his enemies.
OBERTHAL:
You are my prisoner !
JOHN:
Nay, ye are all my captives!
(An ex-plosion takes place, the walls fall and
flames spread on every side.)
JOHN (to done and Oberthal) :
Thou, traitor! and thou, tyrant! shalt perish
with me;
Justice has sealed our doom;
am the instrument.
We, all guilty, are all punished!
(A woman with dishevelled hair rushes through
the ruins into John's arms. He recognises
his mother.)
JOHN:
My mother !
FIDES:
Yes, receive my pardon; I will die with thee!
FIDES AND JOHN :
Welcome, sacred flame!
To yon celestial sphere may our souls take
flight !
Adieu!
(As the flames mount about them the curtain
falls.)
DOUBLE-FACED LE PROPHETE RECORDS
/Fantasie
\ Barber of Seville Selection
/Re del cielo (King of Heaven)
\ William Tell Ballet Music— Part III
By Pryor's Bandl
By Pryor's Band I
35125 12-inch, $1.25
By Luigi Colazza, Tenor), , , _a
i/ 1 OD i O
By Pryor's Band)
ID-inch, .75
273
(Italian) (English)
I PURITANI THE PURITANS
(Ee Poo-ree-tah' -nee)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Book by Count Pepoli ; music by Vincenzo Bellini. First presented at the The'dtrc
Italien, Paris, January 25, 1835, with a famous cast — Grisi, Rubini, Tamburini and Lablache.
First London producton. King's Theatre, May 21, 1835, under the title of Puritani ediCaoalieri.
First New York production, February 3, 1844. Revived in 1906 at the Manhattan Opera,
with Pinkert, Bonci and Arimondi.
Characters
LORD GAUTIER WALTON, Puritan Bass
SIR GEORGE, Puritan Bass
LORD ARTHUR TALBOT, Cavalier Bass
SIR RICHARD FORTH, Puritan Baritone
SIR BRUNO ROBERTSON, Puritan Tenor
HENRIETTA OF FRANCE, widow of Charles I Soprano
ELVIRA, daughter of Lord Walton Soprano
Chorus of Puritans, Soldiers of Cromwell, Heralds and Men-at-Arms of Lord
Arthur, Countrymen and Women, Damsels, Pages and Servants.
Scene and Period : England in the neighborhood of Plymouth, in the period preceding
the impeachment and execution of Charles II by Parliament.
Previous to Mr. Hammerstein's revival in 1906, Puritani had not been given in America
since the production of 1883, with Gerster as Elvira. This is not strange, as the opera on
the whole is somewhat dreary, only the few numbers the Victor has collected being really
worth hearing.
The plot is rather a foolish one: the libretto being one of the poorest ever written for
Bellini, but the music is delightful and fascinating. However, we will briefly sketch the
story, as it will add to the enjoyment of the lovely melodies of Bellini which the Victor has
recorded. The translation is a very unsatisfactory one, but a few quotations are given.
The action occurs in England in the time of the Stuarts, during the civil war between
the Royalists and the Puritans. Lord Wallon, the Puritan Governor-General, has a daughter
Elvira, whom he wishes to marry to Richard Forth, a Puritan colonel, but the young girl loves
an enemy, Lord Arthur.
ACT I
SCENE 1 — Exterior of a Fortress near Plymouth
At the beginning of Act I, Forth, learning that Elvira loves Arthur, and that her father
refuses to force her into an unwelcome marriage, is disconsolate and gives vent to his feel-
ing in a famous air:
Ah per sempre (To Me Forever Lost)
By Mario Ancona, Baritone (In Italian) 87014 lO-inch, $2.OO
given here by Signor Ancona, whose success in this part at the Manhattan revival is well
remembered.
FORTH :
Ah ! to me forever lost,
Flow'r of love, and hope the dearest!
Life, to me thou now appearest,
Gloomy and with tempests cross'd.
Oh, happy and lovely dream of peace and joy!
Oh, change thou my fate, or change my heart!
Ah, what a keen torment, in the day of grief,
Becomes the memory of a vanish'd love!
274
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — B E LLI N I'S PURITANI
SCENE II— Elvira '3 Room in the Castle
The next scene shows Eloira 's apartment, where her uncle, Sir George, in a fine air, tells
her that he has persuaded her father to consent to her marriage with Arthur. This is sung
here by de Segurola and issued as a double-faced record, the opposite selection being the
Infelice from Ernani.
Sorgea la notte (The Night Was Growing Dark)
By A. Perello de Segurola, Bass (In Italian) 55O07 12-inch, I1.5O
The night was growing dark.
And Heav'n and earth were silent, —
Favorable the sad hour,
Thy pray'rs gave courage to my soul,
And to thy sire I went.
Thus I began, — "My brother" —
"Your angel-like Elvira
Is for the valiant Arthur pining —
Should she another wed,
Oh, wretched one! she dies!"
Said thy father
"She is to Richard promised!"
"Thy unhappy child," repeated I, "will die."
"Oh! say not so," he cried,
"I must yield, let Elvira live, —
Ah! may she be happy —
Let her live in love!"
Elvira is overjoyed, and expresses her gratitude. Trumpets
are now heard, and Elvira's surprise is complete when Lord Arthur
arrives, attended by squires and pages, and bearing nuptial
presents, prominent among which is a splendid white veil, soon
to play an important part in the events to come.
Shortly after his arrival Arthur discovers that the -widow of
Charles I is in the castle under sentence of death, and his sense of
duty toward the late Queen impels him to contrive her escape
by concealing her in Elvira's veil, the guards thinking it is the
bride. The escape is soon discovered and Elvira, supposing that
her lover has deserted her on the eve of her bridal day, becomes
insane. All denounce Arthur and swear to be revenged.
ACT II
SCENE — The Puritan Camp
Act II shows the camp of the Puritan forces. Sir George announces that Parliament has
condemned Arthur to death for aiding in the escape of the late Queen. Elvira enters,
demented, and sings her famous air, much like the Mad Scene in Lucia.
Qui la voce (In Sweetest Accents)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano (In Italian) 881O5 12-inch, $3.OO
She recalls her first meeting with Arthur and repeats the vows he swore.
ELVIRA:
It was here in accents sweetest,
He would call me — he calls no more!
Here affection swore he to cherish,
That dream so happy, alas! is o'er!
We no more shall be united,
I'm in sorrow doomed to sigh,
Oh, to hope once more restore me,
Or in pity let me die!
(Her mood changes.)
Yes, — my father: thou call'st me to the
temple?
'Tis no dream, my Arthur, oh, my love!
Ah, thou art smiling — thy tears thou driest,
Fond Hymen guiding, I quickly follow!
Then dancing and singine.
All nuptial feasts providing.
(Dancing toward Richard, whom she takes by
the liand.)
And surely you will dance with me —
Come to the altar.
ANCONA AS SIR RICHARD
275
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A -B E LL I N I'S PURITANI
Elvira 's uncle, hoping that the sight of her lover will restore her reason, begs Sir Richard
to pardon the young man. Richard consents, provided he returns helpless and in peril, but
if he comes bearing arms against his country he shall die. 5i> George agrees to this, and in
the splendid Sound the Trumpet they pledge themselves to fight together for their country.
Suoni la tromba (Sound the Trumpet)
By Mario Ancona, Baritone, and Marcel Journet. Bass
(In Italian) 88SOO 12-inch, $3.OO
This favorite duet, often sung in concert, has been aptly described as a " stentorian "
number. It is undeniedly a most vigorous piece of declamation, and if the loyalty of Sir
George and Sir Richard can be judged by the vigor of the usual rendition, they are loyal
indeed I
SIR RICHARD AND SIR GEORGE:
Sound, sound the trumpet loudly!
Bravely we'll meet the foemeii,
'Tis sweet affronting death!
Bold love of country aiding.
The victor's wreath unfading,
Will unto us be proudly
Restor'd by Love and Faith!
Morn! rising on a nation.
Whose only trust is freedom —
Will bring us eternal fame!
Earth's tyrants who dissemble,
At the war-message tremble,
Midst the world's execration
They sink in endless shame!
The Puritans then renew their pledge as to Arthur, saying:
SIR GEORGE:
All is now concluded,
If Arthur is/ defenceless —
RICHARD:
He'll find support and succor.
SIR GEORGE:
If he in arms returns —
RICHARD:
He comes to shame and vengeance!
ACT III
SCENE— A Garden near Elvira's House
The rise of the curtain discloses Arthur, who is fleeing from the enemy, and has come
to the castle in the hope of seeing Elvira once more before he leaves England forever. She
comes from the castle and at the sight of Arthur her reason suddenly returns. The lovers
are reconciled after Arthur explains that it was in the service of his Queen that he had fled
from the castle. They sing a lovely duet:
Vieni fra queste braccia (Come to My Arms)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Francesco Marconi, Tenor
(In Italian) 89046 12-inch, $4.0O
Forgetting their present danger, they think only of their love and that they are in each
other's arms again.
ARTHUR:
Come, come to my arms,
Thou my life's sole delight!
And thus press'd to my heart,
We'll no more disunite!
Thrill'd with anxious love and fear,
On thee I call — for thee I sigh; —
Come, and say the love is dear
That soareth to boundless height!
The sound of a drum is heard, and Elvira again becomes delirious, which so alarms
Arthur that he thinks not of escape and is captured by the Puritan forces. The sentence of
death is read to him and he is being led to his execution, when a messenger arrives from
Cromwell saying that the Stuarts were defeated and a pardon had been granted to all captives.
Elvira's reason returns, and the lovers are united, no more to part
(Curtain)
276
(Italian) (Entflish)
REG IN A DI SABA QUEEN OF SHEBA
(Ray-gee1 -nah dee Sah'-bah)
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Text by Mosenthal, founded upon the Biblical mention of the visit of the Queen of
Sheba to Solomon. Music by Gold mark. First production 1875, in Vienna. In New York
1885, with Lehmann and Fischer. Revived in 1905, with Walker, Rappold, Knote and Van
Rooy.
Characters
KING SOLOMON Baritone
HIGH PRIEST Bass
SULAMITH, his daughter Soprano
ASSAD, Solomon's favorite Tenor
QUEEN OF. SHEBA Mezzo-Soprano
ASTAROTH, her slave (a Moor) Soprano
Priests, Singers, Harpists, Bodyguards, Women of the Harem, People.
Scene : Jerusalem and vicinity.
Goldmark's opera, which was his first successful work, was revived on a sumptuous
scale by the Metropolitan Company a few years ago, but since that time the only opportunity
opera-lovers have had of hearing the beautiful airs has been that offered by their Victors.
The plot tells of the struggle of Assad, a courtier of Solomon, against fleshly temptation,
and of his final victory which involves the sacrifice of the happiness of his betrothed,
Sulamith.
For this text Goldmark furnished some of the most beautiful and sensuous music in the
entire range of opera.
The wisdom and fame of Solomon having reached even distant Arabia, the Queen of
Sheba decides to visit him, and a favorite courtier, Assad, has been sent to meet her and es-
cort her to the city. When Assad arrives with the Queen, his betrothed, Sulamilh, is aston-
ished to find him pale and embarrassed, and trying to avoid her. Assad afterward confesses
to Solomon that he had met a beautiful woman at Lebanon and had fallen in love with her.
When the Queen of Sheba arrives and removes her veil, Assad is astounded to recognize in her
the mysterious woman who had captured his senses. Involuntarily he rushes toward her,
but she coldly repulses him and passes on with the King.
In Act II the Queen discovers that she loves Assad, and seeing him in the garden, bids
her maid attract his attention -with a weird Oriental song. Assad starts when he hears the
mysterious air, as it seems to bring back memories of the night at Lebanon. He sings his
beautiful air, Magic Tones.
Magiche note (Magic Tones !)
By Enrico Caruso. Tenor (In Italian) 87041 10-inch, $2.OO
By Leo Slezak, Tenor (In German) 64115 10-inch, l.OO
A lovely melody, sung at first in mezzo-voce, develops gradually until the intense and
passionate climax is reached.
The Queen and Assad soon meet and confess their love for each other, but are inter-
rupted by the arrival of the night guard.
In the next scene the Court assembles for the wedding of Sulamith and Assad, but Assad
insults his bride and declares his love for the Queen. He is banished from Jerusalem and
finally dies in the arms of Sulamith, who is crossing the desert on her way to a convent.
277
THE THEFT OF THE RHINEGOLD
(German)
DAS RHEINGOLD
THE RHINEGOLD
(Dahu Rind-gold)
MUSIC DRAMA IN FOUR SCENES
Prelude to the Trilogy : " The Nibelungs' Ring "
(Nee -bcl-oons)
Words and music by Richard Wagner. First produced at Munich, September 22, 1869.
First American production at New York, January 4, 1888.
WOTAN, (Vo'-tahn}
DONNER,
FROM,
LOCI, (Low'.jee)
FASOLT,
FAFNER,
ALBERICH, (Ahfj>er
MIME. (Mee'-mec)
FRICKA, (Free'-kah)
FRElA (Free'^h)
ERDA (Eh/jah)
WOGUNDE,
WELLGUNDE,
FLOSSHILDE,
Rheingold is not a
r J
G°ds Tenor
/Giants
/Nibelungs (Gnomes)
Bass
Baritone
Tenor
(Soprano
Goddesses ( Soprano
[ Contralto
(Soprano
Nymphs of the Rhine < Soprano
Contralto
society" opera. Played in complete darkness and with no inter-
missions during the two hours required for its presentation, it is a -work only for real music-
lovers who understand something of the story and appreciate Wagner's wonderful music.
This first part of the T^ing is an introduction to the Trilogy proper, and a full under-
standing of its incidents is necessary to properly appreciate the other Ring operas.
SCENE I— The Bottom of the Rhine
The stage is in semi-darkness, representing the murky depths of the Rhine, and the
light glimmering on the surface of the water above shows but faintly the three Rhine
maidens guarding the Rhinegold.
278
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— THE RHINEGOLD
They sing their quaint songs as they float about the rock which conceals the treasure.
MOTIVE OF THE RHINE MAIDENS
Alberich, prince of the Nibelungs, a strange race of
dwarfs who dwell deep in the earth, observes the
beauty of the maidens and tries to make love to
them. They laugh at him and evade with ease
his clumsy endeavors to catch them. Suddenly, as
the sun rises, the gleam of the Rhinegold is seen.
Alberich, dazzled by the splendor of this glow, asks
what it is, and the maidens foolishly inform him that
whoever can secure this treasure and form it into a
ring can become lord of all the world. One condi-
tion, however, is that the possessor cannot wield this
power unless he renounces forever the joys of love.
Alberich, having failed in his amorous attempts
towards the Naiads, now conceives an ambition
for power. He cries, " Then love I renounce for-
ever," and swimming to the rock, he tears the gold
from its place and flees, while from the complete
darkness which ensues comes the dwarf's mocking
laughter and the wailing of the maidens who
are moaning for their lost treasure.
SCENE II — A Mountain Top, Showing the Castle
of yyalhalla THEFT OF THE RHINEGOLD — SCENE i
During this darkness the scene changes and as the stage becomes lighter we see Wal-
halla, the abode of the gods, a -wonderful castle built for Wolan by the giants. Wolan and
his wife are lying asleep on a flowery bank, but soon wake and see the castle which has
been built while they slept. Wolan is overjoyed at the glorious sight, but the more practi-
cal Frieda reminds him of the price -which he had agreed to pay the giants for this godly
dwelling ; this being the surrender of Freia, goddess of youth and beauty. Wolan tells her
that he never intended to keep his agreement, the god Loge having promised to show him a
•way to evade payment.
Freia now hastily enters, closely pur-
sued by the giants Fasolt and Fafner, who
call upon Wolan to deliver the goddess
to them as agreed. Wolan repudiates his
promise, saying that it -was made only in
jest.
WOTAN :
How sly to take for truth
What only in sport we had settled!
This beauteous goddess, light and bright,
What use to you are her charms?
Froh and Donner, Frieda's brothers,
enter, also Loge, and a long argument en-
sues, Wolan finally realizing that he must
give up Freia to the giants. Loge, however,
tells them of the Rhinegold, saying that if
this treasure could be stolen from Alberich
by Wolan, it might be accepted by the
giants in place of Freia. Wolan refuses to
entertain this plan and the giants seize Freia
and carry her off, declaring that if the
Rhinegold is not in their hands by night the
original bargain must stand, and Freia be
lost to the gods forever.
Left alone, the gods realize the serious
PHOTO HOFFEBT
FREIA AND THE GIANTS
279
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE RHINEGOLD
predicament they are in, especially as it is seen that, deprived of their youth goddess,
they are suddenly aging. Woian thereupon decides to secure the Nibelungs' gold, and
goes with Loge in search of Aiberich. A vapor arises from the earth, concealing the stage,
and when it disappears the scene has changed.
SCENE III— Aiberich', Cave
Aiberich, since he has acquired the RhinegolJ, has become more arrogant and cruel than
ever, and compels Mime and the other Nibelungs to continually toil and slave to bring him in
more gold. At the beginning of the scene he is berating Mime for loitering over his task of
making a Tamhelm, or magic cap, fashioned from the Rhinegold, and which gives the wearer
the power to become invisible. Woian and Loge now enter on this scene and are rudely
greeted by Aiberich, who demands their business, and holding out the Ring bids them
tremble at his power. They at first craftily flatter him, but he is surly and says that naught
but envy could have brought them here. Wotan is angry and is about to voice his -wrath
when the crafty Loge makes him a sign to be quiet and begins to taunt Aiberich, doubting his
power. Aiberich is so enraged that he offers to change himself into any shape required to
prove the magic of the Tarnhelm, and immediately becomes a huge dragon. Loge affects
extreme terror, at which Aiberich laughs and resumes his human shape again. The god then
cunningly asks him to change to a toad, -which shape he has no sooner assumed than Loge
puts his foot on the toad and seizes the Tarnhelm, thus robbing Aiberich of his power. His
natural form returns and they bind him and start for the upper earth. The scene changes
again to the mountain summit.
SCENE IV— Same as Scene II
Woian and Loge enter, dragging the helpless Aiberich, who is beside himself with rage.
They demand that he give them his hoarded store of gold as the price of his freedom. He
reluctantly obeys and summons the Nibelungs, who instantly swarm up from below carrying
the hoard. He then asks to be set free, but Woian demands also the Ring. Aiberich is
horrified, but is finally compelled to add it to the pile of gold. He then sings his bitter
and ironical air, Bin ich nun fret ?
Bin ich nun frei? (Am I Now Free?)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German)
He lays a frightful curse on the Ring, pre-
dicting that it will bring misery and death to each
possessor until it is restored to him again.
ALBERICH (ivith bitter irony) :
Am I now free? —
Really free?
Then listen, friends,
To my freedom's first salute! —
As at first by my curse 'twas reached,
Henceforth cursed be this ring!
Gold which gave me measureless might,
Now may its magic deal each owner death!
No man shall e'er own it in mirth,
And to gladden no life shall its luster gleam.
May care consume each several possessor,
And envy gnaw him who neareth it not!
All shall lust after its delights,
But none shall employ them to profit him.
To its master giving no gain,
Aye the murdVer's brand it shall bring.
To death he is fated,
Its fear on his fancy shall feed;
Though long he live shall he languish each
day,
The treasure's lord and the treasure's slave:
Till within my hand I in triumph once more
behold it! —
So — stirred by the hardest need,
The Nibelung blesses his ring! —
I give it thee, — guard it with care —
But my curse canst thou not flee!
642O3 lO-inch, $1.OO
THE CAPTURE OF ALBERICH — SCENE III
280
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — THE RHINEGOLD
He vanishes and Wolan,
who has paid little attention
to his cursing, dons the
Ring, gazing at it in admira-
tion. The giants now return
for their pay, and demand
that enough gold shall be
piled around Freia to hide
her completely from sight.
This is done, but when all
the gold is piled up Fafner
says there is still one small
crevice visible, and insists
that it be filled with the
Ring. Wolan refuses, and
the giants are about to seize
Freia again, when Erda, the
earth goddess, rises and
delivers her appeal to
Wolan.
BATTLE OF THE GIANTS SCENE IV
W^eiche, W^otan, weiche ! (W^aver,
By Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Contralto (In German) 88O92 12-inch, $3.OO
(Wolan's responses are sung by Mr. Witherspoon)
She warns him solemnly that the Ring is cursed and charges him to give it up.
ERDA (stretching her hand) :
Waver, Wqtan, waver!
Quit the Ring accursed!
(She continues her solemn warning)
Ruin and dismalest downfall wait thee in its
wealth.
WOTAN :
Who speaks such menacing words?
ERDA:
Whatever was, was I; what is, as well;
What ages shall work — all I show;
The endless world's All-wise one, Erda, opens
thine eyes.
Three, the daughters born to me
E'er the world was made; all I notice
Nightly thou know'st from the Nornir.
But hither in dire danger haste I to thy help.
Hear me! Hear me! Hear me!
All that exists, endeth!
A dismal day dawns for the ^Esir:
O render wisely the ring!
(She begins to sink slowly into the earth.)
WOTAN :
A secret spell speaks in thy words:
Wait and impart more wisdom.
ERDA (disappearing) :
I've warned thee now; thou wott'st enough;
Pause and ponder truth!
(She completely disappears.)
Mme. Schumann-Heink sings this powerful number with dignity
and dramatic force.
Wolan at last yields and throws the Ring on the heap of gold.
The giants, as if to prove the curse, immediately begin to quarrel
about its possession, and Fasolt is killed by Fafner; after which the
murderer coolly proceeds to collect the gold and then departs.
Donner, the god of thunder, now calls up a storm and causes a
rainbow bridge to form, making a passage to the castle. As the gods
proceed across the bridge to Walhalla the voices of the Rhine
maidens can be heard from below, still bewailing the loss of their gold.
RHINE-NYMPHS (from below) :
Rhinegold! Rarest gold!
O might but again
In the wave thy pure magic wake!
What is of worth dwells but in the waters!
Base and bad those who are throned above.
(As the gods slowly cross the bridge to the castle, the curtain falls.)
281
PHOTO HALL
MONTERONE DENOUNCES THE JESTER — ACT I
RIGOLETTO
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Piave, adapted from Victor Hugo's drama Le Rot s' Amuse. Music by Giuseppe
Verdi. First produced in Venice, March 11, 1851. First London production at Covent
Garden, May 14, 1853; at the Italiens, Paris, January 19, 1857. First New York production
November 2, 1857.
Characters
RIGOLETTO, a hunchback, jester to the Duke Baritone
DUKE OF MANTUA, a titled profligate Tenor
GlLDA, (Jeef -dah) daughter of Rigoletto Soprano
SPARAFUCILE, (Spahr-ah-foo-chccf) a hired assassin Bass
MADDALENA, (MaJ-Jah-lay -nah) his sister Contralto
COUNT MONTERONE (Mon-ur-oh' -nau) Baritone
COUNT CEPRANO Bass
Courtiers, pages, servants.
Scene and Period : Mantua and vicinity ; sixteenth century.
The story tells of the gay and unprincipled Duke of Mantua, who is assisted in his
crimes by his jester, Rigoletto, a hunchback. The father of one of the Dune's victims is
mocked by Rigoletto and launches upon him a father's awful curse, -which stuns and sobers
the jester, as he, too, has a daughter, Gilda, unknown to the court.
On his way home Rigoletto meets a professional assassin, Sparafucile, who offers, for a
price, to kill any enemy he may have. Rigoletto says he may need him later. The Duke,
in the guise of a young student, has already met Gilda, not knowing who she is, and the
young girl has fallen in love with him. When Rigoletto has left the house the Dune's
courtiers abduct Gilda and take her to the Palace. The father's rage is terrible to •witness,
and he goes to the Palace, but too late to save his daughter. She pleads for the Duke's life,
but Rigoletto swears to kill him, and arranges with the assassin, Sparafucile, to accomplish
the deed. The Duke is lured to a lonely inn by Sparafucile's attractive sister, Maddalena,
and is about to be murdered when Maddalena, -who has taken a fancy to him, begs for his
life. Sparafucile consents provided a substitute should happen along before midnight. Gilda,
282
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — VERDI'S RIGOLETTO
THE METROPOLITAN"
whom Rigoletto had brought hither (disguised as a page) in order that she might witness the
fickleness of her lover, has been listening to the conversation, and now resolves to save the
Dune's life at the cost of her own. She enters the hut, is stabbed by Sparafucile, who
delivers the body to Rigolelto according to agreement. Rigoletto is about to cast the body
into the river when he hears the Duke's voice in the distance. The wretched man opens
the sack, sees his daughter and falls senseless on her body.
ACT I
SCENE I— Ballroom in the Duke's Palace
As a fete is in progress in the ducal residence, the Duke confides to one of his courtiers
that he is about to make a new conquest. For some months he has seen a young and
beautiful girl at church, but knows nothing of her except that she is visited often by a man
•who is supposed to be her lover. The Duke then sings his first air, Questo o quella.
Questa o quella ('Mid the Fair Throng)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 87O18 lO-inch, $2.OO
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor (In Italian) 64O69 lO-inch, l.OO
This melodious number is perhaps the best of the Duke's solos, though usually cast
somewhat in the background by the popular La donna e mobile. In it the Duke announces
himself as a man of pleasure, sets forth his code of morals, and boasts of his conquests.
DL-KE:
'Mid the fair throng that sparkle around me,
Not one o'er my heart holds sway;
Though a sweet smile one moment may
charm me,
A glance from some bright eye its spell
drives away.
All alike may attract, each in turn may please;
Now with one I may trifle and play,
Then another may sport with and tease —
Yet all my heart to enslave their wiles
display.
As a dove flies, alarm'd, to seek shelter,
Pursued by some vulture, to bear it aloft
in flight.
Thus do I fly from constancy's fetter:
E'en women's spells I shun — all their efforts
I slight.
A husband that's jealous I scorn and despise,
And I laugh at and heed not a lover's sighs;
If a fair one take my heart by surprise,
I heed not scornful tongues or prying eyes.
Caruso's interpretation of the Duke is quite different from the one to which opera-goers
have been accustomed. He does not picture Mantua as a deliberate villain, a fiend in
human guise, but as a light-hearted, careless and irresponsible devotee of pleasure, — so
attractive that the infatuation of Gilda seems wholly natural. This air is always sung by the
tenor with perfect ease and extreme brilliancy, and the record is a superb one, not sur-
passed by any in his list.
283
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — V E R D I ' S RIGOLETTO
Constantino has made a great success as the Dulfe, both at the Manhattan Opera and in
Boston during the past season. He sings this gay air with grace and abandon.
After making another enemy in the person of the Count Ceprano, by his marked atten-
tion to the latter's wife, the Dufcc departs. Manilla enters and eagerly announces to the
courtiers a rich discovery. RigoleUo, the Dune's jester, is in love! The courtiers refuse to
believe this, as Rigolello is known as a confirmed woman-hater. Manilla insists that the
jester makes frequent visits to a young girl. The nobles, who all hate Rigoletto for his cruel
tongue, are eager to turn this knowledge into a means of revenge, and agree to meet Ceprano
the next evening for a rare adventure.
The voice of the aged Count Monterone, -whose daughter is one of the recent victims of
the Duk.e, is now heard outside demanding admittance. He throws aside the guards who
seek to stop him, and entering, denounces the Duke for his crimes.
Ch'io le parli (I Will Speak to Him)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone: Aristo-
demo Sillich, Bass; La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *6819O 12-inch. $1.25
Rigoletto ridicules and mocks the old man, -who
calls him a "vile buffoon," and then, in an awful
rage, utters so terrible a curse upon him, — the
curse of a father, — that all are horrified.
Rigoletto is stunned and sobered by this terri-
ble malediction, for he, too, has a daughter, un-
known to the court, and love for his child and
respect for her dead mother are the sole redeem-
ing traits in his cruel nature.
Monterone is removed by the guards, and the
scene changes to the street in front of Rigoletto' 's
house.
SCENE II — A Street ; Rigoletto 's Cottage on one side,
opposite the Palace of Count Ceprano
The jester enters, brooding with superstitious
fear over the curse which had been laid upon
him. He is accosted by Sparafucile, a professional
assassin, who offers to rid him of an enemy if he
has one. Rigoletto looks at him thoughtfully and
says that if he has need of his services he will
inform him. Sparafucile departs and Rigoletto
delivers his famous monologue.
SPARAFUCILE OFFERS HIS SERVICES
ACT I, SCENE II
Monologo — Pari siamo ("We
By Mario Sammarco, Baritone
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone
By Ernesto Badini, Baritone
He looks at the retreating form of the
RIGOLETTO:
Yon assassin is my equal —
He stabs in darkness,
While I with a tongue of malice
Stab men by daylight!
(He thinks of Monterone's curse.)
He laid a father's curse on me. . . .
(Continuing in a burst of rage.)
Oh hideous fate! Cruel nature!
Thou hast doom'd me to a life of torment.
1 must jest. 1 must laugh.
And be their laughing stock!
Yonder the Duke, my master,
Youthful and brilliant, rich and handsome,
Are Equal)
(In Italian) 88320
(In Italian) 88O32
(In Italian) 88179
(In Italian) 9204 1
(In Italian) *45032
bravo and says :
12-inch, $3.OO
12-inch. 3.0O
12-inch,
12-inch,
lO-inch,
3.00
3.00
l.OO
Tells me, between sleeping and waking:
"Come, buffoon, I would laugh now!"
Oh shame, I must obey him!
Oh life accursed! How I hate ye.
Race of vile and fawning courtiers!
'Tis my only joy to taunt ye!
For if I am vile, 'tis to your vice I owe it!
(He thinks of his home and daughter.)
In that blest abode my nature changes!
(Again he remembers the curse.)
How heavy was that old man's curse!
Still I hear it; 'tis ringing in my ears!
My soul is troubled — fear I some misfortune?
Ah, no, this is folly!
* Doubk-Facea1 Record— For title of opftostl: «J: xe DOUBLE-FACED RICOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
284
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — V E R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
SAMMARCO AS RIGOLETTO
Five records of this great number are here presented,
sung by famous exponents of the part of Rigoletto.
The jester enters the court-yard and is affectionately
greeted by Gilda, who comes from the house. She notes
his anxious looks and begs him to confide in her. She
asks him about her mother, whom she but dimly remem-
bers. Rigoletto avoids her question and sings a pathetic air :
Deh non parlare al misero (Recall Not
the Past)
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 85O31 12-inch, $3.0O
in which he begs her to refrain from questions regarding
their past life.
He embraces her tenderly, then, recalling the curse,
solemnly enjoins her to keep within the house and never
venture into the town. Gilda says she has only been to
Mass each Sunday, but does not tell him of the student
with whom she had exchanged fond glances. Rigoletio
summons the maid, Giooanna, and questions her, begin-
ning a lovely duet, full of pathos.
Veglia o donna (Safely Guard This Tender Blossom)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 9150O 10-inch, $3.0O
He warns the maid to always closely guard her mistress from any danger which may
threaten.
RIGOLETTO: GILDA:
Safely guard this tender blossom, Ah ! such fear for me revealing,
Which to thee I now confide; Father dear, why thus display?
In her guileless heart and bosom One from whom there's no concealing
May no thought of ill betide; Guides me ever on my way
From the arts of vice protect her, From on high my mother's spirit
May its snares be laid in vain; Leads me on with tender care;
Her father will from thee expect her While this heart bears life within it,
Safely brought to him again. 'Twill defy each artful snare!
Rigoletto bids his daughter a tender farewell and takes his departure. The Duke, again
dressed as a student, now enters, having previously purchased the silence of Giooanna.
Gilda is alarmed, not thinking her innocent flirtation in the church would lead to this,
and bids him begone, but he reassures her, beginning a fine duet.
E il sol deir anima (Love is the Sun)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and
Fernando de Lucia, Tenor
(In Italian) 92O56 12-inch, $3.00
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano, and Florencio
Constantino, Tenor
(In Italian) 74O63 12-inch. 1.5O
He soothes her fears, telling her he loves her with a pure
devotion.
DUKE:
Love is the sun by which passion is lighted,
Happy the mortal who feels its power;
Each pleasure once priz'd without it seems
blighted;
With it we heed not what fate may shower.
Feeling celestial, no joy terrestrial
Ever to me can such sweet joys impart.
Ah! may no blight ever this heart from thee
sever ;
Rest in my bosom, ne'er to depart!
Footsteps are now heard, and after a tender farewell he
leaves, after telling her that his name is Walter Malde.
Gilda remains pensively gazing at the gate through which
the pretended student has departed. In rapturous soliloquy
she sings :
285
ABOTT AS GILDA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — VERDI'S RIGOLETTO
ACT I, SCENE II
GILOA:
Walter Malde! That romantic name!
Already it is on my heart engraven!
Caro nome (Dearest Name)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano
By Nellie Melba, Soprano
By Bessie Abott. Soprano
By Graziella Pareto. Soprano
By Edith Helena. Soprano
By Marie Michailowa, Soprano
Then the lovely air, Caro Nome, begins.
GILDA:
Carv'd upon my inmost heart
Is that name forevermore
Ne'er again from thence to part,
Name of love that I adore,
Thou to me are ever near,
Ey'ry thought to thee will fly,
Life for thee alone is dear,
Thine shall be my parting sigh!
(Cilda enters the house, but reappears on the
balcony.)
Oh, dearest name!
Oh name beloved!
Walter, I love thee,
Ev'ry fond, tender thought for thee I cherish!
(In Italian)
88295
12-inch,
$3.00
(In Italian)
88017
12-inch,
3.0O
(In Italian)
88078
12-inch,
3.OO
(In Italian)
88O5O
12-inch,
3.00
(In Italian)
76007
12-inch,
2.OO
(In English)
*35067
12-inch,
1.25
(In Russian)
61141
10-inch.
1.00
(She disappears, but can be heard from
U'ithin.)
Oh ! name beloved !
Dear name, within this breast,
Thy mem'ry will remain!
My love for thee confess'd,
No power can restrain !
Carved upon my inmost heart
Is that name for evermore.
Thine shall be my parting sigh,
Oh Walter mine!
This delightful song, with its grace, delicacy and coloring, has never been surpassed
and the scoring for orchestra, especially in Verdi's use of the -wood-wind, is admirable.
Melba's rendition is worthy of so exquisite a number, and she has surpassed herself
here. The ease with which she sings is wonderful, and her voice shows in an unusual de-
gree that luscious smoothness, golden purity and perfect equality for which it is noted.
The character of Gilda is represented by Mme. Sembrich with genuine simplicity, yet
with truly impassioned feeling where occasion calls for it; as in this tuneful "Caro nome,"
when the young girl in soliloquy dwells with rapture on the name of the pretended student,
Walter Malde, who has secretly won her heart. Nothing could be more perfect in its way
than Mme. Sembrich's singing of this beautiful number.
Tetrazzini's delivery of this lovely air is marked by surpassing beauty of tone, the
roulades, trills and staccatos in the concluding portion being poured out lavishly and with
the utmost ease and fluency. Other adequate renditions, at lower prices, are also listed above.
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite siJe tee DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
286
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — V E RD I *S RIGOLETTO
Night has now fallen and
the courtiers, led by Ceprano,
enter, wearing masks. Rigo-
letto returns and is much
alarmed to see them in this
neighborhood, but his fears
are allayed when they an-
nounce that they have come
to carry off Ceprano 's wife, as
he is well aware that the Duke
has had designs on that lady
for some time past. He tells
them Ceprano 's palace is on
the opposite side and offers to
help them. They insist that
he must be disguised and
contrive to give him a mask
which covers his eyes and
ears, and lead him in a circle
back to his own balcony, giv-
ing him a ladder to hold.
Gilda is seized, her mouth THE ABDUCTION OF GILDA
gagged with a handkerchief, and she is carried away.
Rigoletto, suddenly finding himself alone, becomes suspicious, tears off his mask and
finds himself at his own balcony. Frantic with fear he rushes in, finds his daughter gone,
and falls in a swoon as the curtain descends.
ACT II
SCENE— A Hall in the Duke's Palace
The courtiers enter and tell the Duke that they have captured Rigolello 's mistress. He
expresses his appreciation of the adventure, not knowing they had abducted the young girl
he had just left, and asks for particulars. They sing their chorus, Scorrendo unite,
Scorrendo unite remota via (On Mischief Bent)
By New York Grand Opera Chorus (In Italian) 64049 lO-inch, $1.00
•which gives the details of the huge joke they have played on Rigoletto by making him assist
in the capture of his own mistress.
COURTIERS:
Unto a lonely abode directed,
When shades of evening were falling fast,
By dark'ning shadows we were protected
Until our game we spied at last;
With timid footsteps she scarce came nigh us,
We were preparing our prey to seize
When Rigoletto just then came by us,
With angry brow and ill at ease.
And that the joke might be all the madder,
We said Ceprano's wife should be our prey,
We then desir'd him to hold the ladder;
His eyes were bandag'd, he did obey.
We swiftly mounted to the room, and found
her,
The startled beauty we bore away!
DUKE (aside):
Wondrous! it must be my love, my lost one!
COURTIERS:
When he discover'd how we'd fooled him,
No doubt he curs'd till break of day!
When the Duke learns that Gilda is in an adjoining room he joyfully goes to her, saying
that her fears will be soothed when she discovers he is the WalteT Malde she loves.
Then occurs one of the most dramatic scenes in the opera, and the greatest opportunity
for Rigoletto. This scene has been recorded in its entirety by Amato, one of the greatest of
Rigolettos, assisted by Bada, Setti and the Metropolitan Chorus.
Povero Rigoletto ! (Poor Rigoletto !)
By Pasquale Amato, Baritone, with Bada, Setti and Metropolitan
Chorus In Italian 88340 12 $3.0O
Rigoletto' s voice is now heard outside, singing a careless air. He enters, affecting in-
difference, but trying to find some clue to Gilda' s whereabouts. A page enters with a mes-
sage for the Duke and the courtiers tell him their master cannot be disturbed. Rigoletto
listens, his fears becoming confirmed, and he exclaims :,
RIGOLETTO: RIGOLETTO:
Ah, she must be here then! The maid whom you last night
In yonder chamber! From my roof carried hither.
COURTIERS: (affecting surprise): Who? Ah, she is there, I know it!
287
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — V E R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
COURTIERS: If a sweetheart you've lost, RIGOLETTO:
Go somewhere else lo seek her! Yes, my daughter!
RIGOLETTO (with terrible emphasis): (Rushes toward the door, but the courtiers bar
Give me my daughter! his passage and a terrible struggle occurs.)
COURTIERS (in astonishment): She is there! stand back, I tell ye!
What, his daughter!
His rage, now terrible to witness, is expressed in the second part, Cortigiani, oil razza.
Cortigiani, vil razza dannata (Vile Race of Courtiers)
By Pasquale Amato, Baritone (In Italian) 88341 12-inch, $3.OO
By G. Mario Sammarco, Baritone (In Italian) 88315 12-inch, 3.OO
By Titta Ruffo, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus (Italian) 92066 12-inch, 3.OO
By Emilio Sagi-Barba, Baritone (In Spanish) 74161 12-inch, 1.50
By Renzo Minolfi, Baritone (Double-faced — See page 294) 16573 lO-inch. .75
He at first denounces them as abductors and assassins, then breaking down, asks for pity.
RIGOLETTO:
Race of courtiers, vile rabble detested, (He weeps.)
Have ye sold her, whose peace ye molested? Ah, I weerj before ye. Marullo, so kindless?
Gold and favor will buy ye, I know it — Others' grief never yet saw thee mindless,
E'en the treasure that nought can restore. Tell, oh tell where my child they have hidden,
Ah, where is she? do not rouse me to mad- Marullo, have pity,
ness — • Say the word where my daughter is hidden!
Though unarm'd, of my vengeance beware Is't there? — say in pity — thou'rt silent! alas!
ye; (In tears.)
For the blood of some traitor I'll pour! Oh, my lords, will ye have no compassion
(Again making for the door, and again inter- On a father's despairing intercession?
ruptcd.) Give me back my belov'd only daughter,
Let me enter, ye assassins, stand back! Dearer far than my life, give her back, I
That door I must enter! implore!
(He struggles again with the courtiers but Have pity, oh give me back my child,
is repulsed and gives up in despair.) In pity, oh hear me implore!
Ah, I see it — all against me — have pity!
This affecting scene is ended by GilJa, who now enters, in tears, and embraces her father.
RIGOLETTO (overjoyed): GILDA (hiding her face):
Gilda, my daughter! Dishonor, oh my father!
My lost one — my treasure! RIGOLETTO: Horror! what say'st thou?
My lords, she is all I cherish. GILDA:
Now we need fear nothing, Father, oh hide me from ev'ry eye but thine!
Angel, I've found thee! RIGOLETTO (imperiously, to the courtiers):
Come tell me. 'twas but jesting? Hence, I command, and leave us!
(To the courtiers.) If the worthless duke ye serve dares approach,
I who was weeping rejoice now. I forbid him to enter!
(To Gilda.) Say that, I charge ye!
Hut why art thou weeping?
The courtiers, somewhat ashamed at the turn of affairs, obey, and GilJa begins her
pitiful confession.
Tutte le feste al tempio (On Every Festal Morning)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano, and G. Mario Sammarco. Baritone
(In Italian) 89O42 12-inch, $4.OO
By Olimpia Boronat, Soprano (In Italian) 88242 12-inch, 3.00
By Laura Mellerio. Soprano, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *45OOO lO-inch, 1.00
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) *62083 lO-inch, .75
GILDA:
On ev'ry festal morning Ah, in my hopeless misery.
Near to the holy altar. My saint I have enshrined thee.
I saw a youth observing me. In horror and anguish here I must find thee,
Iteneath whose gaze mine did falter, Thy future all turned to woe!
Though not a word he said to me, (To Gilda.)
My heart his meaning well did know! Daughter come, let me comfort thee in thy
When twilight shades were darkening, sorrow —
Last night he stood before me, GILDA:
Fondly he vow'd to love me. Father!
And I gave him vow for vow. RIGOLETTO:
RIGOLETTO (despairingly): Weep here, weep, on my heart thy tears may
Ah! that thou be spared my infamy flow.
I've wearied Heaven with praying, GILDA:
That every good may lipht on thee Father, in thee an angel doth comfort bestow.
Far from the world's betraying,
* Doukle-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite *iJe *•<• DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
288
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — V E R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
Piangi fanciulla (Weep, My Child)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 925O2 12-inch, $4.OO
By A. Cassani, Soprano, and F. Federici, Baritone
(In Italian) *45O32 lO-inch, l.OO
The Count Monlerone now passes through the hall under guard. He pauses before the
I)u/,-c 's portrait and exclaims :
MONTERONE:
Oh, then, 'twas in vain in my anger I cursed
thee!
No thunder from Heaven yet hath burst down
to strike thee.
With pleasure triumphant thy days yet are
crowned.
(Exit, guarded.)
Rigoletto, gazing after Monterone, grimly says that vengeance will not be long delayed.
Si vendetta (Yes, My Vengeance)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 915O1 lO-inch, I3.0O
By Laura Mellerio, Soprano, and Ernesto Badini, Baritone
(In Italian) *45OOO lO-inch, l.OO
He in turn gazes on the Dulse's portrait and sings fiercely:
RIGOLETTO:
But 'twill not be long thus, the avenger is
nigh.
(Impetuously.)
Yes, my vengeance hath doomed thee.
Heartless fiend, 'tis my sole consolation,
That ere the flames of Hell entomb thee,
Thou shall feel a father's wra(h.
GILD A:
Oh my father, a joy ferocious
In thy words doth tell of danger —
RIGOLETTO:
To vengeance!
GILDA (timidly) :
Heav'n doth know his crime atrocious,
Oh, might I avert its wrath —
RIGOLETTO:
To vengeance !
GILDA:
(In my heart there's nought of anger.)
RICOLETTO:
Yes, to vengeance fierce I doom thee —
Thou shall feel a father's wrath!
GILDA:
Oh, forgive him!
Ah, might I avert the wrath of Heaven!
(They depart.)
SPARAFUCILE S DEN ACT III
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
289
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PE R A — VE R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
ACT III
SCENE 1 — A Lonely Spot on the Rioer Mincio. A House, Half in Ruins, at one Side.
The front of the house, open to the spectator, shows a rustic inn on the ground floor ; a broken
staircase leads from this to a loft, where stands a rough couch. On the side towards the street is a
door, and a low wall extends backwards from the house. The Mincio is seen in the background,
behind a mined parapet; beyond, the towers of Mantua. It is night. Sparafucile in the house,
seated by a table polishing his belt, unconscious of what is spoken outside.
Rigoletto and Cilda, the latter in male attire, now approach the inn. Rigoletto pityingly
asks his daughter if she still can love the Duke. She confesses that she does, and he
exclaims:
RIGOLETTO:
Thou lov'st him?
GILD A:
Always.
RIGOLETTO:
Still to love him is mere infatuation.
GILDA:
I love him.
RIGOLETTO :
Ah, tender heart of woman '.
Oh, base despoiler!
Thou my child shall yet have vengeance.
GILDA:
Kay, rather pity.
RIGOLETTO:
And if I could convince thee that he is
worthless, wouldst thou still then love him?
GILDA:
Perhaps. Ah, he does love me!
RIGOLETTO (leads her towards the house to look
through a fissure in the wall):
Come here, and look within.
She does so, and is startled to see the Duke, who comes in disguised as a soldier,
demand some wine and sing his famous La donna e mobile.
La donna e mobile (Woman is Fickle)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor
By Florencio Constantino, Tenor
By Giuseppe Acerbi, Tenor
This familiar canzone, beginning
(In Italian) 87017
(In Italian) 64O72
(In Italian) *€>2083
10-inch, $2.00
10-inch, l.OO
lO-inch, .75
AUtgrtUo.
La don-na £ mo-bi - le qual piu-ma al ven • to, mu-ta d'ac • cer. - to
H'om-an ~it fick . le, false al - to'- gctli-er. Mm' d like Ike fea-lher borne bytht tree- let
is perhaps the best known of all the airs of the opera. Its spontaneous melody pictures the
gay, irresponsible character of the young noble who thus sings of changeable womankind.
DUKE:
Woman is fickle, false altogether,
. t Moves like a feather borne on the breezes;
'Woman with, guiling smile will e'er deceive
. you,. •#. ;
Often fop grieve you, yet e'er she pleases,
Her hearth, unfeeling, false altogether;
Moves l4ke''A.. feather borne on the breeze.
Borne on 'the bfeeze, borne on the "Breeze!
Wretched the dupe is, who when sh'e looks
kindly,
Trusts to her hjfcidly. TZ|lus life is wasted!
Yet he must surely be dulf beyond measure,
Who of love's pleasure pever has tasted.
Woman is fickle, false aljpgether,
Moves like a feathet . borue on the breeze!
Caruso delivers the gay air with an ease and abandon which are infectious, and sings
the difficult cadenza in the second verse with^ unusual effectiveness.
Other renditions are given at varying priced ^. «.t 4
* Doubk-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite *iJc ** DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
290
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — VE RD I 'S RIGOLETTO
CONSTANTINO AS THE DUKE ACT III
By Arthur Pryor's Band
By Arthur Pryor's Band
At the close of the Duke's song Sparafucile
enters with the wine. He knocks twice on the
ceiling and a young girl comes down. The Du£e
tries to embrace her but she laughingly escapes
him. Now occurs the great Quartet, one of the
most famous of concerted pieces.
Quartet — Bella figlia dell'amore
(Fairest Daughter of the Graces)
By Bessie Abott, Soprano; Louise
Homer, Contralto; Enrico Caruso.
Tenor; Antonio Scotti, Baritone
(In Italian) 96OOO 12-inch. $6.OO
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano;
Mme. Severina, Contralto; Enrico
Caruso, Tenor; Antonio Scotti,
Baritone
(In Italian) 96O01 12-inch, 6.OO
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano;
Emma Zaccaria, Mezzo-Soprano;
Carmelo Lanzirotti, Tenor ; Fran-
cesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian} *68O67, 12-inch, 1.25
By Giuseppina Huguet Soprano ;
Emma Zaccaria, Mezzo-Soprano ;
Carmelo Lanzirotti, Tenor ; Fran-
cesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian) 58359 12-inch, l.OO
31471 12-inch, l.OO
*16276 10-inch, .75
Among the musical gems with which the score of Rigoletto abounds, none is so well
known and universally admired as this fine number, sung by the Dulfe, Gilda, Maddalena
and Rigoletto. It is undoubtedly the most brilliant and musicianly of all Verdi's concerted
pieces, and the contrasting emotions — the tender addresses and coquetry on the one side,
and the heart-broken sobs of Gilda and the cries for vengeance of her father on the other —
are pictured with the hand of a genius.
No less than four records of this great number, at varying prices, also two instrumental
renditions, are offered by the Victor. The singers who have been engaged for these records
are all noted for their artistic interpretations of the characters represented. Caruso's
with its glorious outpourings
of luscious voice in the lovely
airs; Sembrich 's perfect por-
trayal with its wonderful
vocalization ; Abott's girlish
and brilliantly sung imper-
sonation ; Homer's Maddalena,
•which is fascinating enough
to attract any Duke, and whose
one vocal opportunity occurs
here ; Scotti's truly wonderful
and superbly sung Jester, one
of the most powerful im-
personations on the operatic
stage — all these are familiar
and admired portrayals; while
the artists who render the
low - priced record are all
well-known and competent
singers.
PHOTO HALL
THE QUARTET ACT III
291
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PE R A — VE R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
COPY'I DUPOH
HOMER AS MADOALENA
The situation at the opening of the act is a most dramatic one. The Duke, gay and
careless, is making love to Maddalena in the inn of Sparafucile, the bandit, all unconscious
that the assassin hired by RigoleUo is waiting for his opportunity.
He sings, beginning the quartet:
DUKE:
Fairest daughter of the graces,
I thy humble slave implore thee,
With one tender word to joy restore me,
End the pangs, the pangs of unrequited love.
Of my anguish see the traces,
Thee I treasure all above.
With one tender word to joy restore me,
End the pangs, the pangs of unrequited love!
MADDALENA (repulsing him) :
I appreciate you rightly,
All you say is but to flatter.
Ah, I laugh to think how many
Yet your tender tale may move!
Rigolelto, who desires to prove to CilJa that her lover
is false, bids her look through the window of the inn at
the scene within. The unhappy girl, convinced, exclaims:
GILDA:
Ah. to speak of love thus lightly!
Words like these to me were spoken,
He is false; my heart is broken!
RIGOLETTO:
Silence, thy tears will not avail thee,
It were baseness to regret him!
Thou must shun him and forget him.
(With fierce joy.)
Thy avenger I will prove
The strength to punish will not fail me
That I vow to every power that rules above!
The blending of the four voices is marvelous in its smoothness, and the manner in
which every syllable and every note of the difficult music is brought out, is most remarkable.
The sales of these wonderful reproductions have been enormous, and copies of the records have
made their way to every part of the world, and are in the collections of music lovers
everywhere.
The Duke now goes to his bedroom and is soon asleep. Rigolelto bids his daughter go
to Verona with all speed and
he will meet her there. She
reluctantly departs and Rigo-
lelto pays Sparafucile half his
price, the remainder to be
paid on the delivery of the
body of the Duke at midnight
Rigoletto goes away just as
Gilda, who has disobeyed her
father, returns and tries to see
•what is going on inside the
house. Sparafucile enters the
house and Maddalena, who
has taken a fancy to the Z)u£e,
begs her brother to spare his
life, delicately suggesting that
he kill Rigoletto and take
the money from him. Spara-
fucile is indignant and pro-
tests that he has never yet
failed in his duty to his em-
ployers. Maddalena pleads
with him and he finally says
if another guest should enter
he will kill him instead of
the LJU^e. PHOTO BEIT GILDA FINDS HER LOVER FALSE
292
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — VE R D I ' S RIGOLETTO
During this dramatic scene a storm is raging, and in addition to the stage effects of
thunder and lightning Verdi has used the effective device of the chorus humming in chro-
matic thirds to illustrate the moaning of the wind. This scene is given here in a wonder-
fully impressive record by Brambilla, Cappiello and Sillich, assisted by La Scala Chorus.
Tempesta— Somiglia un Apollo (He's Fair as Apollo)
By Linda Brambilla, Soprano; Maria Cappiello. Mezzo-Soprano ; Arista-
demo Sillich, Bass ; and La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *6819O 12-inch, $1.25
Gilda hears this terrible agreement and the broken-hearted girl resolves to sacrifice her
own life to save that of her false lover. She knocks at the door, is seized and stabbed by
the bandit and her body wrapped in a sack. Rigoletto soon returns, pays the remainder of
the price agreed upon, and receives the body. Sparafucile, fearing that Rigolello will discover
the substitution, offers to throw the body into the river. The Jester says he will do it him-
self and bids the bravo depart.
Left alone, the Jester gazes on the body with a horrible satisfaction, saying :
RIGOLETTO:
lie is there, pow'rless! Ah, I must see him! Yes, my foot is upon him!
Nay. 'twere folly! 'tis he surely! I feel his My grief has vanish'd,
spurs here. "Tis turned to joy triumphant;
Look on me now ye courtiers! Thy tomb shall be the waters,
Look here and tremble. This coarse sack thy shroud and grave cloth.
Here the buffoon is monarch! Away, now!
He is about to drag the sack towards the river, when he hears the voice of the Duke
leaving the inn on the opposite side.
DUKE:
Woman is fickle, false altogether, etc.
RIGOLETTO (tearing his hair) :
That voice! Am I mad? What fiend deludes
me?
No, no, no! here I hold hirr^
(Calling to the house.)
Hola, thou thief, thou bandit!
(The Duke's roice dies in the distance.)
Then whom have I within here?
I tremble — the form is human!
(With utmost horror, recognizing Gilda.)
My daughter, oh, Heav'n, my daughter!
Ah, no! Not my daughter! She is in Verona!
'Twas a dream !
Then begins the wonderful final duet, a fitting end to such a noble and powerful work,
and a number -which is unfortunately omitted in American performances of the opera.
However, the Victor owner, more fortunate than the opera-goer, may hear it at his pleasure.
Lassu in cielo (In Heaven Above)
By Graziella Pareto. Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 92506 12-inch, $4.00
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Renzo Minolfi, Baritone
(In Italian) *68067 12-inch, 1.25
RIGOLETTO: The assassin deceived me. Hola!
'Tis Gilda! (Knocks desperately on the door of the house.)
(Kneeling.) No answer! despair! my daughter! my Gilda!
Child of sorrow! my angel, look on thy father! Oh, my daughter!
The young girl, who is not yet dead, opens her eyes and cries feebly :
GILDA:
Ah, who calls me? RIGOLETTO:
RIGOLETTO: Heaven's avenging wrath has undone me,
Ah, she hears me! She lives then! Must I lose all on earth that was left me!
Oh, thou, my heart's only treasure, (To Gilda.)
Behold thy father despairing! Turn thine eyes, oh my angel, upon me,
GILDA: Speak, oh speak to me, who hath bereft me?
Dearest father !
RIGOLETTO: GILDA:
Who was't that struck thee? Father, oh ask not,
GILDA: Bless thy daughter and forpive her.
Oh, my father, for him that I cherish, From yonder sky, with the blest angels flying,
I deceived thee, and for him I perish. Comes my mother to welcome me home!
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS, page 294.
293
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— V E R D I 'S RIGOLETTO
RIGOLETTO:
Child, in pity, oh speak not of dying;
Stay them to bless me, oh leave me not alone.
GILDA (feebly):
There we wait, my father, for thee!
RIGOLETTO:
Ah, no, no, leave me not!
Live, my child.
Canst thou leave me alone, despairing to
mourn?
GILDA:
Ah, no — forgive my betrayer, my father, for-
give him.
From yonder sky — there we wait — my father,
for — (She dies.)
RIGOLETTO:
Gilda! my Gildat I've lost her!
(Ht recalls the curse.)
Ah! 'twas a father cursed me!
(Tears his hair and falls senseless on the body
of Gilda.)
(Curtain)
DOUBLE-FACED RIGOLETTO RECORDS
Ch 'io le parli (I Will Speak to Him)
By Cigada. Sillich. and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Tempesta — Somiglia un Apollo (He's Fair as Apollo)
By Linda Brambilla. Maria Cappiello, Aristodemo Sillich.
and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
fCaro nome (Dearest Name) By Edith Helena (In English)
\ Sonnambula — Ah, non giunge By Edith Helena (English)
Quartet — Bella figlia dell' amore (Fairest Daughter of the
Graces) By Giuseppina Huguet, Emma Zaccaria, Carmelo
Lanzirotti, and Francesco Cigada (In Italian)
Lassu in cielo (In Heaven Above) By Giuseppina
Huguet, Soprano, and Renzo Minolfi, Baritone In Italian)
f Monologo — Pari siamo By Ernesto Badini (In Italian) \
(Piangi fanciulla By Cassani and Federici (In Italian))
Tutte le feste al tempio (On Every Festal Morning)
By Laura Mellerio and Ernesto Badini In Italian) I
Si vendetta (Yes. My Vengeance)
By Laura Mellerio and Ernesto Badini (In Italian))
Cortigiani. vil razza dannata (Vile Race of Courtiers)
By Renzo Minolfi. Baritone (In Italian) 1 165 73
Lat^me — Fantaisie aux divins By M. Rocca, Tenor ( In French) ]
Tutte le feste al tempio (On Every Festal Morning)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (In Italian) >62O83
La donna e mobile By Giuseppe Acerbi. Tenor {Italian)]
/Rigoletto Quartet By Arthur Pryor's Band
I Peaccmaket March
) .,__,
By Arthur Pryor's Band]
68190 12-inch. 51.25
35O67 12-inch. 1.25
68067 12-inch. 1.25
45032 10-inch, l.OO
lO-inch, l.OO
lO-inch, .75
10-inch. .75
10-inch. .75
GILDA S DESPAIR — ACT II
294
(Italian)
ROBERTO IL DIAVOLO
(Roh-J>ehr-toh eel Dee-ah' -ooh-loh)
ROBERTLE DIABLE ROBERT E|THE DEVIL
(Roh-behr-teh Dee-ah'-bl)
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Words by Scribe and Delavigne ; music by Giacomo Meyerbeer. First presented at the
Acad6mie, Paris, November 21, 1831. In London, and in English, imperfectly, as The
Demon, or the Mystic Branch, at Drury Lane, February 20, 1832; and as The Fiend Father, or
Robert of Normandy, at Covent Garden the day following; as Robert the Devil at Drury
Lane, March I, 1845. In French at Her Majesty's Theatre, June 1 I, 1832. In Italian at Her
Majesty's Theatre, May 4, 1847 (first appearance of Jenny Lind and Staudigl).
CAST
ROBERT, Duke of Normandy Tenor
BERTRAM, the Unknown Bass
RAMBALDO, a minstrel Tenor
ISABELLA, Princess of Sicily . . Soprano
ALICE, foster sister of Robert Soprano
Knights, Courtiers, Heralds, Pilgrims, Peasants, Chaplains, Priests, Nuns, etc.
Although Meyerbeer had
produced several operas, most-
ly unsuccessful, it was not
until the production of Robert
le Diable in 1831 that the
genius of the composerbecame
known. The opera met -with
an unparalleled success and
really made the fortune of the
Paris Opera with its splendid
scenic effects, brilliant instru-
mentation, vigorous recitative
and its heroic and partly
legendary story.
Robert, Dul^e of Normandy,
who -was called Robert the Devil
because of his courage in
battle and his successes in
love, is banished by his sub-
jects and goes to Sicily, where
he continues to struggle with
an Evil Spirit, which seems
to tempt him to every kind of
excess. Alice, his foster sister, suspects that his supposed friend Bertram, is in reality this
evil influence. At the close of Act I Robert, led on by Bertram, gambles away all his
possessions, and failing to attend the Tournament, loses the honor of a knight and greatly
displeases the Lady Isabella, whom he loves.
The second act shows the entrance to the Cavern of Satan, wherein a company of Evil
Spirits are collected, and where occurs the great scene for Bertram and the chorus of fiends.
Valse Infernal, ** Ecco una nuova preda " (I Have 'Well Spread
My Toils)
By Marcel Journet, Bass, and Metropolitan Opera Chorus
(In French) 74282 12-inch, $1,5O
Bertram promises the Demons that he will complete the ruin of Robert and the fiends
rejoice at the prospect of adding another soul to their company.
295
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-ROBERT THE DEVIL
BERTRAM:
1 have well spread my toils, another soul to
capture!
One more gained! glorious conquest,
At which demons must rejoice!
(.•/ subterraneous noise is heard; darkness
falls. Bertram, under the control of the
evil one. feeis an unholy joy.)
King of fallen angels! ruler mine! * » »
He is here! * * He awaits me! *
1 hear the noise
Of their infernal joy the fallen
spirits seek
To drown their remorse in hellish mirth!
INFERNAL CHORUS (from the cavern):
Ye demons, who Heaven and its laws defy,
The sound of your revels now mounts to the
sky,
Your voices lift high!
Praise the master who reigns over us,
Sing aloud in lusty chorus!
Praise the Master, yes praise!
Journet gives an impressive rendering of the utterances of the fiend, Bertram, while the
chorus of demons, supposed to proceed from the Cavern of Satan, is strikingly sung by the
Opera Chorus.
Alice, -who has come to the vicinity of the cave to meet her lover, overhears this infernal
bargain and determines to save him. Robert, dejected over the loss of his honor and
•wealth, meets Bertram, who promises that all shall be restored to him if he will have the
courage to visit the ruined abbey and secure a magic branch, which can give wealth, power
and immortality.
The next scene shows the ruins, where Bertram invokes the aid of the buried nuns in
completing the downfall of Robert. This famous invocation is sung here by Plan^on with
spirit and power.
Invocation — Nonnes, qui reposez (Ye Slumbering Nuns)
By Pol Planson, Baritone (In French) 85125 12-inch, $3.OO
Bertram speaks of the founding of the convent and of the false nuns who lie buried
here, and calls upon them to arise.
liKRTRAM : Whose unholy devotion was offered to other
Here then are the nuns of the ancient monas- gods.
tery,
To Heaven's cause bequeathed by St.
Rosalie,
Here lie buried the false daughters
THE RUINED ABBEY ACT III
Nuns, who beneath this cold stone repose,
For an hour forsake your sepulcher beds,
King of Hell, it is I who calls you.
The spectres arise, and
•when Robert appears they
dance around him and lead
him to the grave of St.
Rosalie, where he is shown
the magic branch. Overcom-
ing his fears, he grasps it, and
by its power defeats the mul-
titude of demons who arise
from the infernal regions to
prevent his escape.
In the next scene Robert
uses the branch to become
invisible, and goes to Lady
Isabella's room to carry her
off. In this scene occurs the
famous air for Isabella, "Oh,
Robert, My Beloved," part of
which will be found in this
selection by Pryor.
Selection, including " Oh, Robert, My Beloved"
By Arthur Pryor's Band (Double-faced) 35O64 12-inch, $1.25
Moved by her entreaties, he yields to the promptings of his good angel and breaks the
branch, thus destroying the spell.
In the last act Bertram renews his efforts to induce Robert to sign an eternal contract.
Tired of life, he is about to yield when Alice appears and tells him of the last words of his
mother, warning him against the Fiend, who is in reality Robert's father. The clock strikes
twelve, and the baffled Fiend disappears, while the cathedral door opens showing the
Princess waiting for the reformed Robert.
U96
(French)
LE ROI DE LAHORE
(Le Rwah Jeh Lah-howr)
THE KINcToF LAHORE
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Libretto by Louis Gallet ; music by Jules Massenet. First production at the Grand
Opera, Peris, April 27, 1877; and at Covent Garden, Royal Italian Opera, June 28, 1879.
Cast
AUM, King of Lahore Tenor
SCINDIA, his minister Baritone
TlMUR, a priest Bass
INDRA Bass
SlTA Soprano
KALED, confidant of the King Mezzo-Soprano
Time and Place : India ; the eleventh century, during the incursion of the Mohammedans.
This early work of Massenet's is founded upon an Indian subject, and deals with the
Mussulman invasion. It is noted for its brilliant ballet, illustrative of an Indian paradise.
Sita, niece of the high priest, Timur, is beloved by Alim, King of Lahore. His rival,
Scindia, accuses her of profaning the Temple and she is condemned to death, but is saved
by the King, who asks her hand in marriage.
In the second act Alim, at war with the Mussulmans, is betrayed to the enemy by
Scindia, and is killed in battle, while Scindia seizes his throne and carries away Sita.
Alim is transported to the celestial realm of India, but is not contented, and begs the
divinities to allow him to return to earth. His request is granted on condition that he does
not resume his rank and returns to India when Sita dies. On his return he finds that
Scindia has secured the throne and forced Sita to become his wife. Alim declares himself,
but Scindia denounces him as an impostor. Alim is obliged to flee, but Sita goes with him,
and when they are about to be captured she kills herself. Alim, in fulfillment of his vow,
also dies, and the lovers are united in celestial India.
Promesse di mon avenir (Oh, Promise of a Joy Divine)
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone (In French) 88172 12-inch, $3.OO
The most famous of the numbers is of course this superb air for baritone in the fourth
act, which La Salle sung in the first production with great success. A portion of the fine
translation by Dudley Buck, from the Schirmer "Operatic Anthology" (Copy't G. Schirmer),
is given here by permission.
SCINDIA:
The Sultan's barb'rous horde, who had so
gladly riven
From us fair Lahore.
By our own might have from the field been
driven.
From care my people free,
Loudly sound forth
lly sound forth my praises!
O promise fair of joy divine, Sita,
Thou dream of all my life, Sita, my queen thou soon shall be!
O beauty torn from me by strife, To thee the world its glory offers,
At last', thou shall be mine! O Sita! To thee a king his crown now proffers;
O fair one, charm my loving heart, Come, Sita, O come! ah! be mine!
And ne'er again from me depart !
A fine rendition of this air is given here by Mr. de Gogorza, whose beautiful voice and
perfect French diction are well exhibited.
297
(French)
(English)
ROMEO ET JULIETTE ROMEO AND JULIET
(Roh'-may-oh ay Joo-lee-ef)
OPERA IN FIVE ACTS
Words by Barbier and Carr6, after Shakespeare's drama. Music by Charles Gounod.
First produced at the Thtdtre Lyrique, Paris, April 27, 1867. First London production July
11, 1867. Presented in America, 1868, with Minnie Hauk.
Some famous American productions occurred in 1890, -with Patti, Ravelli, del Puente and
Fabri ; in 1891, with Eames (debut), the de Reszkes and Capoul; in 1898, with Melba,
Saleza, de Reszke and Plancon ; and more recently with Farrar as Juliet.
Characters
JULIET, (Joo-lee-et') daughter of Capulet Soprano
STEPHANO, (Stef' -ah-noh) page to Romeo Soprano
GERTRUDE, Juliet's nurse Mezzo-Soprano
ROMEO Tenor
TYBALT, (Tee-bahf) Capulet's nephew Tenor
BENVOLJO, (Ben.vo'-/ee-oA) friend of Romeo Tenor
MERCUTIO, (Mer-kem -shee-oh) friend of Romeo Baritone
PARIS, (Pah-ree) Capulet's kinsman Baritone
GREGORIO, Capulet's kinsman Baritone
CAPULET, (Cap-u-/eA') a Veronese noble Basso-Cantante
FRIAR LAURENCE Bass
THE DUKE OF VERONA Bass
Guests ; Relatives and Retainers of the Capulets and
Montagues.
The action tal^es place at Verona.
THE LOVERS' FIRST MEETING
Romeo and Juliet over-
flows with charming music,
Gounod having written for the
lovers some of the most emo-
tional passages ever composed,
and the opera has even been
called "a love duet with occa-
sional interruptions." It is of
course not another Faust, — no
composer could write two such
•works, — but it is a most beau-
tiful setting of the story of
the ill-fated Italian lovers,
which will always be listened
to -with pleasure.
Several of the Shake-
spearean personages have
been omitted from the opera
cast by the librettists, and a
new character, that of the
page Stephana, has been added.
299
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-GOUNOD'S ROMEO AND JULIET
ACT I
SCENE — Ballroom in Capulel's House, Verona
The curtain rises on a scene of festivity. Capulet, a
Veronese noble, is giving a masked fete in honor of his
daughter Juliet '3 entrance into society.
Juliet is presented to the guests by her father, and
Capulet calls on his guests to make merry in a rousing air.
Couplets de Capulet (Capulet's Air,)
By Pol Plancon, Bass (Piano ace. )
(In French) 81O35 JO-inch, I2.OO
When the guests have gone to the banquet hall,
Juliet lingers behind and gives expression to her girlish joy
in the famous waltz.
Valse (Juliet's "Waltz Song)
By Louise Tetrazzini, Soprano
(In Italian} 88302 12-inch, $3.0O
By Emma Eames, Soprano
(In French) 88OJ 1 12-inch, 3.OO
By Blanche Arral, Soprano
(In French) 74151 12-inch, 1.5O
It is maintained by some critics that this waltz is too
showy and brilliantly effective to be sung by a modest
young girl at her first ball. However, Gounod has written
such an uncommonly pretty -waltz of exquisite melody,
that most hearers are too delighted to inquire very closely into questions of dramatic fitness.
JULIET:
Song, jest, perfume ar>d dances. Sprites from fairyland olden.
Smiles, vows, love-laden glances On me now bend.
All that spells or entrances Forever would this gladness
In one charm blend Shine on me brightly as now.
As in fair dreams enfolden Would that never aee or sadness
Born of fantasy golden, Threw their shade o'er my brow!
Three records of this delicate waltz, -with its ear-haunting melody, are offered for a
selection. Mme. Tetrazzini gives it with much animation, its difficult requirements being
met with a perfect ease and grace.
Mme. Eames, -whose Juliet is remembered with pleasure, sings the number with much
charm ; while a lower-priced rendition is contributed by Mme. Arral.
Juliet is about to leave the room when Romeo enters, having ventured masked into
the house of his enemy. He is much impressed with her beauty and grace, and contriving
to speak with her, asks her to remain a moment. They sing the first of their duets, the
opening portion of which is full of airy repartee. As the number progresses a mysterious
attraction seems to draw the youth and maiden toward each ether, and the duet becomes
an impassioned love scene.
FARRAR AS JULIET
Ange adorable (Lovely Angel)
By Alice Nielsen and Florencio Constantino
(In French) 741O8 12-inch, $1.50
ROMEO:
Angel that wearest graces the fairest.
Forgive, if to touch I dare.
The marble whiteness of thy hand
That Heav'n hath formed so fair!
Claim, then, unsparing, that for my daring
I one soft kiss be fined.
Kiss, that effaces unworthy traces,
This hand hath left behind.
JULIET:
Thy hand, good pilgrim, this fine but
wrongeth
For thou dost blame it o'ermuch.
To pure devotion surely belongeth.
Saintly palm that thou may'st touch. . <
Hands there are, sacred to pilgrim's greeting,
I'ut, ah me! I not such as this.
Palm unto palm, not red lips meeting.
Is a holy palmer's kiss!
Ro M EO :
To palmer and to saint, have not lips too
been given ?
JULIET:
Yes; but only for prayer!
Ro M EO :
Then grant my pray'r, dear saint, or faith
may else be driven.
Unto deenest despair!
JULIET:
Know, the saints ne'er are moved.
And if thev grant a pray'r, 'tis for the
prayer's sake!
300
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— GOUNOD'S ROMEO AND JULIET
ROMEO:
Then move not, sweetest saint.
Whilst the effect of iny pray'r, from thy lips
(He kisses her)
I shall take!
JULIET:
Ah! now my lips from thine burning.
Have the sin that they have taken!
ROMEO:
O give that sin back again.
To my lips their fault returning.
JULIET:
No, not again! No, not again!
ROMEO:
O give the sin to me again !
Tybalt, a hot-headed member of the Capulet family, recog-
nizes Romeo through his mask, and threatens to kill him for
his presumption in coming to the house of his enemies.
Capulet restrains Tybalt and the dancing recommences as the
ABOTT AS JULIET curtain falls.
ACT II
SCENE — Capulet 's Garden ; Juliet 's Apartments Above
This balcony scene is taken almost literally from Shakespeare, about the only variation
being the entrance of Gregorio and the servants, which serves merely to divide the long love
duet into two parts.
Romeo appears, and gazing at the balcony,
sings his lovely serenade.
Ah ! leve toi soleil
Fairest Sun)
(Arise,
i.oo
By Charles Dalmores, Tenor
(In French) 85121 12-inch, $3.OO
By Leo Slezak, Tenor
(In German) 61204 10- inch,
ROMEO:
Rise, fairest sun in heaven!
Quench the stars with thy brightness,
That o'er the vault at even
Shine with a feeble lightness,
Oh! rise again! Oh! rise again!
And banish night's dark shades.
She is watching, ah! ever untwining
From their bonds her tresses shining!
Now she speaketh. Ah! how charming!
By her beauty's brilliant ray,
As burneth, ashamed and jaded,
A lamp by the light of day!
At her window, on her fair hand,
See now she leaneth her cheek.
On that hand, were I a glove.
That I might touch that cheek!
Juliet appears on the bal-
cony and Romeo conceals him-
self. She speaks to the stars
of her new-found happiness.
JULIET:
Ah, me — and still I love him!
Romeo, why art thou Romeo?
Doff then thy name, for it is
no part,
My love, of thee! What rose
we call
By other name would smell as
sweetly :
Thou'rt no foe, 'tis thy name!
THE BALCONY SCENE
301
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-GOUNOD'S ROMEO AND JULIET
ROMEO AND JULIET
A long scene between the lovers is interrupted
by Grtgorio and some retainers, who are searching
for Romeo. He conceals himself, and on their de-
parture the duet is resumed.
Ne fuis encore (Linger Yet a Moment)
By Alice Nielsen. Soprano, and Florencio
Constantino, Tenor
(In French) 64091 lO-inch. $1.OO
ROMEO AND JULIET:
Ah! go not yet. but stay thee!
Let me once more kiss thy dear hand, I pray
thee!
JULIET:
Silence! a step is near us.
Someone I fear will hear us.
Let me at least take my hand from thy keep-
ing.
Good night, love.
ROMEO:
Good night, love.
BOTH:
Good night! Dearest, this fond good night
is such sweet sorrow
That I would say good night, till it be dawn!
ROMEO:
Soft be thy repose till morning!
On thine eyes slumber dwell, and sweet peace
In thy bosom: would I were sleep and peace
So sweet to rest!
ACT III
SCENE I — The Cell of Friar Laurence
Romeo and Juliet meet by appointment in the Friar's cell to ask him to marry them. He
at first protests but finally consents, hoping the union will bring the rival houses to-
gether in friendship. The marriage takes place, and Juliet returns home with her nurse.
SCENE II— A Street in Verona
Stephana enters, seeking his master. Observing the residence of Capulet, he decides to
sing a song, thinking Romeo may still be lingering near the house. A fine rendition of this
air has been given by Rita Fornia.
Chanson de Stephano (Page Song)
By Rita Fornia, Soprano (In French) 74211 12-inch, $1.50
This brilliant young so-
prano, -who has just been en-
gaged by the Victor, has made
an especial success at the
Metropolitan in this role, her
fresh and youthful voice being
admirably suited to the music
of the Page, while in the
recent revival of Romeo her
singing of Stephana's air -was
pronounced one of the best
features of the performance.
Gregorio appears, angry at
being waked up, and scolds
the noisy youth, finally rec-
ognizing him as the compan-
ion of Romeo on the previous
night. They fight, but are
interrupted by Mercutio and
Tybalt, who begin to quarrel
•with Gregorio. Romeo enters
and tries to act as peacemaker.
The action comes to the ears of the
FRIAR LAURENCE AND ROMEO
but is insulted and forced to fight, killing Tybalt.
302
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-GOUNOD'S ROMEO AND JULIET
of Verona, who happens to be passing with his suite, and he banishes Romeo from
the kingdom. The unhappy youth yields to the decree, but secretly vows to see/u/ie/ again.
ACT IV
SCENE— Juliet 's Room
Romeo has made his way into Capulct's house at imminent risk of death, and has
penetrated to the room of his bride. As the curtain rises he is taking leave of her, and in
another exquisite duet she begs him not to go. He finally departs after a tender farewell,
just as Capulel and Friar Laurence enter to tell her that it was Tybalt's
dying wish that she should marry Paris. Left alone with the good
priest she tells him she will die rather than be separated from Romeo.
The Friar tells her to have patience, as he has a plan by which they
are to be reunited. He then gives Juliet a potion, commanding her
to drink it when her marriage with Paris seems imminent, and tells
her she will go into a death-like trance. He continues :
FRIAR LAURENCE:
Loud will they raise the sound of lamentation,
"Juliet is dead! Juliet is dead!" For so
Shall they deem thee reposing. But
The angels above will reply, "She but sleeps!"
For two-and-forty hours thou shall lie in
death's seeming,
And then, to life awaking as from a pleasant
dreaming.
From the ancient vault thou shalt haste away;
Thy husband shall be there, In the night to
watch o'er thee!
The good priest leaves her and shortly afterward, seeing her
i father and Paris approaching, she drinks the contents of the phial, and
[growing faint, apparently expires in Capulet's arms.
ACT V
SCENE— The Tomb of Juliet
The curtain rises, showing the silent vault of the Capulets,
where Juliet is lying on the bier still in her trance. Romeo, who has
failed to receive Friar Laurence's message, and believes Juliet is dead,
now forces the door with an iron bar and enters.
He sees his bride apparently dead, and flings himself on her body.
CONSTANTINO AS ROMEO After a mournful air in which he bids her farewell, he drinks poison,
but is soon startled to see signs of life in the body of Juliet. For-
getting the poison he had taken, he embraces her joyfully and they sing their final duet:
JULIET: ROMEO:
Ah! methought that I heard Come, let's fly hence!
Tones that I lov'd, soft falling! JULIET:
ROMEO: Happy dawn!
'Tis I! Romeo — thine own — ROMEO AND JULIET:
Who thy slumbers have stirr'd, Come, the world is all before us,
Led by my heart alone, two hearts, yet one !
Thee, my bride, unto love_ Grant that our love —
And the fair world recalling! Be now and ever
(Juliet falls into his arms.) Holy and pure, till our life shall end.
Suddenly remembering the fatal draught,
ROMEO:
Alas! I believed thee dead, love, and —
I drank of this draught!
(Shows the phial.)
JULIET:
Of that draught! It is death!
(Taking the phial.)
Ah! thou churl
To drink all! No friendly drop thou'st
left me,
So I may die with thee!
(She flings the phial away, then remember-
ing the dagger, draws it out.)
Ah! here's my dagger still!
Romeo cries out in horror :
Now, happy dagger, behojd thy sheath !
(She stabs herself. With a supreme effort
Romeo half raises himself to prevent her.)
ROMEO:
Hold! Hold thy hand!
JULIET:
Ah, happy moment.
My soul now with rapture is swelling.
Thus to die, love, with thee.
(She lets fall the dagger.)
Yet one embrace ! I love thee !
(They half rise in each other's arms.)
O heav'n grant us thy grace!
( They die. )
MISCELLANEOUS
Selection from the Opera
By Pryor's Orchestra
ROMEO RECORDS
31353 12-inch. *1.0O
303
(French)
SAMSON ET DALILA
(Sahm'-sahn' ay Dah' -let-lah' )
SAMSON AND DELILAH
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Ferdinand Lemaire; music by Camille Saint-Safins (Sahn'-Sahnz'). First produc-
tion at Weimar, under Liszt, December 2, 1877. In France at Rouen, 1890. Performed at
Covent Garden, in concert form, September 25, 1893. First American production February,
1895, with Tamagno and Mantelli (one performance only). Revived by Oscar Hammerstein,
November 13, 1908.
Cast of Characters
DEULAH Mezzo-Soprano
SAMSON Tenor
HIGH PRIEST OF DAGON Baritone
AB1MELECH, Satrap of Gaza First Bass
AN OLD HEBREW Second Bass
PHILISTINE MESSENGER Tenor
FIRST PHILISTINE Tenor
SECOND PHILISTINE Bass
Chorus of Hebrews and Philistines.
Time and Place : I 1 50 B. C. ; Gaza in Palestine.
Camille Saint-Saens has been for two generations the foremost figure in music in
France. Poet, astronomer, traveler, excelling in every branch of the art of music, he is
undoubtedly the most versatile musician of our time. He
has held a commanding position on the concert stage
since 1846, when at the age of ten he gave a concert in
Paris. On October 15, 1906, he played one of his own
concertos at the Philharmonic concert in Berlin. Sixty
years before the public I In all the history of music
there is no more wonderful career than that of the com-
poser of Samson, who a few years ago visited America
for the first time.
Samson et Dalila may be called a biblical opera,
almost an oratorio, and the polished beauty and grace of
this great composition has caused it to be pronounced
Saint-Safins* masterpiece. The religious and militant
flavor of the Jewish nation is finely expressed in the
score, and the exquisite love music is more or less familiar
by its frequent performance on the concert stage.
ACT I
SCENE — A Public Square in Gaza
The opera has no overture. The first scene shows a
square in the city of Gaza, where a crowd of Hebrews
are lamenting their misfortunes, telling of the destruction
of their cities and the profanation of their altars by the Gentiles.
Samson speaks to the people and bids them take courage.
304
TAMAGNO AS SAMSON
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— SAMSON AND DELILAH
Figlia miei v'arrestate (Pause, My
Brothers)
By Charles Dalmores. Tenor
(In French) 87O87 lO-inch, >2.OO
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor
(In Italian) 91078 lO-inch. 2.OO
By Nicola Zerola 64173 lO-inch. l.OO
SAMSON (coining out from the throng):
Let us pause, O my brothers,
And bless the holy name of the God of our
fathers!
For now the hour is here when pardon shall
be spoken.
Yes, a voice in my heart is the token.
Tis the voice of the Lord, who by my mouth
thus speaketh.
Our prayers to him have risen,
And liberty is ours.
Brothers! we'll break from bondage!
Our altars raise once more
To our God, as before!
The Hebrews are cheered by Samson's words, but
their mood soon changes when a number of Philistines
enter and revile them. A fight occurs, and Samson
wounds Abimelech. The High Priest of Dagon comes
out of the Temple and curses Samson.
From the Temple now comes Delilah, followed by
the Priestesses of Dagon, bearing flowers and singing of
Spring. Delilah speaks to Samson and invites him to the valley where she dwells. He prays
for strength to resist her fascinations, but in spite of himself he is forced to look at her as
she dances with the maidens. As the young girls dance Delilah sings to Samson the lovely
Song of Spring.
Printemps qui commence (Delilah's Song of Spring)
By Gerville-Reache, Contralto (In French) 88244 12-inch. $3.OO
DALMORES AS SAMSON
DELILAH :
Spring voices are singing,
Bright hope they are bringing,
All hearts making glad.
And gone sorrow's traces,
The soft air effaces
All days that are sad.
The earth glad and beaming,
With freshness is teeming.
In vain all my beauty:
I weep my poor fate!
(She gazes fondly at Samson.)
When night is descending,
With love all unending,
Bewailing my fate,
For him will I wait.
Till fond love returning,
In his bosom burning
May enforce his return!
Samson shows by his hesitation and troubled bearing that Delilah has shaken his
resolutions, and as the curtain falls he is gazing at her, fascinated.
ACT II
SCENE— Delilah's Home in the Valley of Soreck
Delilah, richly attired, is awaiting the coming of Samson, and muses on her coming
triumph over his affections, and the plot to secure his downfall. In a fine air she calls on
Love to aid her.
Amour viens aider (Love, Lend Me Thy Might)
By Louise Homer, Contralto (In French) 882O1 12-inch, $3. OO
DELILAH :
Could he only drive out the passion
That remembrance doth now preserve.
But he is under my dominion;
In vain his people may entreat.
'Tis I alone that can hold him —
I'll have him captive at my feet!
O Love! in my weakness give power!
Poison Samson's brave heart for me!
'Neath my soft sway may he be vanquished;
Tomorrow let him captive be!
Ev'ry thought of me he would banish,
And from his tribe he would swerve,
After a scene between Delilah and Dagon, who urges her not to fail in her purpose,
Samson arrives, impelled by a power he cannot resist.
Delilah greets him tenderly, and -when he bitterly reproaches himself for his weakness,
she sings that wonderfully beautiful song of love and passion.
NOTE. — Text on this page from Ditson Edition by permission. Copy't 1895, Oliver Ditson Co.
305
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— SAMSON AND DELILAH
Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix (My Heart
at Thy Sweet Voice)
By Louise Homer, Contralto
(In French) 88199 12-inch. $3.OO
By Schumann-Heinle. Contralto
(In German) 8819O 12-inch, 3.OO
By Jeanne Gerville-Reache, Contralto
(In French) 88184 12-inch, 3.00
By Elsie Baker, Contralto
(In English) * 161 92 10-inch. .75
This lovely air of Delilah, perhaps the most beautiful
contralto air ever written, and the most familiar of the
numbers in the opera, is in the repertoire of almost
every contralto.
This quotation from the effective translation by
Nathan Haskell Dole is from the Schirmer libretto.
(Copyright 1892, G. Schirmer.)
DELILAH:
My heart at thy sweet voice opens wide like the flower
Which the morn's kisses waken'.
But. that I may rejoice, that my tears no more shower,
Tell thy love still unshaken!
O, say thou wilt not now leave Delilah again !
Repeat thine accents tender, ev'ry passionate vow,
O thou dearest of men!
COPY-I MISMKII Four records of this well-known air are listed here.
GEHVILLE-RE\CHE AS DALiLA Mme. Schumann-Heink sings it in a manner which dis-
plays her rich, melodious contralto, and she delivers the
lovely music with warmth and feeling; while it is sung by Mme. Homer with an intensity
of sentiment and a beauty almost incomparable. Mme. Gerville-Re'ache's performance of
Delilah was one of the sensations of the late Hammerstein season, her rendition of Delilah 's
song being particularly admired ; while a record in English is contributed by Miss Baker.
Delilah now asks that Samson confide to her the secret plans of the Hebrews, and when
he refuses she calls the Philistines, -who are concealed, and Samson is overpowered.
ACT III
SCENE I — A Prison at Gaza
Samson is shown in chains, blinded and shorn of his hair. As he slowly and painfully
pushes a heavy mill -which is grinding corn, he calls on Heaven to forgive his offence.
A file of guards enter and conduct him to the Temple.
SCENE II — A Magnificent Hall in the Temple of Dagon
The High Priests and Philistines, with Delilah and the Philistine maidens, are rejoicing
over the downfall of their enemies. The music of the opening chorus and the Bachanal has
been given here in a fine record by a famous Spanish band.
Coro y Bacanal (Chorus and Bachanal)
By Banda Real de Alabarderos de Madrid *62660 10-inch, $O.75
They have sent for Samson to make sport of him. Delilah approaches him and taunts
him with his weakness. He bows his head in prayer, and when they have -wearied of their
sport Samson asks the page to lead him to the great pillars which support the Temple. He
offers a last prayer to God for strength to overcome his enemies, then, straining at the
pillars, he overthrows them. The Temple falls amid the shrieks and groans of the people.
DOUBLE-FACED SAMSON AND DELILAH RECORDS
/My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice By Elsie Baker (In English)} . , 10, ._ . , in _-
\ Manon— Laughing Song By Edith Helena (In English)}1*1'
/Chorus and Bachanal By Banda Real de Alabarderos) 6266O 10-inch .75
\ Minuet from 2nd Symphony (Haydn) By Banda Rcalf
* Double-Face J Record— For Utk of opposite tide tee above litt.
306
(Italian)
SEMIRAMIDE
TRAGIC OPERA IN TWO ACTS
Text by Rossi; music by Gioachino Antonio Rossini. It is founded on Voltaire's
tragedy Semiramis. First produced at the Fenice Theatre, Venice, February 3, 1823; in
London at the King's Theatre, July 15, 1824. In French, as Semiramis, it appeared in Paris,
July 9, 1860. First American production occurred in New York, April 25, 1826. Some
notable American revivals were in 1855 with Grisi and Vestvalli; in 1890 with Adelina
Patti as Semiramide ; and in 1894 with Melba and Scalchi.
Cast of Characters
SEMIRAMIDE, or SEMIRAMIS, Queen of Babylon Soprano
ARSACES, commander in the Assyrian army, after-
ward the son of Ninus and heir to the throne. .Contralto
THE GHOST OF NINUS Bass
OROE, chief of the Magi Bass
ASSUR, a Prince of the blood royal Bass
AZEMA, Princess of the blood royal Soprano
IDRENUS, of the royal household Tenor
MlTRANES, of the royal household Baritone
Magi, Guards, Satraps, Slaves
GRISI AS SEMIRAMIDE
Semiramide is perhaps the finest of Rossini's serious
operas, but although it was a great success in its day, its
splendid overture and the brilliant Bel raggio are about the
only reminders of it which remain.
The story is based on the classic subject of the murder
of Agamemnon by his wife, called Semiramis in the Babylonian
version. It is a work which the composer completed in the
astonishingly short time of one month, but which shows his
art at its ripest.
The action takes place in Babylon ; Semiramide, the Queen,
assisted by her lover Assur, has murdered her husband, King Ninus, who, in the second act,
rises in spirit from the tomb and prophesies the Queen's downfall.
Overture
By Police Band of Mexico City *35167 12-inch, $1.25
By Police Band of Mexico City 31676 12-inch, l.OO
By Arthur Pryor's Band 31527 12-inch, l.OO
The overture opens with an unusually brilliant introduction, followed by a beautiful
chorale for brass which is one of the most admired portions of the work. The familiar
melody -which forms the principal theme of the overture then appears as a clarinet passage.
It begins:
The finale is rather long drawn out for modern ears, but is a fine example of its kind,
and the overture is a most showy one, very popular on band and orchestra programs.
Three splendid records of this famous number are presented here, and a comparison of the
playing of these two great organizations is most interesting.
* Double-FactJ Record — For title of opposite side see next page.
307
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— ROSSIN I ' S SEMIRAMIDE
The Bel raggio, a favorite cavatina with all prirna
donnas, and a brilliant and imposing air, occurs in the
first act. The scene shows the Temple of Belus, where a
religious festival is in progress. Semiramide is about to
announce an heir to the throne and has secretly deter-
mined to elect Arsaces, a young •warrior, with whom she has
fallen in love, unaware that he is in reality her own son.
Bel raggio lusingkier (Bright Gleam of
Hope)
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano
(In Italian) 88141 12-inch, $3.0O
SEMIRAMIDE:
Here hope's consoling ray
Bids sorrow hence away.
And joy calls from above!
Arsaces to my love soon will return dejected.
But ere while with grief 1 drppp'd my head,
Now once more beams my smile!
Hence all my doubts have fled.
No more I feel the sway of grief and anguish
dread!
Yes! now hope's consoling ray
Bids dark sorrow hence away.
And calls down joy from above,
Awhile in this breast to stay.
Arsaces will return!
Vision enchanting, my spirit haunting,
With fond emotion thou fill'st my heart, ALBO.M AS ARSACES
Ah, bright smiles the morn
When dark waves of sorrow
Like some wild ocean sink and depart!
Rossini, -who objected to the ornamentation of his
music by famous singers, is said to have written this
air in so elaborate a fashion as to make further additions
impossible. But even as left by Rossini, Bel raggio is not
sufficiently elaborate to show the skill of a Sembrich,
and the additions -with which the diva has embellished it
not only make it more dazzling, but belong also to the
true spirit of the air. Thus the inspiring declamatory
passages, with their brilliant runs, receive a lavish addition
of the singer's splendid high notes, notably the high B
on the alfin perme brillo, and the astonishing arpeggio up
to C sharp on the dal mio pensier which follows. The ensuing
canlabileis sung with all the legato and grace which it requires,
its principal figure being also additionally embellished.
DOUBLE-FACED SEMIRAMIDE RECORD
Overture By Police Band ofl
Mexico City U<I*,T T> :„„», *i -*<
MarcheSla0e(Op.3l) 3M67 12-inch, $1.25
By Arthur Pryofs Band]
TAMBURI.M AS ASSUR
308
(German)
SIEGFRIED
(Seeg' -freed)
MUSIC DRAMA IN THREE ACTS
Second Opera of the Rhinegold Trilogy
Words and music by Wagner. First produced at Bayreuth, August 16, 1876. It was
given in French at Brussels, June 12, 1891, and subsequently at the Op£ra in Paris. In Lon-
don (in English) by the Carl Rosa Company, in 1898. First American production in New
York. February I. 1888.
Characters
SIEGFRIED Tenor
MIME (Mee'.mee) Tenor
THE WANDERER (WOTAN) Baritone
ALBERIC (Ahf-ber-ik) Baritone
FAFNER (Faf-™) Bass
ERDA (Eh/.Jah) : Contralto
BRUNNHILDE (&*»&? -&k) Mezzo-Soprano
There is little of tragedy and much of lightness and the joy of youth and love in this
most beautiful of the Ring Cycle, which tells of the young Siegfried, — impetuous, brave, joy-
ful and handsome ; and Briinnhilde, the god- like maid —
unselfish, lovely, innocent, •who finds she is but a woman
after all.
After Sieglinde had been saved from the wrath of Wolan
by Briinnhilde (related in the last part of Walkiire), she
wanders through the forest and dies in giving birth to the
child Siegfried, who is found and brought up by Mime, the
Niblung.
In the first two acts of Siegfried the hero is shown in
his forest home, where he forges the sword with which he
slays the dragon. Having accidentally tasted the dragon's
blood, he becomes able to understand the language of the
birds, which tells him of Briinnhilde, the fair maiden who
sleeps on the fire-encircled rock. He follows the guidance
of one of the birds, cuts through
the spear of Wolan, who endeav-
ors to stop him, and penetrates
the flames. On the top of the
rock he beholds the sleeping
Valkyrie covered •with her shield.
He removes the armor, and Briinn-
hilde lies before him in soft, •wo-
manly garments. She is the first woman he has ever seen, and he
kneels down and kisses her long and fervently. He then starts
up in alarm ; Briinnhilde has opened her eyes. He looks at her in
wonder, and both remain for some time gazing at each other. She
recognizes him as Siegfried, and hails him as the hero who is to
save the world. This part of the trilogy ends in a splendid duet.
ACT I
SCENE— A Forest. At One Side a Cave
Mime, the Niblung, brother of Alberic, found Sieglinde in the
forest after she had escaped from Wotan, and brought up her
child, knowing that it was Siegfried, who -was destined to kill Fafner
and regain the Ring. The opera opens with an air by Mime, •who
is discovered at the anvil in his forest smithy trying to forge a
REISS AS MIME sword for Siegfried.
309
SIEGFRIED AND THE SWORD
COPY'T DURON
Siegfried and the Dragon
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— WAG N E R'S SIEGFRIED
SIEGFRIED, MIME AND THE
BEAR ACT I
Zwangvolle Plage ! (Heartbreaking
Bondage)
By Albert Reiss, Tenor
(In German) 74235 12-inch, $1.50
Mr. Reiss* wonderful character study of Mime, the
dwarf, has been one of the most impressive features of
the Metropolitan performances during the past few
years. His impersonation gains each year in the sar-
donic and malignant side of Mime 's nature, but is always
amusing, nevertheless. The artist's portrayal, dramatic-
ally and vocally, leaves nothing to be desired, and in
the episodes where the dwarf is most abject and fawn-
ingly malicious he is superb.
Siegfried, in forest dress, with a horn around his
neck, bursts impetuously from the woods. He is driv-
ing a great bear and urges it with merry roughness to-
wards Mime, who drops the sword in terror and hides
behind the forge. Taking pity on the frightened dwarf,
Siegfried drives the bear back into the wood, and seeing
the sword, breaks it over the anvil, as he has broken all
of the others. He questions Mime about his childhood,
and the dwarf tells him reluctantly about his mother
and about the sword his father had broken in his last
fight. Siegfried demands that Mime shall mend his
father's sword without delay, and goes back into the forest.
Wolan now enters and in answer to Mime 's questions says he is the Wanderer, and speaks
to Mime of the sword, telling him that only he who knows no fear will be able to forge the
broken weapon. After the Wanderer has departed, Siegfried returns, and Mime, -who is now
beginning to be afraid of the youth, tells him that it was his mother's wish that he should
learn fear. " What is this fear ?" says Siegfried, and Mime attemps to describe it.
MIME: Feltest thou ne'er in forest dark,
At gloaming hour in gloomy spots,
Feltest thou then, no grisly gruesomeness grow
o'er thy fancy?
Balefullest shudders shake thy whole body,
All thy senses sink and forsake thee,
In thy breast bursting and big
Beat thy hammering heart?
Siegfried regretfully admits that he has never felt
any such sensation. Mimi, in despair, then tells him
of the Dragon -which dwells near by. Siegfried eagerly
asks Mime to conduct him hither, but says he must
have his sword mended first, and, -when Mime refuses,
he forges it himself. When it is finished, to try the blade,
he strikes the anvil a mighty blow and splits it in half,
•while Mime falls on the ground in extreme terror.
Siegfried brandishes the sword and shouts with glee
as the curtain falls.
ACT II
SCENE — The Dragon's Cave in the Forest
Fafner, who has changed himself into a dragon,
the better to guard his gold, dwells within a cave, keep-
ing constant watch. Alberic is spying near by, hoping to
regain the treasure by killing the hero whom he
knows will overcome the Dragon. The Wanderer en-
ters and warns jJlberic of the approach of Siegfried.
Alberic wakes the Dragon and offers to save its life in return for the Ring. Fafner contempt-
uously refuses, and makes light of the hero's prowess. Wolan departs, laughing at the dis-
comfited Alberic, who hides as Siegfried and Mime approach. The latter is still trying to
terrorize Siegfried with awful descriptions of the Dragon, but Siegfried laughs at him and
finally drives him away.
MIME AT THE ANVIL — ACT I
311
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— WAG N E R'S SIEGFRIED
The young hero, left alone, sits down under a tree and
meditates about his mother, whom he pictures as gentle and
beautiful. His dreaming is ended by the song of the birds, and
he regrets that he cannot understand their language. He answers
their song with a blast of his horn, which disturbs Fafner and the
Dragon utters an awful roar, which, however, only makes the
youth laugh. The Dragon rushes upon him, but Siegfried jumps
aside and buries his faithful sword in the reptile's heart.
Having accidentally tasted of the Dragon's blood by carrying
his stained hand to his lips, he finds to his astonishment that he
is able to understand the song of the bird, which tells him to go
into the cave and secure the Ring. Siegfried thanks the warbler
and goes into the cavern. Mime comes back and, seeing the dead
Fafner, is about to enter the cave when Alberic stops him and a
heated argument occurs. This scene has been given for the
Victor by two celebrated impersonators of these rdles, Goritz and
Reiss.
Wohin schleichst du ? (Whither Slinkest
Thou?)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone, and Albert Reiss, Tenor
(In German) 642 15 10- inch, $1.OO
KRAUS AS SIEGFRIED
ALBERIC:
Wither slinkest thou, hasty and sly, slippery
scamp ?
MIME:
Accursed brother, what brings thee here?
I bid thee hence.
ALBERIC:
Graspest thou, rogue, towards my gold?
Dost lust for my goods?
MIME:
Yield the position! This station is mine.
What stirrest thou here?
ALBERIC:
Startled art thou from stealthy concerns, that
I've disturbed?
SIEGFRIED
MIME:
What I have ihapcd with shrewdest toil shall
not be shaken.
ALBERIC:
Was't thou that robbed the golden Ring from
the Rhine?
Or charged it with great and choice enchant-
ment around?
MIME:
Who formed the Tarnhelm which to all forms
can turn?
By thee 'twas wanted; its worker wert thou
too?
ALBERIC:
What couldst thou ere, fool,
By thyself have fancied and fashioned?
The magic Ring made the dwarf meet for the
task.
MIME:
Where now is thy Ring?
The giants have robbed thee. thou recreant !
What thou hast lost, by my lore, belike, I will
gain.
ALBERIC:
By the boy's exploit
Shalt thou, booby, be bettered?
Thou shall have it not.
For its holder in truth is he.
MIME:
I nourished him.
And his nurse now shall he pay:
For toil and woe long while have I waited
reward.
ALBERIC:
For a bantling's keep
Would this beggarly, niggardly boor.
Bold and blustering,
Be well nigh as a king?
To rankest of doge booteth the ring
Far rather than thee:
Never, thou rogue, shall reach thee the magic
round !
MIME:
Then hold it still and heed it well,
Thy hoarded Ring.
Be thou head, and yet hail me as a brother!
For my own Tarnhelm.
Excellent toy, I'll tender it thee!
'Twill boot us twain.
Twin we the booty like this.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E RA— WAG N E R'S SIEGFRIED
ALBERIC (laughing scornfully) :
Twin it with thee?
And the Tarnhelm too?
How sly thou art!
Safe I'd sleep then
Never from thy ensnarings.
MIME (beside himself) :
Wilt not bargain? Wilt not barter?
Bare must I go, gaining no boon?
Giv'st thou to me no booty ?
ALBERIC:
Not an atom, not e'en a nail's worth:
All I deny thee.
MIME (furiously):
In the Ring and Tarnhelm
Ne'er shalt thou triumph !
Nought talk we of shares!
Unto thee I'll call
For Siegfried to come:
With his carving sword
The caustic boy
Shall crush thee, brother of mine!
ALBERIC:
Turn thy head round; —
From the cavern toward us he comes.
MIME:
Trivial toys have tempted him there.
ALBERIC:
The Tarnhelm he holds! —
MIME:
Aye, and the Ring! —
ALBERIC:
A curse! — the Ring! —
MIME (with an evil laugh):
Let him the Ring to thee render!
I ween full soon I shall win it.
(He slips back into the wood.)
ALBERIC:
And yet to its lord
Shall it alone be delivered!
(He disappears in the cleft.)
They hide themselves as Siegfried comes from the cave with the Ring, the value of
which he does not yet comprehend. The bird's voice is again heard explaining its history,
and revealing the intended treachery of Mime. When the dwarf approaches, Siegfried
is able, by the magic of the Ring, to read his thoughts. Horrified to
learn that Mime is planning to kill him, he strikes down the dwarf
and throws his corpse in the cave, rolling the body of the Dragon - - ~^-
before the entrance.
Wearying of his adventures Siegfried reclines under the tree and
asks the bird to sing again. This time the songster reveals to him
that Briinnhilde lies sleeping, waiting for the hero who is able to
reach the fire- encircled spot.
THE BIRD:
Hey! Siegfried has slain now the sinister
dwarf!
I wot for him now a glorious wife.
In guarded fastness she sleeps,
Fire doth emborder the spot:
O'erstepped he the blaze,
Waked- he the bride,
Briinnhilde then would be his!
SIEGFREID (starting impetuously to his feet):
O lovely song! Sweetest delight!
How burns its sense mv suffering breast!
But once more say to me, lovely singer, —
May I the furnace then break through?
And waken the marvelous bride?
THE BIRD:
The bride is won,
Briinnhilde awaked by faint-heart ne'er:
But by him who knows not fear. MIME
He laughs with delight, saying, " Why, this stupid lad who knows not fear, — it is I ! "
and follows the bird, who flies ahead to guide him to Brunnhilde's fiery couch.
ACT III
SCENE— A Wild Region at the Foot of a Rocky Mountain
The act opens with a long scene between Erda and Wolan. The god summons his
earth goddess wife and tries to consult her regarding the coming deliverance of the world
through Siegfried and Briinnhilde. The goddess, however, is confused and bewildered by
Wotan's eager questions and fails to give counsel, asking only to be allowed to return to her
sleep. Wolan, wearying of the struggle against fate, renounces his sway over the world,
realizing that the era of love must supplant the rule of the gods.
Siegfried approaches and Wotan attempts to bar his way as a final trial of his courage.
The youth, however, makes short work of the weary god, shatters his spear at a single
stroke, and continues on his way singing :
CAUTIN-BEPGEB
SIEGFRIED:
Ha! Heavenly glow! brightening glare!
Roads are now opening radiantly round me!
In fire will I bathe,
Through fire will I fare to my bride!
Oho! Oho! Aha! Aha! Gaily! Gaily!
Soon greets me a glorious friend!
313
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PERA— WAG NER'S SIEGFRIED
NN'HILDE S FIERY COUCH
BRCNNHILDE:
No god e'en has touched me!
As a maiden ever heroes revered me:
Virgin I hied from Valhalla! —
As the hero plunges fearlessly through
the fire the flames gradually abate, and -when
he reaches the sleeping BriinnhilJe they die
out completely. Siegfried approaches the
unconscious maiden with awe and removes
her helmet. He is speechless with admira-
tion, and naively asks if the strange emotion
•which he feels can be fear. Finally, when he
presses an ardent kiss on her lips she awakes
and greets him joyfully as the hero Siegfried
who is to save the world. After a long scene
in which Siegfried's ardent wooing is gently
repressed by Briinnhilde, he finally seizes her
in his arms. Frightened, she repulses him,
crying :
Woe's me! Woe's me!
Woe for the shame, the shunless disgrace!
My wak'ning hero deals me this wound!
88186 12-inch, $3.OO
Siegfried pleads his love and asks her to be his bride, but she begs him to spare her in
a wonderful plea, Deathless Was I, sung here by Mme. Gadski.
Ewig war Ich (Deathless "Was I) (Briinnhilde's Appeal to
Siegfried)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In German)
BRUNNHILDE:
Deathless was I, deathless am I,
Deathless to sweet sway of affection —
But deathless for thy good !
O Siegfried, happiest hope of the world!
Life of the universe! Lordliest hero!
Leave me in peace!
Press not upon me thy ardent reproaches!
• Master me not with thy conquering might!
Saw'st e'er thy face in crystal floods?
Did it not gladden thy glance?
When into wavelets the water was roused.
The brook's glassy surface broken and flawed,
Thy face saw'st thou no more:
Nought but ripples swirling round!
'. So disturb me no more, trouble me not:
Ever then thou wilt shine
In me an ima^e reflected.
Fair and lovely, my lord! —
O Siegfried! Siegfried! Light of my soul!
Destroy not thy faithful slave!
But the impetuous hero resumes his wooing, and love finally
conquers the god-like maiden. She laughs in a transport of love,
exclaiming :
BRUNNHILDE:
O high-minded boy! O blossoming hero! Gladly glide to destruction,
Thou babe of prowess, Gladly go down to death !
Past all that breathe! Far hence, Walhall' lofty and vast.
Gladly love do I glow with. Let fall thy structure ot stately tow'rs;
Gladly yield to thee blindly, Farewell, grandeur and pride of gods!
and throws herself into Siegfried's arms as the curtain falls.
SIEGFRIED
MISCELLANEOUS SIEGFRIED RECORDS
Siegfried Fantasie By Sousa's Band 31621 12-inch, M.OO
A superb record of some of the most famous portions of Wagner's great music drama,
including several of the leit motive — Siegfried's Hunting Call, The Sword, The Bird, and Casting
of the Steel, with part of Siegfried's wonderful Song of the Forge.
314
(Italian)
(Englishl
LA SONNAMBULA-THE SOMNAMBULIST
(La/i Son-nahm -bu-laht
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Libretto by Felice Romani ; music by Vincenzo Bellini. Produced at the Teatro Carcano,
Milan, March 6. 1831 ; Paris, October 28, 1831 ; and at the King's Theatre, London, July 28th
of the same year. At Drury Lane in English, under the Italian title, May 1, 1833. First
performance in New York, in English, at the Park Theatre, November 13, 1835, with Brough,
Richings, and Mr. and Mrs. Wood. First performance in Italian in New York, Palmo's
Opera Company, May 11, 1844. Revived in 1905 at the Metropolitan with Caruso, Sembrich
and Plancon; at the Manhattan Opera, 1909, with Tetrazzini, Trentini, Parola and de
Segurola.
Characters
COUNT RUDOLPH, lord of the village Bass
TERESA, milleress Mezzo-Soprano
AMINA, orphan adopted by Teresa, betrothed to Elvino Soprano
ELVINO, wealthy peasant Tenor
LISA, inn-keeper, in love with Elvino Soprano
ALESSIO, peasant, in love with Lisa Bass
A NOTARY Tenor
Peasants and Peasant Women.
The scene is laid in a Swiss village.
How our grandfathers and grandmothers doted on this fine old opera by Bellini! In
the *30's it was a novelty by a young and gifted composer; by 1850 it was part of every
opera season and shone through a halo of great casts — Malibran, Pasta, Jenny Lind, Gerster,
Gampanini, Grisi — and in the '60's and '70's it continued to be popular. Then came the
Wagnerian era, and the pretty little pastoral work was all but forgotten.
Now, however, Italian opera of the old-fashioned kind has begun to be appreciated once
more, and even the Wagnerites admit that there may be some pleasure in witnessing this
charming little opera.
ACT I
SCENE— A Village Green
The peasants are making merry in honor of the marriage of Amina and Elvino. Lisa,
the hostess of the inn, enters and gives way to bitter reflections. She also loves Elvino, and
315
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA SONNAMBULA
her jealousy finds expression in a melodious air, Sounds So Joyful. Alessio, a villager who
fancies Lisa, tries to console her, but she repulses him. Amina and her friends enter, fol-
lowed soon after by Eloino, and the marriage contract is signed. Elvino places the ring on
his bride's finger, and they sing a charming duet, Tak.e Now This Ring.
Prendi Tanel ti dono (Take Now This Ring)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Fernando De Lucia. Tenor
(Piano accompaniment) (In Italian) 89045 12-inch, $4-OO
By Emilio Perea. Tenor (In Italian) *62092 10-inch. .75
Two renditions of this number, at widely varying prices, are given here, the latter
including only Eloino's solo at the beginning of the duet. The words are not given, being
merely a succession of flowery phrases to •which Bellini has written his delightful melodies.
The nuptial celebration is interrupted by the sound of horses' hoofs, and a handsome and
distinguished stranger enters, inquires the way to the castle, and learning that it is some
distance, decides to remain at the inn. He looks around him, appearing to recognize the
scene, and sings his fine air, Vi raooiso.
Vi ravviso (As I View These Scenes)
By Antonio Scotti, Baritone (In Italian) 88O28 12-inch. $3.OO
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone (In Italian) 87034 10-inch. 2.OO
By Perello de Segurola, Bass (In Italian) *62O92 10-inch, .75
COUNT:
As I view the scene, how familiar that mill- Where my childhood serenely glided,
stream, yon fountain, those meadows! Where the joyous moments flew;
Oh remembrance of scenes long vanish'd, Oh how peaceful have ye abided.
Soft enchantment long lost and banish'd, While those days nought can renew!
Two versions of this noble air are given here — one by Scotti, whose Rudolph is always
a fine impersonation ; and a lower-priced rendition by de Segurola, who sang the character
at the Manhattan when the opera was revived for Tetrazzini.
The stranger inquires the reason for the festivities, and is presented to the pretty bride,
in whom he is much interested. He tells the peasants that in his childhood he lived with
the lord of the castle, and now brings news of the lord's only son, who disappeared some
years since.
Amina's mother, Teresa, now says that as night is falling they must go within, as the
phantom may appear. The stranger is told that a spectre has been often seen of late, and
he scoffs at the tale, but the peasants, in an effective chorus, describe the appearance of the
ghost.
Ah ! fosco ciel ! (When Daylight's Going)
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *62642 lO-inch. $O.75
CHORUS: CHORUS:
When dusky nightfall doth shroud the sun- Ah, no such folly in our relation ;
beam. We all have seen it, in very truth.
And half repulses the timid moonbeam, And wheresoever its pathway falleth
When thunder boometh; where distance loom- A hideous silence all things appalleth;
eth; No leaflet trembles, no 7ephyr rambles,
Floating on mist, a shade appears! As 'twere a frost the brook congeals.
In filmy mantle of pallid whiteness. The fiercest watchdog can nought but cower,
The eye once gentle now glaring brightness, A mute true witness of its fell power.
Like cloud o'er Heaven by tempest driven, The screech-owl s-hriekini?, her haunt seeking.
Plainly confest the phantom wear:.! Far from the ghost her dark wing wheels.
RUDOLPH: RI-OOLPH:
You are all dreaming; 'tis some creation 'Tis fripht for youth. I will discover
Of mere gossips, to frighten youth. What hidden mystery your tale conceals.
The stranger now desires to retire and is shown to his room. Amina and Eltiino remain,
and the latter reproaches his bride for her interest in the guest ; but at the sight of her tears
he repents his suspicions, and the act closes with a duet by the reconciled lovers.
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite siJe see list on page 318.
310
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — LA SONNAMBULA
ACT II
SCENE — The Apartment of the Stranger
The guest muses that he might have done -worse than stop at this little inn — the people
are courteous, the -women pretty, and the accommodations good. Lisa enters and asks if he
is comfortable, calling him " my lord," the villagers having suspected that he is the Count
Rudolph.
The Count, although somewhat annoyed that his identity is revealed, takes it good-
naturedly, and even flirts a little -with the buxom landlady. She coyly runs away, dropping
her veil as she does so.
Amina now appears at the -window, walking in her sleep. She unlatches the casement
and steps into the room, saying in her sleep, "Elvino, dost thou remain jealous? I love but
thee." The Count is at first astonished, but soon sees that the young girl is asleep. Just
here Lisa peeps into the room, and seeing Amina, runs off scandalized. Amina, in her
dream, again goes through the marriage ceremony, and entreats Elvino to believe that she
loves him, finally throwing herself on the bed in a deep sleep. The Count is somewhat
puzzled at the situation, and finally deciding to leave the young girl in possession of the
room, goes out by the window.
Elvino and the villagers, who have been summoned by Lisa, now enter and are aston-
ished to see Amina asleep in the Count's room. She wakes at the noise, bewildered, and
runs to Elvino, who repulses her roughly. She is met with cold looks on every hand, and
sinks down in despair, crying bitterly. Rousing herself, she begins the duet, D'un pensiero.
D'un pensiero (Hear Me Swear, Then)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano: Aristodemo Giorgini, Tenor:
and Chorus (In Italian) 88255 12-inch, $3.OO
AMINA: ELVINO:
Not in thought's remotest dreaming, Heav'n forgive ye. this guilt redeeming;
Was a crime by me intended; May thy breast be ne'er thus rended;
Is the little faith now granted, With what love my soul was haunted,
Fit return for so much love? Let these burning tear-drops prove!
Finding all turned against her except her mother, she runs to the maternal arms, while
Eloino rushes from the room. The curtain falls.
ACT III
SCENE I— A Shady Valley near the Castle
Amina and Teresa enter on their way to the castle to plead with the Count to clear the
girl's good name. Seeing Eloino, Amina makes another effort to convince him she is still
true, but he reproaches her bitterly, takes the ring from her finger, and rushes away.
SCENE II — A Street in the Village. Teresa's mill on the left
The villagers enter and inform Lisa that Elvino has transferred his affections to her. He
enters and confirms the good news, and they go toward the church. The Count stops
them, and assures Eloino that Amina is the victim of a dreadful misunderstanding. Eloino
refuses to listen to him and bids Lisa follow him to the church, but they are again inter-
rupted by Teresa, -who has learned of the proposed marriage, and now shows Lisa's veil
which she had found in the Count's room. "Deceived again," cries Eloino, and asks if any
of these women are to be trusted.
Rudolph assures him again that Amina is guiltless, and Eloino desperately says, " But where
is the proof?" "There," cries the Count, suddenly pointing to Amina, who in her night
dress comes from a window in the mill roof, carrying a lamp. All watch her breathlessly,
fearing to -wake her lest she fall. She climbs down to the bridge over the wheel, and de-
scends the stairs.
AMINA (advancing, still in her sleep, to the mid- (Amina, clasping her hands on her bosom,
die of the stage) : takes from it the flowers given her by
Oh, were I but permitted Elvino in the first Act.)
Only once more to see him, AMINA:
Ere that another he doth lead to the altar! Sweet flowers, tenderest emblems,
RUDOLPH (to Elvino) : Pledging his passion, from ye ne'er will I
Hear her — sever.
TERESA: Still let me kiss you —
She is thinking, speaking of thee! But your bloom is fled forever!
The first of the two lovely airs for Amina in this act now occurs.
317
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— LA SONNAMBULA
Ah ! non credea mirarti (Could I Believe)
By Luisa Tetrazzini. Soprano (In Italian) 88305 12-inch, $3.OO
By Graziella Pareto, Soprano (In Italian) 76OO3 12 -inch, 2.OO
Perhaps the most effective part of the opera lies in this sleep-walking scene, when Amina,
in a state of somnambulism, walks along the roof of the building, and finally climbs down to
the ground. This act establishes her innocence, and clears up a mystery which had caused
her good character to be doubted.
Ah ! non credea is sung by the sleeper as she descends from her dangerous position,
while her lover and friends watch in terror, fearing to awaken her. It opens with a beauti-
ful cantabile in the key of A minor, its pathos being fully in keeping with the plight of Amina,
who, being discarded by her lover and doubted by her friends, weeps over her short-lived
love and happiness. At the words " Potrio novel oigore, '' the pathetic note gives place to a
more ardent emotion, as hope is mingled with her despair.
Regarding the flowers which her lover had given her, and which are now faded, she
exclaims :
AMINA:
Ah ! must ye fade, sweet flowers, But tho" no sunshine o'er ye,
Forsaken by sunlight and showers, These tears might yet restore ye,
As transient as lover's emotion But estringed devotion
That lives and withers in one short day! No mourner's tears have power to stay!
— From the Dllgou Edition.
The singer's aim has been to illustrate the simple charm of the character of Amina and
the pathos of the scene, rather than exhibit brilliance of ornament. The cadenza at the
close, although typical of Tetrazzini's marvelous powers of execution, is well subordinated
to the character of the song, and pleases as much by its delicate beauty as by its amazing
technical perfection.
Eioino can restrain himself no longer, and rushes to Amina, who wakes, and seeing
Elvino on his knees before her, utters a cry of delight and falls in his arms.
The opera then closes with the joyous, bird-like air, Ah ! non giunge, which is a fitting
close to this charming work, with its graceful and tender music and peaceful pastoral scenes.
In Amina, Mme. Tetrazzini finds a most congenial role, and for her sake alone Sonnambula
would always be worth hearing. She has the voice, style and technical skill to make such
music as this captivating; while Sembrich's impersonation of the ingenuous village beauty,
who is all liveliness and joy, leaves nothing to be desired. Hers is a graceful and natural
impersonation, and the delightful sleep-walking scene is given with a delicacy which is
admirable.
Ah non giunge (Oh Recall Not One Earthly Sorrow)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano (In Italian) 88313 12-inch, $3.OO
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano (In Italian) 88027 12-inch. 3.OO
AMINA:
Do not mingle one human feeling Ah. embrace me, and thus forgiving.
With the rapture o'er each sense stealing; Each a pardon is now receiving;
See these tributes, to me revealing On this bright earth, while we are living,
My Elvino, true to love. Let us form here a heaven of love!
( Curtain. ')
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS SONNAMBULA RECORDS
fVi ravviso (As I View These Scenes)
By Perello de Segurola. Bass i In Italian)
62O92 lO-inch, $0.75
IPrendi Panel ti dono (Take Now This Ringi
By Emilio Perea. Tenor (In Italian)
I Ah! fosco ciel! (When Daylight's Going)
By La Scala Chorus l/n Italian) ^62642 lO-inch. .75
Lohengrin — Core Nuziale By La Scala Chorus (In Italian) }
318
(French) (English)
CONTES D'HOFFMAN TALES OF HOFFMAN
(Cont 'Doff'-man)
(German)
HOFFMAN'S ERZAHLUNGEN
(A ir-tsau'-loong-en)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
WITH PROLOGUE AND EPILOGUE
Text by Jules Barbier. Music by Offenbach. First performance in Paris, February 10,
1881. First United States production October 16, 1882, at Fifth Avenue Theatre. Revived
at the Manhattan Opera House, New York, November 27, 1907.
Cast
THE POET HOFFMAN Tenor
NlCLAUS, his friend Soprano
OLYMPIA, j
A ONI A ' [ the various ladies with whom Hoffman falls in love. . . .Sopranos
STELLA, '
COPPELIUS,
his opponents. (These three roles are usually sung
MIR An F kv the same artist) Baritone
LUTHER, an innkeeper Bass
SCHLEMIL, Giulietta's admirer Bass
SPALANZANI, an apothecary Tenor
COUNCILLOR CRESPEL, father of Antonia Bass
Offenbach's delightful and fantastic op€ra comique, first produced at Paris in 1881, has
been a success wherever performed, although it was tabooed in Germany for many years
after the disastrous fire at the Ring Theatre in Berlin, which occurred during the presenta-
tion of the opera at that house. Its American successes are familiar to opera- goers,
especially the brilliant and altogether admirable Hammerstein production, which drew large
and delighted audiences for several years.
THE PROLOGUE
This introductory scene occurs in Nuremberg at Luther's tavern, a popular student
resort. H offm a n ,
the favorite of all,
enters with his
friend Nicholas and
joins in the merry-
making. In response
to calls for a song,
Hoffman sings the
Ballad of Kldn-Zach,
and then volunteers
to relate his three
love affairs. This
proposal is greeted
with enthusiasm,
and as Hoffman be-
gins by saying "The
name of my first was
Olympia," the cur-
tain falls. When it
rises, the first tale of
Hoffman is seen in
PROLOGUE — THE LEGEND OF KLEiNSACK actual performance.
319
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — TALES OF HOFFMAN
ACT I
Spalanzani, a wealthy man with a mania for au-
tomatons, has perfected a marvelous mechanical figure of
a young girl which he calls Olympia, pretending it is his
daughter. Hoffman and Nicholas call upon him, and during
Spalanzani's absence, Hoffman discovers Olympia, and falls
in love at sight. Unable to take his eyes from the doll-
like perfection of the figure, he expresses his infatuation
in a beautiful air.
C'estelle CTisShe!)
By Charles Dalmores. Tenor
(In French) 87089 10-inch, $2.00
Dalmores makes a great
success in the part of Hoffman.
This role calls for a handsome
appearance, a gallant bearing,
and enduring vocal powers,
and this tenor fills these re-
quirements admirably. He
sings this beautiful air with
graceful fluency and much
warmth of tone.
Nicholas tries in vain to
prevent his friend from mak-
ing a fool of himself, but Hoff-
man, owing to the magic glasses Spalanzani has induced him to
wear, sees only a lovely woman instead of an automaton ; but is
undeceived when he dances with the figure and she falls to pieces
before his astonished eyes.
ACT II
This adventure concerns the Lady Giulietla, who resides in
Venice. Among her many friends are Hermann and Nathanael,
and the latter, fearing the power of the lovely coquette, tries to
get Hermann away, but he insists that he is proof against her fascinations. Daperiutto, the
real lover of the lady, hearing this boast, induces Giulietla to try her arts on the young
man. She succeeds, and Hoffman, madly in love, challenges Giulietta's protector, Schlemil,
and kills him in a duel. Hoffman rushes back to his charmer's residence only to find that
she has fled with her chosen admirer.
This second tale introduces that lovely gem, the Barcarolle, with its languorous, fascinating
rhythm and charming melody.
THE MECHANICAL DOLL — ACT
DALMORES AS HOFFMAN
Barcarolle— Belle Nuit (Oh, Night of Love)
By Geraldine Farrar and Antonio Scotti (In Italian) 875O2 lO-inch, $3.0O
By Mr. andMrs. Wheeler (DouA/e-Face</— See p.32/) (English) 16827 10-inch, .75
By the Victor Orchestra, with duet for two violins 5333 10-inch, .60
By the Vienna Quartet 5754 lO-inch, .60
This popular Offenbach number, which is given as a duet in the Venetian scene and
afterwards as an instrumental intermezzo, is one of the best known examples of the barcarolle.
As the name implies, it was originally a song or chant used by the Venetian gondoliers.
The music,
in 6-8 time,
portrays ad-
mirably
swaying
the boat
320
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — TALES OF HOFFMAN
and its dreamy melancholy suggests the calm of a perfect moonlight night. Mr. Scotti
and Miss Farrar have sung it delightfully, their voices blending in the lovely serenade with
charming effect. The instrumental renditions are exquisitely played with a graceful light-
someness wholly pleasing, while those who prefer a vocal record at a popular price will
find the rendition by the Wheelers a very fine one.
Beauteous night, O night of love,
Smile thou on our enchantment;
Radiant night, with stars above,
O beauteous night of love!
Fleeting time doth ne'er return
But bears on wings our dreaming.
O Night of Love
Far away where we may yearn,
For time doth ne'er return.
Sweet zephyrs aglow,
Shed on us thy caresses —
Night of love, O night of love!
From Diuou Krtltion— Copj t 1«09.
In this act is also the air sung by Daperlutto to the sparkling diamond, which he says
never yet failed to tempt a woman.
Air de Dapertutto (Dapertutto's Air)
By Marcel Journet. Bass (In French) 741O3 12-inch. $1. SO
Journet delivers this song of the swaggering, garrulous Venetian bravo with much spirit.
ACT III
The third adventure of Hoffman introduces us to an humble German home where
Antonia, a young singer, has become the victim of consumption. She is forbidden to sing
by her father, but a Dr. Miracle, who is the secret enemy of the family, Svengali-like, urges
her on, and Hoffman, -who knows nothing of the poor girl's affliction, sees her literally sing
herself to death, and she dies in his arms.
THE EPILOGUE
The epilogue shows again the tavern of the prologue, where Hoffman is apparently just
concluding his third tale. Having tried three kinds of love — the love that is inspired by
mere beauty, the sensuous love, and the affection that springs from the heart — he says he
has learned his lesson, and will henceforth devote himself to art, the only mistress who will
prove faithful. He bids farewell to another of his flames, Stella, an opera singer, and as the
curtain falls is left alone, dreaming, while the Muse appears and bids him follow her.
DOUBLE-FACED AND
Contes d'Hoffman Selection
(Barcarolle — O, Night of Love!
\ Fatinitza Selection (oon Suppe)
MISCELLANEOUS HOFFMAN RECORDS
By Victor Concert Orch. 31820 12-inch, $1.0O
By Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler) ,„_
D D • r> jflOo27
By Jrryor s Band)
in ;
lO-
T<*
.75
TALES OF HOFFMAN ACT III THE BARCAROLLE
321
TANNHAUSER AND VENUS
(German)
TANNHAUSER
( Tahrt -hoy-zer)
ROMANTIC OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Words and music by Richard Wagner. First presented at the Royal Opera, Dresden,
October 20, 1845; at the Grand Opera, Paris, March 13, 1861. First London production at
Covent Garden, in Italian, May 6, 1876. First performance in English took place at Her
Majesty's Theatre, February 14, 1882. First New York production April 4, 1859.
Characters
HERMANN, Landgrave of Thuringia Bass
TANNHAUSER
WOLFRAM VON ESCHENBACH
WALTHER VON DER VOGELWEIDE
BITEROLF
HEINRICH DER SCHREIBER
REINMAR VON ZWETER
Minstrel Knights-
Tenor
Baritone
Tenor
Bass
Tenor
Bass
ELIZABETH, Niece of the Landgrave Soprano
VENUS Soprano
A Young Shepherd Soprano
Four Noble Pages Soprano and Alto
Chorus of Thuringian Nobles and Knights, Ladies, Elder and Younger
Pilgrims, and Sirens, Naiads, Nymphs and Bacchantes.
Scene and Period : Vicinity of Eisenach; beginning of the thirteenth century.
322
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
THE STORY
There are a great many people -who love to go to the
opera, but who do not care for Wagner's Ring Operas, with
their Teutonic myths and legends, and their long and some-
times undeniably tedious scenes. But Tannhauser, with its
poetry, romance and passion, and above all its characters,
who are real human beings and not mysterious mythological
gods, goddesses and heroes, appeals strongly to these opera-
goers.
To show the wonderful vogue of this work, it is esti-
mated that more than one thousand performances of the
opera take place annually throughout the world.
The story is quite familiar, but the chief events will be
noted here in brief. It tells of conflict between two kinds
of love: true love of the highest human kind as distin-
guished from mere sensuous passion; and relates how the
higher and purer love triumphed in the end.
Tannhauser, a knight and minstrel, in an evil moment,
succumbs to the wiles of Venus and dwells for a year in
the Venusberg. Tiring of these monotonous delights, he
fcrGfegflfrkg of Boffin!
•of await C*T « 1 Itm M **•» K»tm.
.SSX.S'tSU*
TANNHAUSER, 1845
leaves the goddess and returns to his home, where he is FIRST PROGRAM
warmly received and told that the fair Elizabeth, niece of
the Landgrave, still mourns for him. He is urged to compete in the Tournament of Song
not far distant, the prize being the hand of Elizabeth. The theme of the contest is The Nature
of Love, and when Tannhauser' s turn arrives the evil influence of the Venusberg is appa-
rent when he delivers a wild and profane eulogy of passion. Outraged by this insult the
minstrels draw their swords to slay him. Coming to his senses, too late, he repents, and
when a company of Pilgrims pass on their way to Rome, he joins them to seek pardon for his
sin. In the last act we see Elizabeth, weary and worn, supported by the noble Wolfram, who
SETTING OF ACT ITT AT THE METROPOLITAN
323
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
also loves her, watching for the Pilgrims to return, but Tannhauser is not among them.
Elizabeth is overcome with disappointment and feebly returns to her home.
Tannhauser now appears, in a wretched plight, on his way to re-enter the Hill of Venus.
He tells Wolfram that he appealed to the Pope for pardon, but was told that his redemption
was as impossible as that the Pope's staff should put forth leaves. Wolfram 's remonstrances
are in vain, and Tannhauser is about to invoke the goddess, when a chant is heard and he
Pilgrims appear, announcing that the Pope's staff had blossomed as a sign that the sinner
was forgiven. Tannhauser kneels in prayer as the mourners pass with the body of Elizabeth,
who, overcome by her bitter disappointment, had suddenly passed away.
Overture — Part I
By Arthur Pryor's Band
The Overture
31382 12-inch. $1.OO
Overture — Part II
By Arthur Pryor's Band 31383 12-inch. l.OO
This overture, with its sombre opening chorus, its weird music of the Venus Mount,
and the final return of the penitents, when the chant is accompanied by a striking variation
for clarinets, is one of the greatest works of Wagner. It has become quite familiar by its
frequent repetitions in orchestra and military band concerts, and no concert piece is more
admired.
The overture depicts the struggle between good and evil, and as Liszt has said, is a
poem on the same subject as the opera and equally comprehensive.
The sombre religious motive appears first:
I.J
beginning softly and gradually swelling to a fortissimo.
denly interrupted by the Venusberg motive :
Then, as it is dying away, it is aud-
•with its rising tide of sensual sounds. This motive continues with terrible persistence, lead-
ing into Tannhauser 's hymn to Venus, after which the enchanting Venus motive returns and
is developed with various changes. The tide now changes again and the majestic pilgrim
theme predominates, finally reaching a climax in the final hymn of triumph.
ACT I
SCENE I — The Hill of Venus — Nymphs, Sirens, Naiads and Bacchantes dancing or reclining on
mossy banks
The rising of the curtain discloses Venus reclining on a couch gazing tenderly at
Tannhauser, who is in a dejected attitude. The goddess asks him why he is melancholy,
and he tells her he is weary of pleasure and would see the earth again. She reproves him
fondly :
VENUS:
What! art thou wav'ring? Why these vain
lamentings?
Canst thou so soon weary of the blisses
That love immortal hath cast 'round thee?
Can it be — dost thou now repent that thou'rt
divine?
Hast thou soon forgotten how thy heart was
mourning,
324
Till by me thou wert consoled?
My minstrel, come, let not thy harp be silent;
Recall the rapture — sing the praise and bliss
of love
In tones that won for thee love's self to be
thy slave!
Of love sing only, for her treasures are all
thine!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
He rouses himself and sings the Praise to Venus, but it is a forced effort, and throwing
down his harp he exclaims:
TANNHAUSER:
For earth I'm yearning,
In thy soft chains with shame I'm burning,
"Tis freedom I must win or die —
For freedom I can all defy;
Venus in a rage, then tells him to go if he -will, but predicts his return and disappears
with all her train, while the scene instantly changes.
To strife or glory forth I go,
Come life or death, come joy or woe,
No more in bondage will I sigh!
Oh queen, beloved goddess, let me fly!
SCENE II— A Valley
Tannhauser suddenly finds himself in a beautiful valley near the Wartburg. On the
peaceful scene there break in the notes of a shepherd's pipe, and tinkling sheep bells
sound from the heights. A company of Pilgrims pass, singing their chant, while the little
shepherd pauses in his lay, and begs them utter a prayer for him in Rome.
A fine rendition of the music of this inspiring chorus is given here by Pryor's Band.
Pilgrims' Chorus
By Pryor's Band
By Pryor's Band
(Double-faced— See page 330)
31160 12-inch, $1.00
16537 10-inch, .75
TANNHAUSER (kneeling in ecstasy):
Almighty, praise to Thee !
Great are the marvels of Thy mercy !
Oh, see my heart by guilt oppress' d —
I faint, I sink beneath the burden!
Nor will I cease, nor will I rest,
Till heav'nly mercy grant me pardon!
The Landgrave and several minstrels now enter, and seeing a knight kneeling in prayer,
accost him. They are amazed and delighted to see that it is the long lost Henry, their
brother knight. They question him, but he gives evasive replies :
TANNHAUSER: In strange and distant realms I wandered far,
Where neither peace nor rest was ever found.
Ask not! at enmity I am with none;
We meet as friends — let me in peace depart!
The Knights urge him to return -with them, and speak
the name of Elizabeth. Tannhauser joyfully exclaims :
TANNHAUSER:
Elizabeth! oh, Heaven!
That name ador'd once more I hear!
Wolfram then tells him that he is beloved by the Land-
grave' s fair niece.
WOLFRAM :
When for the palm in song we were contending,
And oft thy conq'ring strain the wreath had won,
Our songs anon thy victory, suspending,
One glorious prize was won by thee alone!
Was't magic, or a pow'r divine,
That wrought thro' thee the wondrous sign,
Thy harp and song in blissful hour
Enthrall'd of royal maids the flower!
For ah, when thou in scorn hadst left us,
Her heart was closed to joy and song,
Of her sweet presence she bereft us,
For thee in vain she wearied long.
Oh! minstrel bold, return and rest thee,
Once more awake the joyous strain!
Cast off the burden that oppressed thee,
And her fair star will shine again!
Tannhauser joyfully consents to return and promises to compete in the forthcoming
Tournament of Song, the prize for which is to be the hand of Elizabeth. The remainder of
the hunting train of the Landgrave now arrives, and as Tannhauser is being greeted by his
friends, the curtain falls.
PHOTO BENQUE
RENAUD AS WOLFRAM
325
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
ACT II
SCENE— The Great Hall in the Warlburg
Elizabeth enters, full of joy over the return of Tannhduser,
and greets the Hall in a noble song.
Dich, theure Halle (Hail, Hall of Song)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In German) 88057 12-inch, $3.OO
By Louise Voigt, Soprano
(German) 31849 12-inch, l.OO
ELIZABETH:
Oh, hall of song, I give thee greeting!
All hail to thee, thou hallowed place!
'Twas here that dream so sweet and fleeting,
Upon my heart his song did trace.
But since by him forsaken
A desert thou dost seem —
Thy echoes only waken
Remembrance of a dream.
But now the flame of hope is lighted,
Thy vault shall ring with glorious war;
For he whose strains my soul delighted
No longer roams afar!
Mme. Gadski, whose superb impersonation of Elizabeth, replete
with tenderness and vocal charm, is a familiai one to opera-goers,
sings this glorious air in a surpassingly beautiful fashion, while
a splendid rendition, at a lower price, is given by Miss Voigt.
Tannhduser enters and kneels at the feet of Elizabeth, who in
blushing confusion bids him rise. With that frankness -which
seems characteristic of Wagner's heroines, the young girl makes
no secret of her partiality for the Knight, and a long scene between the lovers ensues, inter-
rupted by the entrance of the Landgrave, who greets Tannhduser cordially and welcomes him
to the contest.
FARRAR AS ELIZABETH
THE HALL OF SONG ACT II
326
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
The Knights and Ladies now assemble to the strains of the noble Fest March, given
here in splendid fashion by Sousa's Band.
Fest March
By Sousa's Band 31423 12-inch, $1.OO
By Sousa's Band (Double-faced— See page 330) 16514 lO-inch, .75
When the company is seated, the Landgrave rises and makes the address of welcome.
LANDGRAVE:
Minstrels assembled here, I give you greeting, To what we owe his presence here amongst us
Full oft within these walls your lays have In strange, mysterious darkness still is
sounded; wrapp'd;
In veiled wisdom, or in mirthful measures The magic power of song shall now reveal it,
They ever gladdened every list'ning heart. Therefore near now the song you all shall
And though the sword of strife was loosed sing.
in battle. Say, what is love? by what signs shall we
Drawn to maintain our German land secure, know it?
Unto the harp be equal praise and glory! This be your theme. Who so most nobly
The tender graces of the homestead, this can tell.
The faith in what is good and gracious — Him shall the Princess s>ive the prize.
For these you fought with word and voice; He may demand the fairest guerdon:
The meed of praise for this is due. I vouch that whatsoe'er he ask is granted.
Your strains inspiring, then, once more Up, then, arouse ye — sing, oh, gallant min-
attune, strels!
Now that the gallant minstrel hath returned, Attune your harps to love — great is the prize.
Who from our land too long was parted. Ere ye begin, let all receive our thanks!
Four pages, who have drawn lots from a gold cup, now announce that Wolfram is to
begin the contest. He rises and delivers his Eulogy of Love.
Wolfram's Ansprache (Wolfram's Eulogy of Love)
By Otto Goritz, Baritone (In German) 74215 12-inch, $1.50
The singer gives his conception of love, which he describes as pure and ethereal, com-
paring it to a crystal spring.
WOLFRAM :
Gazing around upon this fair assembly, My heart was sunk in prayerful holy dreams.
How doth the heart expand to see the scene! And lo! the source of all delights and power
These gallant heroes, valiant, wise and gentle — Was then unto my listening soul revealed,
A stately forest soaring fresh and green. From whose unfathomed depths all joy doth
And blooming by their side in sweet perfec- shower —
tion, The tender balm in which all grief is healed.
I see a wreath of dames and maidens fair; Oh, may I never dim its limpid waters,
Their blended glories dazzle the beholder — Or rashly trouble them with wild desires!
My song is mute before this vision rare! I worship thee kneeling, with soul devoted:
I raised my eyes to one whose starry splendor To live and die for thee my heart aspires!
In this bright heaven with mild effulgence. (After a pause.)
beams, I know not if these feeble words can render
And gazing on that pure and tender radiance, What I have felt of love both true and tender.
Tannhauser, who has shown signs of impatience during this recital, now jumps to his
feet, flushed and eager, while the company looks at him in astonishment.
TANNHAUSER: (Ardently.)
Oh, minstrel, if 'tis thus thou singest. But what can yield to soft caresses,
Thou ne'er hast known or tasted love! And, fram'd with me in mortal mould
If thou desire an unapproached perfection — Gentle persuasion's rule confesses,
Behold the stars — adore their bright reflec- And in these arms I may unfold —
tion — This is for joy. and knows no measure,
They were not made to be belov'd: For love's fulfillment is its pleasure!
At this definition of love, strange for such an occasion, Biterolf, a hotheaded Knight,
rises and challenges Tannhauser, who excitedly retorts that such a grim wolf as Biterolf can
know nothing of the delights of love! He then, in wild exultation, sings his blasphemous
Praise of Venus, saying
TANNHAUSER:
Dull mortals, who of love have never tasted
Go forth! Venus alone can show ye love!
At this the Knights rush toward him with drawn swords, exclaiming :
KNIGHTS:
Ye all have heard. In Venus' dark abode that dwell,
His mouth hath confess'd Disown him — curse him — banish him!
That he hath shared the joys of Hell, Or let his traitor life-blood flow!
327
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
Elizabeth throws herself in front of the unhappy 1 annhuuser, who stands as if in a
trance. She begs for his life in a touching plea.
ELIZABETH:
Away from him! 'Tis not for you to judge
him!
Shame on you! He is one against you all!
I pray for him — spare him, oh, I implore ye!
Let not the hore of pardon be denied!
To life renew'a his sinking faith restore ye.
Think that for him, too, once the Saviour
died!
Oh, let a spotless maid your grace implore!
Let Heav'n declare through me what is its
will—
The erring mortal, who hath fallen
Within the weary toils of sin,
How dare ye close the heav'nly portal!
On me, a maiden young and tender.
Yon knight hath struck a cruel blow —
I, who so deeply, truly loved him,
Am hurl'd in dark abyss of woe!
The Landgrave pronounces judgment and declares Tannhauser banished, suggesting that
he join the band of Pilgrims about to start for Rome. In the distance is heard the Pilgrims'
chant, and the strains seem to bring the erring knight to his senses. He cries: "To Rome,"
and dashes from the hall. ACT TTT
SCENE — The Valley beneath the Wartburg — at one side a Shrine
As the curtain rises Elizabeth is seen kneeling at the shrine in prayer. Wolfram comes
down by the path, and observing her, sadly notices her changed appearance, and muses
of his own hopeless love. The song of the Pilgrims is heard in the distance, and
Elizabeth eagerly rises and scans the approaching band. Tannhauser is not among them, and
the despairing maiden kneels again at the shrine, and offers her prayer to the Virgin.
Elizabeth's Gebet (Elizabeth's Prayer)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In German) 88O53 12-inch, $3.OO
By Elizabeth 'Wheeler, Soprano (In English) *35O96 12-inch, 1.25
This prayer of the sainted Elizabeth is one of the
most beautiful and touching of the master's, compositions.
"He will return no more!" cries the unhappy girl, and
falls on her knees.
ELIZABETH :
Oh, blessed Virgin, hear my prayer!
Thou star of glory, look on me!
Here in the dust I bend before thee
Now from this earth, oh, set me free!
Let me, a maiden pure and white,
Enter into thy kingdom bright!
If vain desires and earthly longing
Have turn'd my heart from thee away.
The sinful hopes within me thronging,
Before thy blessed feet I lay;
I'll wrestle with the love I cherish'd.
Until in death its flame hath perish'd,
If of my sin thou will not shrive me.
Yet in this hour, oh grant thy aid!
Till thy eternal peace thou give me,
I vow to live and die thy maid.
And on thy bounty I will call.
That heav'nly grace on him may fall !
She remains for a long time in prayerful rapture ; as
she slowly rises she glances at Wolfram, who is approach-
ing. She bids him by gesture not to speak to her, but he
asks that he may escort her.
WOLFRAM:
ELIZABETH AT THE SHRINE O royal maid, shall I not guide thee homeward?
Elizabeth again expresses to him by gesture that she thanks him from her heart for his
faithful love; her way, however, leads to Heaven, where she has a high purpose to fulfill;
she wishes him not to accompany or follow her now. She slowly ascends the height and
disappears gradually from view.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
Wolfram gazes sadly after her for a long time, then seats himself at the foot of the hill,
begins to play upon his harp, and finally sings the noble and beautiful ode to the evening star.
O du mein holder Abendstern
By Emilio de Gogorza, Baritone
By Marcel Journet, Bass
By Reinald Werrenrath. Baritone
By Reinald Werrenrath, Baritone
By Victor Sorlin. 'Cellist
By Alan Turner. Baritone
By Victor Sorlin, 'Cellist
(Song to the Evening Star)
(In German)
(In German)
(In German)
(In German)
(In English]
88154
74006
*35160
31462
*16813
5336
5412
12-inch,
12-inch,
12-inch.
12-inch.
lO-inch.
lO-inch.
lO-inch,
$3.0O
1.5O
1.25
l.OO
.75
.60
.60
O douce etoile (Song to the Evening Star)
By Maurice Renaud. Baritone (In French)
91067 lO-inch. $2.OO
WOLFRAM :
Like Death's dark shadow, Night her gloom
extendeth,
Her sable wing o'er all the vale she bendeth;
The soul that longs to tread yon path of light,
Yet dreads to pass the gate of Fear and Night,
I look on thee, oh, star in Heaven the fairest,
Thy gentle beam thro' trackless space thou
bearest;
The hour of darkness is by thee made bright,
Thou lead'st us upward by pure light.
O ev'ning star; thy holy light
Was ne'er so welcome to my sight,
With glowing heart, that ne'er disclos'd;
Greet her when she in thy light reposed;
When parting from this vale a vision,
She rises to an angel's mission.
(He continues to play, his eyes raised to
Heaven.)
Tannhauser now appears, wearing a
ragged Pilgrim's dress, his face pale and
drawn, and supporting himself with diffi-
culty by means of a staff. Wolfram greets
him with emotion and learns that he is
still unforgiven and has resolved to re-enter
the Venusberg.
The unhappy Tannhauser tells of the
Pope 's refusal of a pardon :
TANNHAUSER:
Rome I gained at last; with tears imploring,
I knelt before the rood in faith adoring.
When daylight broke, the silv'ry bells were
pealing;
Through vaulted roof a song divine was
stealing;
A cry of joy breaks forth from thousand
voices —
The hope of pardon ey'ry heart rejoices.
I told what mad desires my soul had dark-
ened,
By sinful earthly pleasure long enslav'd —
To me it seein'd that he in mercy harken'd —
A gracious word in dust and tears I crav'd.
Then he who thus I prayed replied :
"If thou hast shared the joys of Hell
If thou unholy flames hast nurs'd
That in the hill of Venus dwell,
Thou art forever more accurs'd!
And as this barren staff I hold
Ne'er will put forth a flower or leaf,
Thus shall thou never more behold
Salvation or thy sin's relief!"
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side xe DOUBLE-FACED TANNHAUSER RECORDS, page 330.
329
NG BY KAULBACH
THE DEATH OF ELIZABETH
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER
Wolfram, in horror, urges him to remain, but Tannhauser refuses until Wolfram mentions
the name of Elizabeth. The unhappy man, in sudden repentance, sinks to his knees, while
in the distance is seen a company of minstrels bearing the body of Elizabeth, who has passed
away. As the procession approaches, a company of Pilgrims enter and announce that the
staff of the Pope had put forth green leaves as a sign that Tannhauser was pardoned.
The Minstrel, supported by Wolfram, gazes on the saintly face of the dead Elizabeth,
then expires, while the Pilgrims and minstrels with great emotion exclaim :
The Lord Himself now thy bondage hath
riven —
Go, enter in with the blest in His Heaven!
Curtain
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS TANNHAUSER RECORDS
{Elizabeth's Prayer By Elizabeth Wheeler, Soprano]
A Night in Venice >35O96
By Elizabeth Wheeler, Soprano, and William Wheeler, Tenor]
.|O du mein holder Abendstern (Evening Star)
(In German) By Reinald W^errenrath, Baritonel™- , 6O
Treue Liebe — Ach, wie ist 's moglich dann
(In German) By Emil Muench, Tenor)
/Overture — Part I By La Scala Orchestral ,Q__,
I Overture— Part II By La Scala Orchestra/**
/Fest March By Sousa's Band)
\ La Marseillaise — National Air of France By Sousa's Bandf
(The Evening Star By Victor Sorlin. 'Cellistl . , fi. „
\ Last Rose of Summer By Elizabeth Wheeler, Soprano}
I Pilgrims' Chorus By Pryor's Band)
Lohengrin — Coro delle nozze (Bridal Chorus) >1 65 3 7
(In Italian) By La Scala Chorus]
12-inch, $1.25
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
lO-inch,
10-inch,
Id-inch,
.75
.75
.75
THE REDEMPTION OF TANNHAUSER
330
(Italian)
TOSCA
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Illica and Giacosa after Sardou's drama. Music by Giacomo Puccini. First
produced at the Constanzi Theatre, Rome, in January, 1900. First London production July
12, 1900. First American production February 4, 1901, at the Metropolitan, the cast including
Ternina, Cremonini, Scotti and Gilibert. Also produced in English by Henry W. Savage.
Characters
FLORIA TOSCA, (Floh'-rce-ah Tou'-kah) a celebrated singer Soprano
MARIO CAVARADOSSI, (Ma/i'-ree-oA Cao-a-raA-<W-ee) a painter Tenor
BARON SCARPIA, (Sca/-pee-ah) chief of the police Baritone
CESARE ANGELOTTI, (See-zaM-auAhn.jel-M-tee) Bass
A SACRISTAN Baritone
SPOLETTA, (Spo-Ief-tah) a police agent Tenor
SCIARRONE, a gendarme Bass
A JAILOR Bass
Judge, Cardinal, Officer, Sergeant, Soldiers, Police Agents, Ladies, Nobles, Citizens.
Scene and Period : Rome, June, 1800.
The Story
Tosca is Puccini's fifth opera, and by far the most popular, next to Mme. Butterfly,
which probably holds first place in the affections of opera-goers. The opera is a remarkable
example of Puccini's skill in adjusting both instrumental and voice effects to the sense of
the story, interpreting both the characters and the situations.
The plot is gloomy and intensely tragic, following closely the Sardou melodrama, but
is relieved somewhat by the beauty of the musical
setting, •which confirmed Puccini's place in the first
rank of modern operatic composers. The three acts
of the opera are crowded with sensational events and
highly dramatic situations.
The work has neither introduction nor overture.
The first scene occurs in the church of San Andrea,
where the painter, Mario Caoaradossi, is at work on
the mural decorations. Here he has been accustomed
to meet his fiancee, the beautiful Floria Tosca, a singer.
While awaiting her, he contemplates the Magdalene
he is at work on, the face being that of the unknown
beauty who had frequently prayed at the altar.
Suddenly a political refugee, Angelotti, who has
just escaped from the castle, appears, recognizes his
friend Caoaradossi, and asks his assistance. The painter
gives him food and sends him to his (Cavaradossi' s)
villa, just as Tosca arrives. Her lover's confused man-
ner arouses her curiosity, and when she sees the like-
ness on the easel, she is jealous. He soothes her, and
after her departure hurries out to guide Angelotti, a
cannon shot from the castle meanwhile announcing
the escape of the fugitive.
Scarpia and his police enter in search of the pris-
oner, who has been traced to the church. Cavaradossi
is suspected as an accomplice, and Scarpia, who is
secretly in love with Tosca, plans his ruin, with a view
to removing from his path a dangerous rival.
331
FARRAR AS TOSCA
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— P UCCINI'S TOSCA
In the second act Scarpia, putting into execution
his schemes, orders Mario's arrest, and when the
painter is brought in, sends for Tosca and contrives
that she shall hear the cries of her lover as he is being
tortured to induce him to reveal AngelottCs hiding place.
Unable to endure Marios agony, she tells Scarpia where
the refugee is concealed. Mario is sent to prison, and
Scarpia tells Tosca that unless she looks with favor on
him, her lover shall die -within an hour. To save his
life she consents, but demands that they be allowed to
depart in safety the next day. A mock execution is
Elanned by Scarpia, who writes out a pass for the
>vers. As he gives it to Tosca, she stabs him and runs
to Mario with the release.
In Act III the mock execution takes place as plan-
ned, but through Scorpio's treachery, it proves to be a
real one, and Mario is killed. Tosca afterwards throws
herself from the castle parapet as they attempt to
arrest her for Scarpia 's murder.
ACT I
SCENE — Interior of the Church of St. Andrea
Mario CavaraJossi, the painter, enters the church,
where he has been at work on a Madonna. As he
uncovers the portrait, the Sacristan, who is assisting
Mario, is surprised to discover in the face of the
painting the unknown beauty whom he had noticed
of late in the church. Mario smilingly confesses that while she had prayed he had stolen
her likeness for his Madonna. Then taking out a miniature of his betrothed, Tosca, he
sings a lovely air in -which he compares her dark beauty -with the fair tresses and blue
eyes of the unknown worshipper, calling it "a strange but harmonious contrast."
Recondita armonia (Strange Harmony)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 87043 10-inch. $2.OO
His musings are inter-
rupted by the hurried entrance
of a man in prison garb, pant-
ing with fear and fatigue,
whom Mario recognizes as an
old friend, Angelotti, a political
prisoner. Mario, in response
to his friend's appeal for assist-
ance, hastily closes the outer
door, and conceals Angelolli in
the chapel, just as Tosca's
voice is heard impatiently de-
manding admittance.
He admits her, but is
anxious and ill at ease, fearing
to intrust even Tosca -with so
dangerous a secret, but she
notices his preoccupation and
is somewhat piqued because
he is not as attentive as usual.
She is at first jealous and asks
him if he is thinking of another
•woman ; but soon repents, and
in the charming love scene
which follows endeavors to
smooth his brow by planning
an excursion for the morrow.
JSCA AND MARIO IN THE CHURCH ACT I
332
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— P UCCINI'S TOSCA
Ora stammi a sentir (Now Listen to Me)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano
(In Italian) 88287 12-inch, I3.OO
She sings of the delights of the proposed visit to the
villa, and the romantic forest where they will wander and
forget the cares and troubles of their professional life.
He listens but seems absent-minded, and she con-
tinues her recital of the joys of their secluded little retreat
among the hills. Mario says she is an enchantress, and
in this duet they exchange anew their vows of love.
Non la sospiri la nostra casetta (Our
Cottage Secluded)
By Ruszcowska, Soprano : Cunego, Tenor
(In Italian) 88272 12-inch, $3.OO
Tosca now perceives the Madonna and recognizes the
face as that of the Attavanti, sister of Angelolti. Her jeal-
ousy revives, and she declares that Mario has fallen in love
with the blue eyes. Beginning another duet, he swears
that none but Tosca's eyes are beautiful to him.
Qual occhio al mondo ("No Eyes on
Earth)
By Elena Ruszcowska and Egidio Cunego
EAMES AS TOSCA (In Italian) 88273 12-inch, $3.0O
Mario promises to meet her at the stage door that evening, and she bids her lover a
tender farewell and departs.
The painter hurries to the chapel and bids Angelotti escape, showing him the path to
the villa, where he will be safe. A cannon shot from the fortress tells that the escape of
the prisoner has been discovered.
He is no sooner gone than the Sacristan and choir
enter, followed soon after by Scarpia and his police, who
have traced Angelotti to the church. The Attavanti's
fan and Mario's empty basket are found in the
chapel, and when the Sacristan says it should contain
the painter's lunch, Scarpia suspects Mario of aiding the
prisoner.
Tosca now returns, still doubting her lover, and
Scarpia, divining the state of affairs, decides to add
fuel to the flame of jealousy. He approaches her
respectfully and sings his first air, Divine Tosca.
Tosca Divina (Divine Tosca !)
By Gustav Berle-Resky, Baritone
(In Italian) *16745 10-inch, $0.75
He praises her noble character and devout habits.
She is inattentive and scarcely hears him, until he
insinuatingly says that she is not like other women
•who come here to meet their lovers. She asks him
what he means and Scarpia shows her the fan which
he had found in the church. Tosca is now convinced
that Mario has been deceiving her, and in a jealous
rage she leaves the church, weeping.
Te Deum
By Giuseppe Magge, Bass, and La Scala COPY'' DUPONI
Chorus (In Italian) *55008 12-inch, $1.5O MARTIN AS MARIO — ACT i
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED TOSCA RECORDS, page 337.
333
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA -PUCCINI'S TOSCA
The act closes with a Te Deum, sung in celebration of the defeat of Bonaparte, and the
scene at the fall of the curtain is a most impressive one, the solemn strains of the service
sounding through the church, while Scarpia kneels, apparently in reverence, but secretly
plotting his diabolical crimes.
ACT II
SCENE — A Room in Scorpio's Apartments in the Farnese Palace
When the curtain rises Scarpia is shown at his supper, restless and agitated, awaiting the
report of his police, who have been sent to arrest Mario and Angelolti. Hearing Tosca's
voice in the apartments of the Queen below, where she is singing at a soiree, he sends her a
note saying he has news of
her lover. He is certain she
will come for Mario's sake,
and sure that his plans will
succeed. He then sings his
celebrated soliloquy. Scarpia
loves such a conquest as this —
no tender vows in the moon-
light for him! He prefers
taking what he desires by
force, then when -wearied he
is ready for further conquest.
This, in short, is his creed —
God has created divers wines
and many types of beauty —
he prefers to enjoy as many
of them as possible!
Mario is brought in by the
police,who report that Angelolti
CLICHE BOYER
THE TORTURE ACT
cannot be found. Scarpia
is furious, and tries to force
Mario to reveal the hiding place of the fugitive; but he refuses to speak, and is ordered
into the torture chamber adjoining. Tosca comes in answer to Scorpio's summons and is
told that Mario is being tortured into a confession. Unable to bear the sound of his groans,
she reveals the hiding place of Angelolli.
Scarpia, in triumph, orders the torture to cease, but sends Mario to prison, telling him he
must die. Tosca tries to go with him but is forced to remain.
Then begins the great scene of the opera, which Scarpia
begins by offering to save Mario's life. She scornfully asks
him his price, and he proposes that Tosca shall accept his
attentions in order to save her lover's life. He then sings his
famous Cantabile, given here in two parts.
Cantabile Scarpia
Call Me)
By Antonio Scotti. Baritone 88122 12-inch, $3.OO
Gia mi struggea (You Have Scorned Me)
(Last Part of Cantabile)
By Ernesto Bad ini (In Italian) 45016 lO-in., $1.0O
He tells her that he has long loved her and had sworn to
possess her. She scorns him, but when he tells her that Mario
shall die in an hour and exults in his power, her spirit is broken,
and weeping for shame, she sings that loveliest and most
pathetic of airs, Vissi d'arte.
Vissi d'arte e d'amor
(Venal, My Enemies
(Love and Music)
By Nellie Melba, Soprano (In Italian)
By Geraldine Farrar, Soprano (In Italian)
By Emma Eames. Soprano (In Italian)
By Lucille Marcell. Soprano In Italian)
By Maria Bronzoni, Soprano (In Italian)
334
SCOTTI AS SCARPIA
88O75
88192
88O1O
76018
45017
12-inch,
12-inch,
12-inch,
12-inch,
lO-inch,
I3.OO
3.00
3.00
2.00
l.OO
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPER A— P UCCINI'S TOSCA
One of the most interesting comparisons to be found in the
Victor's opera list is in a hearing of these five renditions, by five
famous Toscas — Melba, the Australian ; Farrar and Eames, the
Americans; Marcell, the Frenchwoman; and Bronzoni, the
Italian, the latter record being doubled with Mario 'a 3d Act air.
This highly impassioned number is given its full dramatic
value by Mme. Melba, whose performance of the ill-fated Fiona
Tosco is always an impressive one.
Farrar, in her rendition, delivers this touching appeal of the
unfortunate Tosca with much pathos and simplicity. It is
probably the most perfect and beautiful of all the Farrar records.
The air is also a fine test of Mme. Eames' dramatic ability,
and this scene is one in which she has made one of her greatest
triumphs.
The unhappy woman asks what she has done that Heaven
should forsake her. Scarpia, who is watching her intently, calls
her attention to the sound of drums, summoning the escort for
the condemned prisoners, and demands her answer. She yields,
bowing her head for shame. Scarpia is overjoyed, and when
she insists that Mario shall be set free he consents, but says a
TOSCA SECURING THE DAGGER m°ck e X C C U t i O n is
necessary.
It is agreed that after this pretended execu-
tion, Mario shall have his liberty, but Tosca
demands a safe escape from the country for
them both. While Scarpia is writing the docu-
ment, Tosca contrives to secure the dagger
from the table, and as Scarpia approaches to
give it to her and then take her in his arms, she
stabs him, crying that thus she gives him the kiss
he desired. In a prolonged and highly dramatic
scene she takes the paper from Scorpio's dead
fingers, then washes her hands in a bowl on the
table, places the two candles at the dead man's
head and the cross on his bosom, then goes out,
turning for a last look at the lifeless body as
the curtain falls.
IE THEATRE
THE MURDER OF SCARPIA ACT II
ACT III
(A terrace of San Angela Castle, outside 'he prison cell of
Cavaradossi. View of Rome by night)
The music of the opening act is most effective, with
its accompaniment of pealing church bells, and it is
splendidly played by Mr. Pryor in the Tosca Selection.
This entire prelude is also given by an Italian orchestra
under the direction of Sabaino, doubled with the Te
Deum of Act I.
Prelude
By Italian Orchestra, M. Sabaino, Director
55OO8 12-inch, $1.50
Mario is brought out from his cell, is shown the official
death warrant, and told he has but one hour to live. He
asks permission to write a note to Tosca, and is given
paper and pen. He begins to write, but engrossed with
memories of the past, he pauses and sings passionately of his loved one, whom he expects
never to see again.
335
MARIO AND TOSCA — ACT III
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— P U C C I N I ' S TOSCA
THE EXECUTION ACT III
E lucevan le stelle (The Stars 'Were Shining)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (Piano ace.) (In Italian) 87044 lO-inch, $2.0O
By Riccardo Martin, Tenor (In Italian) 87050 lO-inch, 2.00
By Franco de Gregorio, Tenor (In Italian) 45017 lO-inch, l.OO
Mario at first recalls their former meetings on starlight nights in quiet gardens ; then, feel-
ing the bitter regret of loss of life and all that he holds dear, the voice rises in passages of
tragical import and power as the air proceeds. The regret, the grief and the hopelessness
of the situation are depicted by Caruso with intense pathos, the air closing with a sob — an
effect by which this singer can effectively express the extremity of passionate grief.
In Martin's rendition this tenor is at his best, singing the lovely Puccini music with
much beauty of tone. The de Gregorio record is a double-faced one, being paired with
Mme. Bronzoni's Vissi d'arte.
Tosca now enters, and joyfully telling Mario he is to be free, shows him the safe
conduct, telling him how she has killed Scarpia. He gazes at her with compassion and
regrets that these hands — such tender and beautiful hands — should be compelled to foul
themselves with a scoundrel's blood. She then explains that a mock execution has been
arranged, and instructs him to fall down when the volley is fired, and when the soldiers are
gone they are to escape together.
In a beautiful duet, recorded here in two parts, they rejoice in their hopes for the
future.
Amaro sol per te m'era il morire (The Bitterness of Death)
By Elena Ruszcowska, Soprano, and Egidio Cunego, Tenor
(In Italian) 88274 12-inch, $3.0O
Trionfa di nuova speme
By Elena Ruszcowska and Egidio Cunego (In Italian) 87O69 lO-inch. 2.OO
The squad of soldiers now enter and the pretended execution takes place as planned ;
the shots are fired and Mario falls as if dead. Tosca waits till the firing party is gone, whis-
pering to her lover not to get up until the footsteps have died away. ' 'Now, Mario, all is safe,
she cries, but is astounded that he does not obey her. She rushes to him, only to find that
Scarpia had added another piece of treachery to his long list, having secretly ordered Mario
to be killed. She throws herself on his body in an agony of grief.
Spoletta and soldiers now come running in and announce the murder of Scarpia; but
when they attempt to arrest Tosca she leaps from the castle wall and is killed.
336
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A — P U C C I N I ' S TOSCA
By Pryor's Band\ _ , . , '
By Pryor't BanJ(35< 12-inch, 1.25
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS TOSCA RECORDS
|Te Deum By Giuseppe Maggi and Chorus (In Italian)} ,, . ,
IPreludio— Alto III By Italian Orchestra/5' 12-inch. $1.50
(Tosca Selection
\ Manon Lescaut Intermezzo
IGia mi struggea By Ernesto Badini. Baritone (In Italian)}
Manon Lescaut — Donna non vidi mat (Puccini) /45016 lO-inch,
By Egidio Cunego, Tenor (In Italian)]
JVissi d'arte By Maria Bronzoni, Soprano (In Italian)}
\E lucevan le stelle By De Gregorio, Soprano (In Italian)('
I Tosca — Tosca Dioina By Berl-Resky, Baritone (In Italian)}
Preghiera — Alia rnenle confusa (Tosti) V16745 lO-inch,
By Gustav Berl-Resky, Baritone (In Italian) }
1.00
lO-inch, l.OO
.75
THE TE DEUM, FINALE ACT I
337
(Italian)
LA TRAVIATA
(/,o/i Trah-oee-ah' -tah)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Text by Piave, founded on Dumas' "Lady of the Camelias," but the period is changed
to the time of Louis XIV. Score by Giuseppe Verdi. First presented in Venice, March 6,
1853. First London production May 24, 1856. First New York production December 3, 1856.
Characters of the Opera
VIOLETTA VALERY, a courtesan Soprano
FLORA, friend of Violetta Mezzo-Soprano
ANNINA, confidante of Violetta Soprano
ALFREDO GERMONT. (Zhermau,) lover of Violetta Tenor
GIORGIO GERMONT, his father Baritone
GASTONE, Viscount of Letorieres Tenor
BARON DOUPHOL, a rival of Alfred Baritone
DOCTOR GRENVIL, a physician Bass
GIUSEPPE, servant to Violetta Tenor
Chorus of Ladies and Gentlemen, friends of Violetta and Flora.
Mute Personages: Matadors, Picadors, Gypsies, Servants, Masks, etc.
Scene and Period : Paris and environs, about the year 1 700.
Verdi's La Traviata is based upon a well-known play by Alexandre Dumas, La Dame
awe camelias, familiar in its dramatic form as Camille. It is one of the most beautiful works
of its class, and is full of lovely melodies; while the story of the unfortunate Violetta has
caused many tears to be shed by sympathetic listeners.
The opera met with but indifferent
success at its first production. Several
ludicrous incidents aroused the laughter
of the audience, the climax being reached
when the Violetta (Mme. Donatelli), -who
happened to be very stout, declaimed in
feeble accents that she was dying of con-
sumption! This was too much for the
Venetian sense of humor, and the house
exploded with mirth, utterly spoiling the
final scene.
The opera was then revised, eight-
eenth century costumes and settings being
substituted for the modern ones first used ;
and the new version was produced in various cities with suc-
cess, the London season being particularly brilliant.
The plot, being quite familiar, will be but briefly sketched
here. Violetta, a courtesan of Paris, is holding a brilliant
revel in her home. Among the guests is a "young man from
Provence, Alfred, who is in love with Violetta, and after much persuasion, the spoiled beauty
agrees to leave her gay life and retire with him to an humble apartment near Paris. After
a few brief months of happiness, the lovers are discovered by Alfred's father, who pleads
with Violetta to release his son from his promises. She yields for his sake, and resumes her
former life in Paris. Alfred, not knowing the real cause of her desertion, seeks her out and
publicly insults her. Too late he discovers the sacrifice Violetta has made, and when he
returns, full of remorse, he finds her dying of consumption, and she expires in his arms.
Prelude to Act I
By La Scala Orchestra *68O27 12-inch, $1.25
The prelude, .one of the loveliest bits in the opera, is played in fine style by the famous
orchestra of La Scala.
*Doubk-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED LA TRA VIA TA RECORDS, page 344.
339
FRANCESCO PfAVE
(1810-1876)
LIBRETTIST OF
TRAVIATA
VERDI AT THE TIME OF THE
KFRST TRAVIATA PRO-
DUCTION
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA—VERDI'S TR A VI AT A
ACT I
SCENE — Drawing-room in ihe House of Violetta
A gay revel is in progress at the house of Violelta, and the act opens with a lively
chorus, followed by a rousing drinking song, given by Alfred, in which Violetta joins.
Libiam nei lieti calici (A Bumper We'll Drain)
By Amelia Rizzini, Soprano; Emilio Perea, Tenor; and La Scala
(In Italian) *62415 10-inch, $0.75
Chorus
ALFRED:
A bumper we'll drain from
flowing.
That fresh charms to beauty is lending,
O'er fleeting moments, so quickly ending,
Gay pleasure alone should reign.
the wine-cuj)
YIOLETTA:
Enjoy the hour, for rapidly
The joys of life are flying —
Like summer flow'rets dying —
Improve them while we may!
The present with fervor invites us.
Its flattering call obey.
CHORUS:
Enjoy then the wine-cup with songs of
pleasure
That make night so cheerful and smiling,
In this charming paradise, beguiling,
That scarcely we heed the day.
The dance commences, and all go into the ballroom except Violetta and Alfred, who
remain for a charming love scene. In a beautiful duet the lovers speak of their first meeting.
Un di felice (Rapturous Moment)
By Marie A. Michailowa, Soprano, and A. M. Davidow,
Tenor (In Russian) 61138 lO-inch, $1.00
By Emma Trentini, Soprano, and Gino "Martinez-Patti.
Tenor (In Italian) *62O67 10-inch, .75
Alfred now bids her a tender farewell and takes his departure, and Violetta sings her
great air, one of the most brilliant of all colorature numbers.
Ah, fors' e lui (The One of Whom I Dreamed)
Sempre libera (The Round of Pleasure)
By Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano
By Marcella Sembrich, Soprano
By Nellie Melba, Soprano
By Blanche Arral, Soprano
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano (Part I)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano, and Pietro Lara, Tenor
(Part II) (In Italian) *62084
(In Italian)
88293
12-inch,
$3.OO
(In Italian)
88O18
12-inch.
3.OO
(In Italian)
88064
12-inch,
3.OO
(In French)
74132
12-inch,
1.50
(In Italian)
*62084
10-inch,
.75
10-inch, .75
The aria occurs at the close of the act. Violetta, wonderstruck at finding herself the
object of a pure love, begins the soliloquy, E strano, saying :
How wondrous!
His words deep within my heart are graven!
No love of mortal yet hath moved me.
Shall I dare disdain it,
And choose the empty follies that now surround
me?
She then sings the plaintive air, Ah, fors' 6 lui, and gives herself up to the spell of
awakening love :
VIOLETTA:
Ah, was it he my heart foretold, when in the
throng of pleasure,
Oft have I joy'd to shadow forth one whom
alone I'd treasure.
He who with watchful tenderness guarded my
waning powers,
The animated last movement follows, as the unhappy woman shakes off the illusion
and once more vows to devote her life to pleasure.
* Doubk-Faced Record— For titk of oppo,lte tide tee DOUBLE-FA CED LA TRA VIA TA RECORDS, page 344.
340
Strewing my way with flowers,
Waking my heart to love!
Ah, now I feel that 'tis love and love alone,
Sole breath of all in the life, the life universal,
Mysterious power, guiding the fate of mortals.
Sorrow and sweetness of this poor earth.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A- V E R D I 'S TRAVIATA
What folly! what folly!
For me there's no returning!
In ev'ry fierce and wild delight.
I'll steep my sense and die!
fulfill
I'll ft
the round of pleasure,
Joying, toying from flower to flower,
wil
MELBA AS VIOLETTA
ill drain a brimming measure from the cup
of rosy joy.
Never weary, each dawning morrow
Flies to bear me some new rapture
Ever fresh delights I'll borrow,
I will banish all annoy!
The Victor owner has no fewer than five
renditions of this great air to choose from and
is likely to be embarrassed in his attempt to choose
the best, but will probably compromise by selecting
two or more of them.
Melba's singing of this air, which is one of the
supremely beautiful songs that stand out strongly
among much that is commonplace in compositions
of its class, is marked not only by great brilliancy,
but by dramatic fervor, and she makes a marked
contrast between the sadness of the prelude and
the forced gayety of the finale.
It is a fact worthy of note in connection with
Melba's rendition that both portions of the aria
(formerly issued in two parts) now are included in
one record.
Mme. Tetrazzini chose this opera for her first
appearance both in London and New York, and the
choice was an admirable one, as Verdi's work exhibits all the soprano's fine qualities —
not only her wonderful coloratura but the warmth and color which she possesses in a high
degree.
Many operatic sopranos regard the part of Violetta merely as a background for a vocal
display. Tetrazzini on the other hand, while not neglecting the opportunities for coloratura,
brings to the part a human tenderness and a pathos which are most affecting. Her render-
ing of this familiar Ah, fors e lui is a most musical one, with its astonishing feats of
execution; and the ease with which she trills an E in alt can only be
described as amazing.
Mme. Sembrich in her turn fully realizes the composer's ideal in
the presentation of this florid and ornamental air, and seldom has a
more vital and satisfying rendition been heard than that of this mistress
of vocal art. She sings it with such purity and mellowness of voice
and such a brilliancy of vocalization that we can but wonder at the
perfection of art which makes such a record possible.
Other lower-priced, but nevertheless very fine renderings, are
provided by Mme. Arral and Mme. Huguet — these records, however,
including only part of the air.
ACT II
SCENE — Interior of a Country House near Paris
Alfred enters and soliloquizes upon his new-found happiness.
ALFRED:
Three months have already flown
Since my belov'd Violetta
Left for me her riches and admirers.
Yet now contented in this retreat, so quiet
She forgets all for me.
He then sings his Dei miei bollenli.
Dei miei bollenti spiriti ("Wild My Dream of
Youth)
CONSTANTINO AS ALFRED
(ACT n, SCENE i)
By Aristodemo Giorgini, Tenor
(In Italian)
76011 12-inch, $2.OO
341
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— V E R D I ' S TRAVIATA
By Florcncio Constantino. Tenor
(In Italian) 74O83 12-inch, $1.50
By Emilio Perca, Tenor
(In Italian) *68156 12-inch, 1.25
By Alberto Amadi. Tenor
(In Italian) *63314 lO-inch, .75
ALFRED :
Fever'd and wild my dream of youth,
No star on high to guide me.
She shone on me with ray benign,
And trouble fled away!
When low she whisper'd: "Live for me, on
earth I love but thee,"
Ah, since that bright, that blessed day,
In Heaven, 'mid joys celestial.
In Heaven I seem to be!
Alfred learns from Violetta' s faithful maid that she has been obliged
to sell her jewels for their support. He is much ashamed and leaves for
Paris to secure some money.
Violetta returns and is surprised at Alfred's sudden departure. A
visitor is announced, who proves to be Germont, the father of Alfred. He
has been greatly distressed at his son's entanglement, and comes to beg
Violetta to release the young man from his promises. She is much moved,
and her bearing makes a favorable impression on Germont, especially when
he learns that she has sold her property for Alfred's sake.
Pura siccome un angelo (Pure as an Angel)
By G. Battaglioli, Soprano, and Ernesto Badini,
Baritone (In Italian) *450O1 lO-inch, $1.OO
By Renzo Minolfi. Baritone (In Italian) *624 15 lO-inch, .75
Non sapete (Ah, You Know Not)
By Ernesto Badini, Baritone (In Italian) * 45028 10-inch, $1.0O
In this air Germont pleads for his own daughter, -whose engagement to a youth of
Provence will be broken if Alfred does not return home. Violetta at first refuses, saying
that her love for Alfred is above all other considerations, but when Germont says :
CONSTANTINO''
AS ALFRED
(ACT u, SCENE n)
Be to my home and lov'd ones
Our angel, good, consoling.
Violetta, oh, consider well
While yet there may be time.
'Tis Heav'n itself that bids me speak,
These words in faith sublime!
she finally yields, agreeing to leave Alfred forever, and they sing a melodious duet:
Dite alia giovine (Say to Thy Daughter)
By Maria Galvany, Soprano, and Titta Ruffo, Baritone
(In Italian) 925O3 12-inch. $4.OO
Germont expresses his gratitude, embraces the weeping Violetta and departs, while the
unhappy woman writes to Alfred of her decision and returns to Paris.
When the young man returns he is driven to despair by Violella's note, and repulses
his father, who pleads with him to return. Germont then sings his most beautiful number,
the Di Prooenza.
Di Provenza il mar (Thy Home in Fair Provence)
By G. Mario Sammarco, Baritone (In Italian) 88314 12-inch, $3.OO
By Mario Ancona, Baritone (In Italian) 87O06 lO-inch. 2.OO
By Giuseppe Campanari, Baritone (In Italian) 81071 lO-inch, 2.OO
By Ernesto Badini, Baritone (In Italian) *45O01 10-inch, l.OO
In this touching appeal he asks his son to return to his home in Provence and to his
father's heart.
Sammarco sings the number with a wealth of tenderness and expression, revealing a
smooth, rich and resonant baritone -which is good to hear, -while a fine rendition by Ancona
and a popular-priced record by Badini are also offered.
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite, idexe DOUBLE-FACED LA TRAVIATA RECORDS, page 344.
342
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O P E R A— V E R D I ' S TRAVIATA
VERMONT:
From fair Provence's soil and sea,
VV'lio hath won thy hear., away?
From thy native sunny clime,
What strange fate caus'd thee to stray?
Oh, remember in thy woe
All the joy that waits for thee,
All the peace thy heart would know,
Only there, still found may be.
Ah, thy father old and worn.
What he felt thou ne'er canst know,
In thine absence, so forlorn
Seem'd his home, with grief and woe.
But I find thee now again,
If my hope doth not mislead,
If yet honor doth remain
With its voice not mute or dead,
Ileav'n sends me aid!
Alfred refuses to yield to his father's plea,
and departs for Paris in search of Violella.
SCENE II — A Richly Furnished Salon in Flora 's
Palace. On the Right a Gaming Table
FARRAR AS VIOLETTA — ACT III
As the curtain rises Flora and her friends are discussing the separation of the lovers
and Flora says she expects Violella will soon arrive with the Baron. Alfred enters, and
remarking -with assumed indifference that he knows nothing of Violetta's whereabouts,
begins to gamble and wins heavily. The Baron appears, accompanied by Violella, who is
agitated at the sight of Alfred, but he pretends not to see her and challenges the Baron to
a game, again winning large amounts. Supper is announced and all leave the room except
Violella and Alfred, who linger behind. He charges her with her falseness, and, in
furtherance of the promise made to Germont, she pretends to him that she loves the Baron.
Alfred then loses all control over himself, and throwing open the doors, he calls to the guests
to re-enter.
Questa donna conoscete (Know Ye All This Woman ?)
By Alberto Amadi, Tenor (In Italian) *63314 10-inch, $O.75
Pointing to Violella, Alfred cries wildly :
ALFRED:
All she possess'd, ihis woman here, But there is time to purge me yet
Hath for my love expended. From stains that shame, confound me.
I, blindly, basely, wretchedly. Bear witness all around me
This to accept, condescended. That here I pay the debt!
and completes the insult by throwing at her feet the money he had just won.
At this moment Alfred's father, Germont, enters, and is horrified at the scene which con-
fronts him. Then follows the splendid finale, one of the greatest of Verdi's concerted
numbers.
Alfredo, di questo core (Alfred, Thou Knowest Not)
By Giuseppina Huguet, Soprano; G. Pini-Corsi, Tenor; Ernesto
Badini, Baritone ; and Chorus (In Italian) *58392 12-inch, $1.OO
The emotions of the various characters are expressed by the librettist as follows :
GUESTS:
Oh, to what baseness thy passions have led
To wound thus fatally one who has loved thee!
GERMONT:
Of scorn most worthy himself doth render
Who wounds in anger a woman tender!
My son, where is he? No more I see him;
In thee, Alfred, I seek him; but in vain!
ALFRED (aside) :
Ah! yes, 'twas shameful! a 'deed abhorrent!
A jealous fury — love's madd'ninR torrent.
But now that fury is all expended,
Remorse and horror to me remain.
BARON:
This shameful insult against this lady
Offends all present; behold me ready
To punish the outrage!
YIOLETTA (reviving) :
Ah, lov'd Alfredo, this heart's devotion
Thou canst not fathom yet — its fond emotion!
When, hereafter the truth comes o'er thee
May Heaven in pity then spare thee remorse !
(Germont goes otit srpporting Alfred, who is
almost in a state of collapse. The fainting
Violetta is led aivav by her friends, and the
guests begin to disperse as the curtain falls.)
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite iidexe DOUBLE-FACED LA TRAVIATA RECORDS. page344.
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-VERDI'S TRAVIATA
ACT III
( Violclla 's apartment. She is asleep on the couch, while her maid dozes by the fire)
As the curtain rises the doctor's knock is heard, and Dr. Grenoil, Violtila 's physician,
enters and attends his patient, afterwards telling the maid that she has not long to live.
Left alone, Violctta reads again a letter she has received from Germont.
" Thou hast kept thy promise. The duel took place and the Baron was wounded, but is
improving. Alfredo is in foreign countries. Your sacrifice has been revealed to him by me, and he
will return to you for pardon. Haste to recover; thou deservelh a bright future. "
Georgio Germont
"Alas, it is too late," she exclaims, and sings her beautiful and pathetic "Farewell."
Addio del passato (Farewell to the Bright Visions)
By Alice Nielsen, Soprano (In Italian) 64O68 lO-inch, $1.0O
By Marie Michailowa, Soprano (In Russian) 61178 10-inch, l.OO
YIOLETTA:
Fare-well to the bright visions I once fondly Pity the stray one, and send her consolation,
cherish'd, Oh, pardon her transgressions, and send her
Already the roses that deck'd me have per- salvation.
ish'd; . The sorrows and enjoyments of life will soon
The love of Alfredo is lost, past regaining, be over,
That /frheer'd me when fainting, my spirit sus- The dark tomb in oblivion this mortal form
taining. will cover!
Alfred now enters, filled with remorse, and asks forgiveness, which is freely granted ;
and Violetta, forgetting her illness, plans with Alfred to leave Paris forever. They sing this
melodious duet, "Gay Paris We'll Leave With Gladness."
Parigi o cara (Far from Gay Paris)
By Alice Nielsen and Florencio Constantino (Italian) 74O75 12-inch, $1.5O
By Amelia Rizzini. Soprano, and Emilio Perea, Tenor *62067 10-inch, .75
At the close of the duet Violetta's overtaxed strength gives way, and she collapses in her
lover's arms. He notices for the first time her paleness, and is much alarmed, sending the
maid to call the doctor. Dr. Grenoil soon enters, accompanied by Germont, and after an
affecting scene, in which Germont blames himself for all that has occurred, Violelia expires,
and the curtain falls on a sorrowful tableau.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS TRAVIATA RECORDS
/Prelude By La Scala Orchestral ,Rn,_ . , . , *, -,<
I L'jlfricana— Marcia Indiana By La Scala Orc/ias/raf 12-"»ch. $1.23
jTraviata Selection By Pryor's BandU,ft_, _ . , ,
\Ttcti- D D • D j(35O76 12-inch, 1.25
1 rovatore Selection tfy rryor s Hand)
/Alfredo, di questo core By Huguet, Pini-Corsi and Badini\,. go_o ._ . ^ . „$
\ Ruy Bias — O dolce volulla By Qrisi and Lara (In Italian])
/Dei miei bollente (Wild My Dream) By Perea (In Italian)} ^815() 12_inch 125
| Emani — Ferma crudele By Bernacchi, Colazza and de Luna)
/Non sapete (Ah, You Know Not) By Ernesto Badini | . An~a ,n • t , nn
\ \/i /•»- r> /->• • u ft 1,1- xJ45O2o lO-mcn, l.OO
Manon — (javolta ay (jiuseppma Huguet (In Italian)}
/Di Provenza il mar By Ernesto Badini (In Italian)\ ^,rtr., , ~ • u i nn
>r» • <T»T»I-I- j r» j- • /? F* i. (J-45OO1 lO-mcn, l.OO
IPura siccome un angelo By Battaghou and Badini (In Italian))
/Ah, fors* e lui By Giuseppina Huguet ( In Italian) \,^no. , n . __« _*
>c i-t- T> u j t 1 1 i, i- (J62O84 lO-inch, .75
loempre hbera By Huguet and Lara (In Italian))
[Un di felice, eterea ByTrentini and Martinez-Patti
•! Parigi o cara By Amelia Rizzini, Soprano, and 62O67 lO-inch. .75
Emilio Perea, Tenor (In Italian)
IPura siccome un angelo By Renzo Minolfi (In Italian)]
Libiam nei lieti calici (A Bumper "We'll Drain) 62415 10-inch, .75
By Rizzini, Perea and Chorus (In Italian))
/Dei miei bollenti spiriti By Alberto Amadi (In Italian)\^^^ . lO-inch 75
(Questadonna conoscete By Alberto Amadi (In Italian))
* Double-Faced Record — For tilk of opposite side tee abooe lisl.
344
SCENES FROM TRISTAN
(German) (Italian)
TRISTAN UND ISOLDE TRISTANO E ISOTTA
(.Tris -tahn oondt Ees-sof -deh) (Trees-tah1 -noh ay Ees-sof -tah)
TRISTAN EAND ISOLDE
(Tris-lan and Iss-of -dih)
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Words and music by Richard Wagner, the plot being derived from an old Celtic poem
of the same name, -written by Gottfried of Strasburg, who flourished in the thirteenth
century — though Wagner has changed the narrative sufficiently to make it his own. Tristan
is one of the most popular of legendary heroes and has been treated of by numerous
writers, among them Tennyson, Matthew Arnold and Swinburne.
Wagner's Tristan und Isolde was first presented in Munich, June 10, 1865. First London
production June 20, 1882. First American performance in New York, December 1, 1885.
345
VICTOR BOOK OF THE O PE R A— TR I STAN AND ISOLDE
Characters
TRISTAN, a Cornish knight, nephew of King Mark. .Tenor
KING MARK of Cornwall Bass
ISOLDE, Princess of Ireland Soprano
KURVENAL, Tristan's devoted servant Baritone
MELOT, (May -/o<) one of King Mark's courtiers. . . .Tenor
BRANGANE, (Bran-gay -neh) Isolde's friend and
attendant Soprano
A SHEPHERD .Tenor
A STEERSMAN Baritone
A SAILOR LAD Tenor
Chorus of Sailors, Knights, Esquires and Men-at-Arms.
W;;J JF
ORIGINAL PROGRAM OF
MUNICH, 1865
Although completed in 1859, Tristan was not produced
until six years later. Through the strenuous efforts of King
Ludwig II of Bavaria, it was ultimately brought out in
Munich with distinct artistic success — Schnorr, the tenor,
scoring brilliantly in the role of Tristan. Previous to this
time, however, it had been underlined for performance in
Vienna, but was abandoned after fifty-seven rehearsals.
The opera did not find its way to America until it was
more than twenty years old, but since that time
has grown steadily in popularity. Some notable
productions occurred in 1895 with Sucher, Alvary,
Brema and Fischer; in 1896 with the De Reszkes,
Nordica and Brema; in 1901 with Ternina and
Van Dyke; and in 1910 with Fremstad, Knote,
Homer and Van Rooy, this being Gustave Mah-
ler's American debut as a conductor.
This great drama of love and hatred, with
its wonderful music, is now quite generally ad-
mitted to be the finest of the master's operas.
Written at the time of Wagner's own love affair
(with Mathilda Wesendonck), it is supposed that
he sought to emphasize the fact that love cannot
always be bound by conventions.
This wonderful tragedy of love and fate re-
quires for its adequate production artists who can-
not only act with intelligence, but who are able to
make the music itself express the tremendous
tide of human passion, from fiercest hate to fiercest
love, which sweeps through the opera. Such an
artist is Gadski, whose Isolde is one of the great-
est impersonations of recent years. She is in
every way the embodiment of Wagner's heroine,
and sings this wonderful music with great skill,
making it express in turn tenderness, disdain,
scorn and passion.
Two numbers from the opera have been sung for the Victor by Mme. Gadski, and •will
be considered in their proper places in the story briefly sketched here.
Tristan, a Cornish knight, has a quarrel with Morold, an Irish chieftain who had been
sent to collect tribute, and kills him ; and after the custom of the time, sends back his
head, which is given to his affianced, an Irish princess, Isolde. Tristan himself had
received a dangerous wound which fails to heal, and he resolves to assume the name of
Tantris and seek the assistance of Isolde, who is famed for her knowledge of the art of heal-
ing. Isolde, however, recognizes him by a notch in his sword, which fits exactly a piece of
metal she had extracted from the head of Morold. She plans to kill him, but falls in
love instead, while he merely sees in her a good wife for his uncle, King Mark-
347
KURVENAL
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-TRISTAN AND ISOLDE
Preludio (Prelude)
By La Scala Orchestra
682 1O 12-inch, 11.25
The first act shows the deck of the ship which is conveying Isolde
and Tristan to Cornwall, she having accepted King Mark's proposal,
made through his nephew. During the voyage, however, the refusal
of Tristan to see her, the exultation of the sailors over the killing of
Morold (which freed Cornwall from its subjection to Isolde's royal
father), and detestation of the loveless marriage she is about to con-
tract, infuriate the Princess, and she resolves to die and drag Tristan
down to death with her. She tells Tristan she is aware of his crime
in killing her lover, and demands vengeance. He admits her right
to kill him and offers his sword, but she bids her maid, Brangdne,
prepare two cups of poison from her casket. Brangdne, unwilling to
see her mistress die, secretly substitutes for the poison a love potion,
the effect of which is immediate, and the lovers sink into each
other's arms just as the ship approaches the shore and the King
arrives to claim his bride.
Act II takes place in the garden outside Isolde's chamber.
The King has gone on a hunting expedition, but Brangdne fears that
it is merely a ruse, and thinks the King's courtier, Melot, suspects
the true state of affairs. Brangdne then confesses that she intentionally substituted the philtre
for the poisoned cup intended for Tristan.
COPfT OU'OIT
VAN DYCK AS TRISTAN
Had I been deaf and blind.
Thy work were then thy death!
But thy distress.
Thy distraction of grief.
My work has contrived them,
I own it!
BRAGANE:
Fatal folly!
The fell pow'r of that potion!
That I framed
A fraud for once
Thy orders to oppose!
This confession meets with but faint reproaches from Isolde, who gives herself up
wholly to the intoxication of the potion, and sings with growing exaltation :
Dein Werk (Thy Act)
By Johanna Gadski. Soprano
(In German) 88165 12-inch, $3.00
ISOLDE:
Thy act?
0 foolish girl!
Love's goddess dost thou not know ?
The witch whose will the world obeys;
Life and death she holds in her hands,
She waketh hate into love!
The work of death
1 took into my own hands;
Love's goddess saw
And g^ave her good commands.
Planning our fate in her own way.
How she may bend it, how she may end it,
Still hers am I solely;
\Yhat she may make me. whereso'er take me
So let me obey her wholly!
Refusing to heed Brangdne's warning, Isolde gives
the signal for Tristan's coming by extinguishing the
torch. He appears, and a long love scene ensues, inter-
rupted by the return of the King, who surprises the
lovers in a fond embrace. Mark bitterly reproaches
his nephew, and Melot, shouting " treason," stabs Tristan,
inflicting a fatal wound.
The third act shows Tristan dying of the wound at his castle in Bretagne, whither he
has been carried by his faithful servant, Kuroenal, who has sent for Isolde, knowing that
she alone can cure his master's wound by means of her healing arts.
Despairing of her coming, Tristan in his delirium tears off his bandages and is at the
point of death when Isolde arrives, and dies in her arms. King Mark and his courtiers,
closely pursuing Isolde, now arrive and are attacked by Kunenal, who kills Melot and is
himself slain by Mark's soldiers. Mark, seeing Tristan dead and Isolde senseless on his
348
GADSKI AS ISOLDE
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OP E R A— TR I ST AN AND ISOLDE
body, repents his rage and gives way to grief. Isolde revives,
and when she realizes that Tristan is dead, her grief bursts forth
in the heartrending Love-Death motive:
THE LOVE DEATH
ft
Then she sings this wondrous death song, so full of touching
sadness and inexpressible sweetness, and expires upon the body
of Tristan.
Isolde's Liebestod (Isolde's Love-Death)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano
(In German) 88O58 12-inch, $3.00
By La Scala Orchestra (Double-faced — See below)
68210 12-inch, 1.25
PY'I DUPONT
JEAN DE RESZKE
AS TRISTAN
ISOLDE S LIEBESTOD
ISOLDE (unconscious of all around her,
turning her eyes with rising inspira-
tion on Tristan's body) :
Mild and softly he is smiling;
How his eyelids sweetly open !
See, oh comrades, see you not
How he beameth ever brighter —
How he rises ever radiant
Steeped in starlight, borne above?
See you not how his heart
With lion zest, calmly happy
Beats in his breast?
From his lips in Heavenly rest,
Sweetest breath he softly sends.
Harken, friends!
Hear and feel ye not?
Is it I alone am hearing
Strains so tender and endearing?
Passion swelling, all things tellinp.
Gently bounding, from him sounding,
In me pushes, upward rushes
Trumpet tone that round me gushes.
Brighter growing, o'er me flowing,
Are these breezes airy pillows?
Are they balmy beauteous billows?
How they rise and gleam and glisten!
Shall I breathe them? Shall I listen?
Shall I sip them, dive within them?
To my panting breathing win them?
In the breezes around, in the har-
mony sound.
In the world's driving whirlwind be
drown'd —
And, sinking, be drinking —
In a kiss, highest bliss!
(Isolde sinks, as if transfigured, in
Brangane's arms upon Tristan's
body. Profound emotion and grief
of the bystanders. Mark invokes
a blessing on the dead. Curtain.)
DOUBLE-FACED TRISTAN AND ISOLDE RECORD
/Prelude
[Isolde's Love-Death
By La Scala Orchestral, ao n
By La Scala Orchestra/68210
. , .. _,
-'nch' $1'25
349
IL TROVATORE FIRST SCENE
(Italian)
(English)
IL TROVATORE
(Eel Troh-oa-toh! -reh)
THE TROUBADOUR
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Words by Salvatore Cammanaro, the story being suggested by a Spanish drama of the
same name. Music by Giuseppe Verdi. Produced at the Teatro Apollo, Rome, January 19,
1853; at the Theatre des Italiens, Paris, December 23, 1854; at the Optra, Paris, as
Le Trouvere, January 12, 1857; at Covent Garden, London, May 17, 1885; in English as The
Gypsy's Vengeance, Drury Lane, March 24, 1856. First New York production May 17, 1855.
Characters
LEONORA, (/-ee-oA-noA'-raA) a noble lady of theCourt of an Aragon Princess . . Soprano
AZUCENA, (Ahz-you-sau -nah) a wandering Biscayan gypsy Mezzo-Soprano
INEZ, (Ee'-nez) attendant of Leonora Soprano
MANRICO, (Man-tee -koh) a young chieftain under the Prince of Biscay,
of mysterious birth, and in reality a brother of Count di Luna Tenor
COUNT Dl LUNA, (dee Loo' -nah) a powerful young noble of the Prince
of Arragon Baritone
FERRANDO, a captain of the guard and under di Luna Bass
RUIZ, a soldier in Manrico's service Tenor
AN OLD GYPSY Baritone
Also a Messenger, a Jailer, Soldiers, Nuns, Gypsies, Attendants, etc.
Scene and Period : Biscay and Aragon ; fifteenth century.
ACT I
SCENE I — Vestibule in Aliaferia Palace
As befits a tragic -work, // Trooatore opens in an atmosphere of romance and mystery.
The retainers of Count di Luna await the arrival of their master, and to beguile the time Fcr-
rando relates the history of the Count's childhood and the loss of his brother.
350
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — IL TROVATORE
Abbietta zingara (Swarthy and Threatening)
By Torres de Luna, Bass, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *62416 lO-inch, $0.75
The brother, as an infant, came under the evil eye of a witch, who was seized and con-
demned to the stake. This witch had a daughter, who determined to avenge her mother's
fate, with the result that the Count's younger son disappeared ; and after the witch's burning
there was discovered upon the pile of charred embers the bones of a child. This story is
told in the Abbietta to a fierce rhythmical tune, expressing all shades of horror.
Horror profound seized the nurse at that
dark vision;
And the dark intruder was soon expelled.
Soon they found the child was failing,
Coming darkness appall'd him,
The hag's dark spell enthrall'd him!
(All appear horrified.)
Sought they the gypsy, on all sides turning,
Seiz'd and condemn'd her to death by burning.
One child, accursed, left she remaining,
FERRANDO:
With two sons, heirs of fortune and affection,
Liv'd the Count in enjoyment;
Watching the younger for his safe protection
A good nurse found employment.
Quick to avenge her, no means disdaining.
Thus she accomplished her dark retribution !
Lost was the Count's child; search unavailing;
But on the site of the hag's execution
They found, 'mid the embers,
The bones of a young infant,
Half consumed and burning!
One morning, as the dawn's first rays were
shining,
From her pillow she rose, —
Whro was found, think ye, near the child
reclining?
(Impressively.)
Sat there a gypsy-hag, witch-like appearing;
Of her dark mysteries, strange symbols
wearing.
O'er the babe sleeping — with fierce looks
bending,
Gaz'd she upon him, black deeds intending!
In the second part Ferrando concludes his narrative, which is mingled -with the comments
of the listeners, who tell of the reputed appearance of the witch in ghostly shape.
Suir orlo dei tetti (As a Vampire You May See Her)
By Torres de Luna, Bass, and La Scala Chorus
(Inltalian) *16655 10-inch, $0.75
To the voice of the narrator is added the awe-stricken whispers of the chorus, which
afterwards swell into a cry
of fierce denunciation. The
foreboding bell and an instru-
mental diminuendo complete
the picture, which makes a
fitting conclusion to a grue-
some story.
The clock strikes twelve,
and with cries of "Cursed be
the \vitch infernal ! " the retain-
ers disperse.
SCENE II— The Gardens of the
Palace
The fair Leonora now ap-
pears with her faithful com-
panion, Inez. She confides to
Inez her interest in the un-
known knight whom she had
first seen at the Tournament,
and sings her first number.
Tacea la notte placida (My Heart is His Alone;
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano (Inltalian) 92026 12-inch, $3.OO
By Gina Viafora. Soprano (Inltalian) 74116 12-inch, 1.5O
By Lucia Crestani, Soprano (Inltalian) *16655 10-inch, .75
In this wistful air, so unlike the weird music preceding it, she speaks of the Troubadour
who serenades her nightly, and of the feelings which have been inspired in her breast by his
song.
IL TROVATORE — ACT I, SCENE II
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVA TORE RECORDS, page 360.
351
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — IL TROVATORE
LEONORA:
How calm, how placid, was the night!
The cloudless sky, how clear, how bright!
The moon in splendor shed her light.
And all was hushed in peace around!
Suddenly, on the midnight air,
In tones so sweet and thrilling,
Breathing to Ileav'n an earnest pray'r,
My hca_rt with deep joy filling,
oft heard1
I heard a voice oft heard before.
My long-loved knightly Troubadour!
The ladies go into the house just as the Count, who is also wooing the fair Leonora, ap-
pears to watch under her window. He has barely taken his station when the lovely song
of the Troubadour is heard :
Deserto sulla terra (Naught on Earth is Left Me)
By Carlo Albani, Tenor (In Italian) 64O81 10-inch, $1.OO
By Nicola Zerola, Tenor (In Italian) 64172 10-inch, l.OO
In this beautiful serenade, one of the gems of the opera, the Trouba-
dour sings of his lonely life and the one hope that remains to him.
MANRICO:
Lonely on earth abiding,
Warring 'gainst fate's cruel chiding,
Hope doth one heart implore,
To love the Troubadour!
The Count is filled with rage as Manrico appears and confesses his
love in song, and when Leonora comes forth to greet her lover, the anger
of di Luna bursts in a storm upon them both, in the strain with which
this number opens.
Di geloso amor sprezzato (Now My Vengeance)
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor ; Clara Joanna, Soprano; Francesco
Cigada. Baritone (In Italian) 91O82 lO-inch, 52.OO
By Maria Bernacchi, Soprano; Luigi Colazza.Tenor ; Ernesto
Caronna, Baritone (In Italian) *16808 lO-inch. .75
Manrico defies him and they agree to fight to the death. Leonora
implores her lover to stay, but is unable to restrain the jealous passion
•which inspires the rivals, and after the powerful and exciting trio they
rush out with drawn swords, while Leonora falls senseless.
ACT II
SCENE I — -A Gypsy Camp in the Biscay Mountains
We are now in the gypsy encampment at early morning, as the shad-
ows of night are passing away before the dawn. The men are beginning
ZEROLA AS MANRICO i /I -I /"•!. ..U L *L '
work, and in this, the famous AnOil Lnorus, they hammer as they sing.
La zingarella (Anvil Chorus)
By La Scala Chorus In Italian)
By Victor Male Chorus (In English)
By Victor Orchestra
The swinging tune is accompanied by the ring of blows on the anvil, and the rough
voices of the men and the sound of the hammers make a truly impressive musical picture.
*62418 lO-inch, $0.75
1258 10-inch. .60
2146 10-inch, .60
CHORUS OF GYPSIES:
See how the shadows of night are flying!
Morn breaketh, Heav'n's glorious arch un-
veiling:
Like a young widow, who, weary of sighing.
Lays by her garments of sorrow and wailing.
Rouse up. to labor!
Take each his hammer.
MEN:
Who makes the gypsy's, a life with pleasure
laden?
WOMEN :
Who makes the gypsy's, a life with pleasure
laden, who?
ALL:
The gypsy maiden!
See how the sunlight, radiantly glowing,
Horrows new beams from our wine cups o'er-
flowing!
Resume our labor! Take each his hammer!
Who makes the gypsy's life, etc.
*Doubk-FaceJ Record— Fortilk of opftoiite tide
: DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVA TORE RECORDS, page 360.
352
HOMER AS AZUCENA
Robed in dark garments, ungirt, unsandal'd;
Fierce cries of vengeance from that dark crowd
arise;
Echo repeats them from mountain to moun-
tain.
O'er them reflecting, with wild, unearthly
glare.
Dark wreaths of flame curl, ascending to
heaven!
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— I L TROVATORE
Azucena, the gypsy, who now appears, proves to be none
other than the -witch's daughter spoken of in the first act. In
the highly dramatic song allotted to her she relates to Manrico
the dreadful story of the death of her mother, who had been
burned at the stake as a witch by the father of the present
Count di Luna.
Stride la vampa (Fierce Flames Are Soaring)
By Louise Homer, Contralto
(In Italian) 87O33 lO-inch, $2.00
By Jeanne Gerville-Reache,
Contralto (In Italian) 87065 lO-inch, 2.0O
By Lina Mileri, Contralto
(In Italian) * 16808 10-inch, ,75
In the aria she mentally lives again through the scene of
her mother's execution, each horrible detail of -which is indeli-
bly imprinted upon her memory.
This -wild contralto air in the minor, with its deep, rich,
and ever-changing tones, is -well suited to so grim a recital.
Upward the flames roll; the crowd presses
fiercely on,
Rush to the burning with seeming gladness;
Loud cries of pleasure from all sides re-echo-
ing!
By guards surrounded — forth comes a woman !
While, o'er them shining, with wild, unearthly
glare,
Dark wreaths of flame curl, ascending to
heaven!
Upward the flames roll! on comes the victim
still ;
The two renditions of this thrilling air, by Mme. Homer and Mme. Gerville-R6ache, are
most dramatic and impressive ones ; -while an excellent lower-priced record is furnished by
Mme. Mileri.
Questioned by Manrico, Azucena tells him the story of her past. In obedience to her
mother's last cry for vengeance, she stole the Count's young child, and threw it on the flames
•where her mother -was consumed. But she soon discovered that in her frenzy she had
destroyed her own infant, and preserved the child of the noble. Wild as was the previous
air, this proves a still more dramatic setting of the conclusion of the story. The orchestral
accompaniment crashes, -wails and sobs, the voice rises and falls in hatred or terror,
until at last the gypsy sinks exhausted -with the stress of emotion that her tale has excited.
Condotta ell'era in ceppi (In Chains to Her Doom They Dragged
Her)
By Lina "Mileri, Contralto (In Italian) *35176 12-inch, $1.25
The story has set Manrico thinking. " If your son perished," he asks, " whose child am
I?" But the gypsy, -with a born instinct for dissimulation, avoids the question, still claiming
him as her son. She reminds him of the almost fatal wounds received in an attack from the
Count di Luna and his men, from -which she had nursed him back to life.
Mai reggendo all'aspro assalto (At My Mercy Lay the Foe)
By Louise Homer, Contralto, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 89049 12-inch, $4.00
By Clotilde Esposito, Contralto, and Luigi Colazza, Tenor
(In Italian) *1655O 10-inch, .75
In the opening strain of this air, Manrico tells of his single combat -with the Count, in which
by an irresistible impulse, after felling his antagonist to earth, he spared the noble's life.
The voice of the gypsy then bids him never again to allow their enemy to escape, but to
unhesitatingly administer the death-blow. Manrico's story of the duel is expressed by a
* Doulle-Faced Record— For title of opposite side nee DOUBLE-FACED 1L TROVATORE RECORDS, pages
359 and 360.
353
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— IL TROVATORE
THE CONVENT NEAR CASTELLOR ACT II
bold martial air, the gypsy's
incitements to vengeance be-
ing heard at the same time,
leading to the vigorous climax
of the duet.
SCENE II— The Cloisters of a
Convent
In this scene we return
to the fortunes of the Count
and Leonora. She, believing
the Troubadour to have been
killed, presumably in a recent
duel with his rival, has deter-
mined to enter a convent. Di
Luna appears in front of the
convent with the intention of
carrying her away before the
ceremony shall have taken
place, and sings his famous
air, "11 balen."
II balen del suo sorriso (The Tempest of the Heart)
By Emilio de Gogorza. Baritone (In Italian) 88175 12-inch, $3.OO
By Francesco Cigada. Baritone (In Italian) *16812 10-inch. .75
By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English) * 16521 lO-inch. .75
This solo almost wins the Count our sympathy, in spite of ourselves, so genuine and heart-
felt an expression of the tender passion it is.
COUNT:
Of her smile, the radiant
leaming
Ah! this love within me burning.
More than words shall plead on my part,
Her bright glances on me turning,
Calm the tempest in my heart!
)l ner smile, the radiant gleaming
Pales the starlight's brightest reflection,
While her face with beauty beaming.
Brings me fresh ardor, lends to my affection.
The convent bell is heard tolling as a signal for the final rites which make Leonora a
nun. The Count, in a burst of passion, declares they must seize her before she reaches the
altar.
Per me ora fatale (This Passion That Inspires "Me)
By Ernesto Caronna. Baritone (In Italian) *16814
This declaration is expressed in a vigorous air.
lO-inch, $O.75
COUNT (furiously):
Oh, hour of fate to me.
Hasten thy lagging moments.
The joy that I anticipate
Is of more than mortal worth!
No rival can I have;
No one dare my love to thwart!
For me hath fate design'd her,
And to me she shall belong!
They conceal themselves among the trees as the chant of the nuns is heard.
Ah ! se Terror t'ingombra ('Mid the Shades of Error)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *1655O lO-inch. $O.75
They sing of the coming retirement of Leonora from the world, while from their place
of concealment the Count and his retainers speak of their coming triumph.
CHORUS OF NUNS:
Ah! when the shades of night,
Oh, daughter of Eve, shall close on thee,
Then wilt thou know that life
Is but a shadow, a fleeting dream; —
Yes, like the passing of a shadow
Are all our earthly hopes!
Come, then, and let this mystic veil
From human eye enshroud thee;
Hence let care and worldly thought
For evermore be banish'd.
To Heaven now turn thee, and Heaven
Will open to receive thee!
* Doublc-FauJ Record— For title ofopfoMc side ** DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVA TORE RECORDS. t>age360.
354
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — IL TROVATORE
COUNT:
Triumphant hour impending,
Thy moments urge with speed elating,
The joy my heart's awaiting,
Is not of mortal birth,
In vain doth Heaven, contending
With rival claims, oppose me.
If once these arms enclose thee,
No power in heav'n or earth,
No pow'r shall tear thee from me!
FERRANDO AND RETAINERS:
How bold! Let's go— conceal ourselves
Amid the shades in haste.
How bold! — Come on — and silence keep,
The prize he soon will hold!
As the nuns appear, conducting the penitent, the Count's
retainers rush out and seize Leonora.
The calculations of di Luna are once more upset, for just as
he interrupts the ceremony, Manrico unexpectedly appears.
Leonora, overjoyed to find her lover still living, begins the great trio.
E deggio e posso crederlo (Oh, Blessed
Vision)
By Maria Grisi, Soprano ; Rerno Sangiorgi, Tenor ;
Francesco Cigada, Baritone ; La Scala Chorus
(In Italian) *35176 12-inch, $1.25
Leonora foregoes her religious vows, and the lovers, for the
time united, make their escape, to the chagrin of the baffled
Count, while his men are defeated by Manrico's followers.
ACT III
SCENE I — The Camp of di Luna
Squilli echeggi la tromba (Soldiers' Chorus)
By New York Grand Opera Chorus (In Italian)
Act III opens with the chorus of di Luna 's men — called the Soldiers ' Chorus. In spite of
the -wealth of melody already heard in this work, here is yet another marvelous number,
which -works up to a powerful climax, and then dies away softly, as these Trooatore choruses
so frequently do.
Giorni poveri vivea (In Despair I Seek My Son)
By Ida Mamelli, Soprano ; Renzo Minolfi, Baritone ; Cesare Preve,
Baritone; La Scala Chorus (In Italian) *35177 12-inch, $1.25
A scouting party from the Count's troops have fallen in -with Azucena, and now bring
her to the Count as a possible spy. Inquiries as to her past immediately connect her with
the episode of the Count's childhood, and Ferrando declares her to be the murderess of
di Luna 's lost brother. Azucena in her extremity, cries out the name of Manrico, and the Count,
finding she claims the Troubadour as her son, vows upon her a double vengeance, and she is
bound and dragged away. The gypsy's pleading, the Count's threatening anger and triumph,
•with the accompanying chorus, combine to make a moving and dramatic ensemble.
SCENE II — Manrico's Castle
The scene changes to the castle -wherein Manrico and Leonora are at last enjoying a brief
honeymoon, though in expectation of an attack from the baffled Count di Luna. Here Man-
rico sings a tender and affectionate fare-well to his beloved ere he departs to repel his rival's
assault.
Ah, si ben mio (The Vows We Fondly Plighted)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian) 88121 12-inch, $3.OO
By Charles Dalmores, Tenor (In Italian) 85123 12-inch. 3.OO
By Giorgio Malesci, Tenor (In Italian) *168O9 ID-inch, .75
* Double-FaceJ Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVATORE RECORDS, pages
359 and360.
COPVT DUPOUT
MARTIN AS MANRICO
64050 10-inch, $1.0O
355
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— IL TROVATORE
SLEZAK AS MANRICO
This beautiful lyrical number is a delightful relief after so
much that is forcible and dramatic.
MAVRICO:
Tis love, sublime emotion, at such a moment
Hids thy heart still be hopeful.
Ah! love; how blest our life will be
Our fond desires attaining.
My soul shall win fresh ardor,
My arm new courage gaining.
Hut, if, upon the fatal page
Of destiny impending,
I'm doom'd among the slain to fall,
'Gainst hostile arms contending,
In life's last hour, with fainting breath,
My thoughts will turn to thee.
Preceding thee to Heaven, will death
Alone appear to me!
Quietness soon departs, for the news comes that the attacking
party have captured Azucena, and are piling up faggots around
the stake at -which she is to be burnt. Maddened at the approach-
ing outrage upon one whom he believes to be his mother, Mahrico
prepares to rush to her assistance. The air with chorus which
forms the climax to this scene is full of martial fire.
Di quella pira (Tremble Ye Tyrants)
By Francesco Tamagno. Tenor
(In Italian) 95OO6 10-inch, $5.0O
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor, and La Scala
Chorus
(In Italian)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor (In Italian)
By Nicola Zerola. Tenor (In Italian)
By Giovanni Vails, Tenor, and La Scala Chorus
(In Italian)
92O32
87OO1
6417O
12-inch,
lO-inch,
lO-inch,
3.00
2.OO
1.00
* 16809 10-inch, .75
It is led up to by a very powerful introductory passage, and the high notes at the end,
delivered in robust tones, never fail of their effect.
MANRICO:
Ah! sight of horror! See that pile blazing —
Demons of fury round it stand gazing!
Madness inspiring, Hate now is raging —
Tremble, for vengeance on you shall fall.
Oh! mother dearest, though love may claim me,
Danger, too, threaten, yet will I save thee;
From flames consuming thy form shall snatch'd be,
Or with thee, mother, I too will fall!
Caruso's singing of this number is absolutely electrifying in its effect on the listener,
the two famous high C's being easily taken and with the full power of his great voice.
Tamagno's Manrico was a
figure of noble proportions,
and he endowed it with all his
splendid vitality. Such a high
C had never before been
heard, and it electrified the
audiences. The record of Di
quella pira is a faithful repro-
duction of the great singer's
rendition of the famous aria.
Paoli, the famous Milan
tenor, also gives a vigorous
performance of this great
air.
Other fine renditions, at a
lower price, are given by
Zerola and by Signer Vails,
assisted by La Scala Chorus.
* Douok-Faced Record— For title of opposite side ice DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVA TORE RECORDS. page360.
356
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — IL TROVATORE
ACT IV
SCENE I — Exterior of the Palace of Aliaferia
The last act brings us outside the palace of Aliaferia, -wherein Manrico, defeated by
di Luna 's men, and the gyspy, are confined in the dungeons. Hither Leonora has wended her
way to be near her lover, and she now sings the plaintive D'amor.
D'amor sull* ali rosee (Love, Fly on Rosy Pinions)
By Lucia Crestani, Soprano (In Italian) *1681O 10-inch, $O.75
This sad but melodious air reveals her heartfelt grief for the sorrows which she cannot
relieve.
LEONORA:
In this dark hour of midnight Console his spirit failing.
I hover round thee, my love! Let hope's soft whispers wreathing
Ye moaning breezes round me playing, Around him, comfort breathing,
In pity aid me, my sighs to him conveying! Recall to his fond remembrance
On rosy wings of love depart, Sweet visions of his love;
Bearing my heart's sad wailing, But, let no accent reveal to him
Visit the prisoner's lonely cell, The sorrows, the griefs my heart doth move!
And now comes Verdi's most famous operatic scene, the great Miserere.
Miserere (I Have Sighed to Rest Me)
By Enrico Caruso, Tenor: Frances Alda, Soprano;
Chorus of the "Metropolitan Opera (In Italian) 89O30 12-inch, $4.OO
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano ; Gino Martinez-Patti,
Tenor; La Scala Chorus (In Italian) 58366 12-inch, l.OO
By Elise Stevenson, Soprano; Harry Macdonough,
Tenor; Victor Male Chorus (In English) 31703 12-inch, l.OO
By Elise Stevenson, Soprano; Harry Macdonough,
Tenor; Victor Male Chorus (In English) *16013 10-inch, ,75
By Arthur Pryor and Emile Keneke (Trombone-Cornet) *16371 10-inch, .75
By "Walter Rogers and Arthur Pryor (Cor net- Trombone) *16794 10-inch, .75
By Walter Rogers and Arthur Pryor (Cor net- Trombone) 4513 10-inch, .60
Leonora is terror-stricken at the solemn tolling of a deep-toned bell and the mournful
chorus of priests chanting for the soul of a doomed prisoner.
PRTESTS:
Pray that peace may attend a soul departing,
Whither no care or thought of earth can
follow;
Heav'nly mercy allays the pangs of parting,
Look up beyond this life's delusions hollow.
Then follows an impressive series of chords in the
orchestra, leading to a sobbing lament of Leonora.
LEONORA:
What voices of terror! For whom are they
praying?
With omens of fear unknown, they darken
the air,
New horrors assail me, my senses are straying,
My vision is dim, is it death that is near?
In upon this there breaks the beautiful air of the
Troubadour, sung within the prison, followed by a joyful
cry of devotion from his beloved.
MANRICO:
Ah! I have sighed to rest me; deep in the
quiet grave —
CAMPANINI AS MANRICO Sighed to rest me, but all in vain I crave.
Oh fare thee well, my Leonora, fare thee well!
These fragments, first given separately, are next combined and heard together, forming
a most impressive scene of touching beauty, for which the opera of // Trovatore will ever be
remembered.
* Double-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FA CED IL TROVA TORE RECORDS, page 360.
357
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA — IL TROVATORE
The entrance of di Luna brings from Leonora a prayer for mercy for the prisoner. The
appeal is unheeded, or rather it appears to increase the triumph which belongs to the Count's
vengeance. The appeal of the unhappy woman and the fierce joy of the gratified noble are
powerfully expressed in this magnificent duet.
Mira d'acerbe lagrime (Oh, Let My Tears Implore Thee)
By Emma Eatnes, Soprano, and Emilio de Gogorza. Baritone
(In Italian) 89O22 12-inch, $4.00
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano, and Francesco Cigada. Baritone
(In Italian) 91077 10-inch. 2.00
By Maria Bernacchi. Soprano, and Ernesto Caronna. Tenor
(In Italian) "16810 lO-inch. .75
In the extremity of despair, Leonora makes one last effort. If the Count will spare the
one she loves, she will consent to become di Luna's wife. She swears to perform her
promise, at the same time intending to take poison as soon as Manrico is free. Di Luna 's
wrath is now changed into joy, -while Leonora, forgetting her own fate, is filled with happiness
at the thought of the Troubadour's release. This situation gives opportunity for another
wonderful duet of a most thrilling character.
Vivra ! Contende il giubilo (Oh, Joy, Hefs Saved)
By Celestina Boninsegna, Soprano, and Francesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian) 91O71 lO-inch. $2.00
By Angela de Angelis, Soprano, and Francesco Cigada. Baritone
(In Italian) *16811 10-inch. .75
In this number the Count expresses his rapture at the success of his conquest, while
Leonora exclaims, aside : " Thou shall possess but a lifeless bride." As the scene changes
they enter the tower to secure the release of Manrico.
SCENE II— The Prison Cell of Manrico
Yet a third duet — the famous Home to Our Mountains. The scene has changed to the
prison interior, where Azucena and Manrico are together, and the gypsy, with the second-
sight of her race, predicts her approaching end.
Ai nostri monti (Home to Our Mountains)
By Louise Homer, Contralto, and Enrico Caruso, Tenor
(In Italian) 89O18 12-inch, $4.00
By Corinne Morgan, Contralto, and Harry Macdonough, Tenor
(In English) *35118 12-inch, 1.25
By Corinne Morgan, Contralto, and Harry Macdonough, Tenor
(In English) 31555 12-inch, l.OO
By Clotilde Esposito, Soprano, and Luigi Colazza, Tenor
(In Italian) * 168 11 lO-inch, .75
By Corinne Morgan. Contralto, and Harry Macdonough, Tenor
(In English) *164O7 lO-inch, .75
This familiar duet is considered by many to be the gem of Verdi's opera, and especially
when given by such artists as Caruso and Homer, it is doubly enjoyable.
Manrico is watching over the couch of Azucena, whose strength is exhausted, and who
is full of vague terrors ; and he endeavors to soothe her fears.
MANBICO: AZUCENA:
If any love remains in thy bosom, Yes, I am grief-worn and fain would rest me.
If thou art yet my mother, oh, hear me! But more than grief have sad dreams
Seek thy terrors to number, oppressed me;
And gain repose from thy sorrows in soothing Should that dread vision rise in slumber
slumber. Rouse me! its horrors may then depart.
MANRICO:
Rest thee, oh mother! I'll watch o'er thee,
Sleep may restore sweet peace to thy heart.
A fierce and avenging gypsy no longer, but a broken woman whose consuming passions
of remorse and revenge have died away, she dreams of the happy days gone by.
* Doublc-Faced Record— For title of opposite side see DOUBLE-FACED IL TROVATORE RECORDS, pages
359 and 360.
358
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— IL TROVATORE
AZUCENA (dreaming) : Home to our mountains, let us return, love,
There in thy young days peace had its reign:
There shall thy song fall on my slumbers.
There shall thy lute, make me joyous again.
MAN Kim: Rest thee, my mother, kneeling beside thee,
I will pour forth my troubadour lay.
AZUCENA: O sing and wake now thy sweet lute's soft
numbers,
Lull me to rest, charm my sorrows away.
BOTH: Lull | t^J| jto rest!
Caruso sings this beautiful scene -with that tenderness of voice which he can assume
when he will; while Mme. Homer delivers Azucena's music with exceptional purity and
charm. Altogether one of the most beautiful records in the Red Seal List.
Matters now move swiftly to a climax. Leonora arrives on the scene, bringing Manrico
the news of his freedom. The joy of meeting is all too soon destroyed when the prisoner
finds his liberty to have been purchased at the cost of a happiness which is to him dearer
than life itself. He accuses Leonora of betraying his love.
Ha quest' infame (Thou Hast Sold Thyself)
By Ida Giacomelli, Soprano; Lina Mileri, Contralto; Gino
Martinez-Patti, Tenor (In Italian) *35177 12-inch, $1.25
Here Azucena, who cares nothing for his passion, counsels flight. This gives the ele-
ments of the closing trio : Manrico 's reproaches, Leonora 's ineffectual protestations, and the
gypsy's voice through all, singing dreamily of her mountain home. With these mingled
voices dying away into soft peaceful harmonies the musical portion of the opera draws to a
close.
MANRICO:
Thou giv'st me life? No! I scorn it! 'Twas from my rival thou purchased thy
Whence comes this power? what price has mission!
bought it? Ah! thou hast sold him thy heart's affection!
Thou wilt not speak? oh, dark suspicion! Barter'd a love once devoted to me!
Leonora, who had already taken the poison, now sinks dying at Manrico's feet, and he
pleads forgiveness as he learns the truth. Di Luna now enters, and furious at finding him-
self cheated of his promised bride, orders the Troubadour to instant execution. Manrico is
taken out by the guards and beheaded.
At the moment of his death, the gypsy awakes, and not seeing Manrico, realizes that
he has gone to his execution. She drags the Count to the window and cries to him : " You
have killed your brother !" Di Luna utters a wild cry of remorse and falls senseless as the
curtain slowly descends.
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS TROVATORE RECORDS
Condotta ell'era in ceppi (In Chains to Her Doom) 1
By Lina Mileri, Contralto (In Italian)
E deggio e posso crederlo (Oh, Blessed Vision) By >35176 12-inch, $1.25
Maria Grisi, Soprano ; Remo Sangiorgi, Tenor ; Francesco
Cigada, Baritone; La Scala Chorus (In Italian))
Giorni poveri vivea (In Despair I Seek My Son) By
Ida Mamelli, Soprano; Renzo Minolfi, Baritone; Cesare
Preve, Baritone ; La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
35177 12-inch, 1.25
Ha quest' infame (Ah, Thou Hast Sold Thyself) By
Ida Giacomelli, Soprano ; Lina Mileri, Contralto ; Gino
Martinez-Patti, Tenor (In Italian)
IAi nostri monti (Home to Our Mountains) By Corinne 1
Morgan and Harry Macdonough (In English) p51 18 12-inch, 1.25
Huguenots — Selection, Act IV By Sousa 's Band]
JTrovatore Selection By Arthur Pryor's Band) „-»_, . 0 . « . ~,
\ Traviata Selection By Arthur Pryor's 3*
* Double-Faced Record — For title of opposite side see above list.
359
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— IL TROVATORE
Abbietta zingara (Swarthy and Threatening) By Torres
de Luna. Bass, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Sull' orlo dei tetti (As a Vampire You May See Her)
By Torres de Luna and La Scala Chorus In Italian)
Sull' orlo dei tetti (As a Vampire You May See Her)
By Torres de Luna and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Tacea la notte placida (My Heart is His Alone)
By Lucia Crestani. Soprano (In Italian)
Di geloso amor sprezzato (Now My Vengeance)
By Bernacchi, Soprano; Colazza, Tenor; and Caronna.
Baritone (In Italian)
Stride la vampa (Fierce Flames Are Soaring)
By Lina Mileri, Contralto (In Italian)
Mai reggendo all'aspro assalto (At My Mercy Lay the
Foe) By Clotilde Esposito and Luigi Colazza (In Italian)
Ah ! se le error t' ingombra ("Mid the Shades of Error)
By Francesco Cigada and Chorus (In Italian)
II balen del suo sorriso (The Tempest of the Heart)
By Francesco Cigada, Baritone (In Italian) 16812
Martha — Porter Song By Carlos Francisco (In Italian) J
II balen del suo sorriso (The Tempest of the Heart)
By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English) \ 16521
Carmen — Toreador Song By Alan Turner (In English) j
Per me ora fatale (This Passion That Inspires Me)
By Ernesto Caronna, Baritone In Italian)
Pagliacci — Opening Chorus, Son qua
By La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
Ah, si ben mio (The Vows "We Fondly Plighted)
By Georgio Malesci, Tenor (In Italian)
Di quella pira (Tremble Ye Tyrants) By Giovanni
Vals. Tenor, and La Scala Chorus (In Italian)
D'amor sull ali rosee (Love, Fly on Rosy Pinions)
By Lucia Crestani, Soprano (In Italian)
Mira d'acerbi lagrime (Oh, Let My Tears Implore Thee)
By Maria Bernacchi and Ernesto Caronna (In Italian)
Miserere By Elise Stevenson, Soprano, and Harry Mac-
donough. Tenor (In English)
I Would That My Love By Elise Stevenson, Soprano, and
Harry Macdonough, Tenor , (In English)
/Miserere By Pryor and Keneke (Trombone-Cornet)}. , „_.
I Spring Song (Mendelssohn) By Victor Siring Quartet]1*
/Miserere
I Chant sans paroles
Vivra ! contende il giubilo (Oh, Joy, He's Saved) By
Angela de Angelis and Francesco Cigada (In Italian)
Ai nostri monti (Home to Our Mountains) By Clotilde
Esposito, Soprano, and Luigi Colazza, Tenor (In Italian),
Ai nostri monti (Home to Our Mountains) By Corinne
Morgan, Contralto, and Harry Macdonough. Tenor
(In English)
Bohemian Girl — Heart Bow 'd Donn
By Alan Turner, Baritone (In English)
Di geloso amor sprezzato (Now My Vengeance) ]
By Maria Bernacchi, Soprano; Luigi Colazza, Tenor;
and Ernesto Caronna, Baritone < In Italian) >62418
La zingarella Anvil Chorus)
By La Scala Chorus In Italian)}
360
62416 10-inch. $0.75
16655 10-inch, .75
16808 lO-inch. .75
1655O lO-inch. .75
10-inch, .75
10-inch, .75
16814 10-inch, .75
16809 10-inch, .75
16810 10-inch, .75
16O13 10-inch, .75
By Rogers and Pryor (Comet- Trombone)} . , __ .
(Tschait(pwsky} By Vienna String Quartel)
lO-inch, .75
10-inch, .75
16811 10-inch, .75
16407 10-inch, .75
lO-inch, .75
(German)
(French^
DIE WALKURE
LA VALKYRIE
(Dee Vahl-keu'-ri)
(Lah ya
(English)
THE VALKYRIE
MUSIC-DRAMA IN THREE ACTS
Text and music by Richard Wagner. First presented in Munich in 1870.
York production at the Academy of Music, April 2, 1877.
First New
Characters
SIEGMUND (Sccg'-moond) Tenor
HUNDING (Hoond'-ing) Bass
WOTAN (Voti-tahn) Baritone
SIEGL1NDE (Seeg-lin -duh) Soprano
BRONNHILDE (Bmon.heet -duh) .* Soprano
FRICKA (Fiik'-ah) Soprano
VALKYRIES — Gerhilda, Ortlinda, Valtrauta, Sverleita, Helmviga, Siegruna,
Grirngerda, Rossvisa.
Walkure is the second in the series of music-dramas composing the Niebelung Ring, and
from a popular standpoint perhaps the most melodious and pleasing. The story is beauti-
ful and compelling, the situations by turn thrilling and pathetic, -while the glorious music
•written by the master to accompany the adventures of his mythical personages is easily un-
derstood and appreciated by the average listener.
A perusal of the . preceding description of the story of the Niebelung in Rhinegold
(page 279) will help the reader to understand more fully the Victor synopsis of Walkure.
Wolan has been warned by Erda, the Earth Goddess, that if Alberich regains the Ring the
gods must perish. Brooding over this impending fate, Wolan descends to earth and weds the
goddess; this union resulting in nine splendid daughters, the Walkure, who are to aid in
the salvation of the gods. Riding forth each day among the tumult and the strife which
prevail on the earth as a result of the Curse of the Ring, they carry to Walhalla, on their
flying horses, the bravest of the warriors who fall in battle. These revived heroes keep
themselves ready to defend Walhalla from the Niebelungs. But in order to regain the Ring,
a brave hero is necessary, who shall be free from the universal curse and who can take it
from Fafner, now changed into a dragon the better to guard the treasure. With this in mind
Wolan visits the earth again and weds a mortal who bears him twins, Siegmund and Sieglinde.
While these children are quite
young, the brutal Handing
finds their cottage, burns it,
kills the mother and carries off
Sieglinde, -whom he afterward
forces to become his bride.
The father and son return
and swear vengeance on
Handing. Wolan (known as
Volse on earth) returns to
Walhalla, leaving the young
Siegmund to fight alone and
become a self-reliant hero.
This is the situation when the
action begins.
ACT I
SCENE I — Interior of Handing's
Hut in the Forest — a Large
Tree rises through the Roof
The prelude represents a
fearful storm in the forest, in
FIRST ACT SCENE BAVREUTH
361
Brunnhilde Bearing a Wounded Warrior to Walhalla
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
the midst of -which Siegmund rushes in exhausted, and falls by the fire.
Sieglinde gives him refreshment and feels drawn to him by some
strange attraction. While they are conversing, Hunding enters, and
after questioning the stranger, recognizes in him his mortal enemy.
He says, "Thou shall have shelter from the storm to-night, but to-
morrow thou diest!" and goes to his room, bidding Sieglinde prepare
his evening drink. She does so but puts a drug in it to make him
sleep soundly, and returns to SiegmunJ, unable to control her interest
in tho mysterious youth who has so strangely affected her.
Then occurs the lovely Liebeslied, the gem of this beautiful first act.
SiegmuncTs Liebeslied (SiegmuncTs Love Song)
By Riccardo Martin, Tenor
(In German) 88276 12-inch, $3.0O
By George Harnlin, Tenor
(In German) 74111 12-inch, 1.50
The hut, which has been in semi-darkness, is suddenly illumined
by the blowing open of the great door at the back, and -without can
be seen the beauty of the spring night after the storm. The full
moon shines in upon them, so that they see each other clearly for
the first time. Siegmund, in ecstasy, rhapsodizes Spring and Love :
COPVT DUPODT
ir - me wi - chen dem Won-nc-mond, in mil - dem Lich - te leuchtet der Lenz.
r»j have waned, to the winsome moon. In mild at-cen-dance smilelh the Spring.
VAN DYCK AS SIEGMUND
He takes her hand, seats her beside him on the rude bench, and
continues :
SIEGMUND:
With balmy breezes, soft and soothing,
Wonders weaving, on he wends,
Through wood and meadow wafts his
breathing,
Wide and lustrous laughs his eye;
In songs of birds his silv'ry voice resounds,
Wondrous fragrance he outbreathes;
From his living blood the loveliest flowers are
blooming
the
Leaf and spray spring forth at his voice.
With gentle sceptre s sway he ruleth
world;
Winter and storm wane as his strength
awakes:
By dint of his hardy striving
The stoutest doors he is cleaving,
Which, stubborn and strong, once held us from
him!
To greet his sister swiftly he flies;
Thus Love the spring hath allured.
Within our bosoms Love lay asleep
That now laughs out to the. light
The bride and the sister is freed by the
brother;
Destroyed the walls that held them apart;
Joyous meet now the youthful pair;
United are Love and Spring!
SIEGMUND AND SIEGLINDE
Although the true charm of this poetry can be realized best by those on intimate terms
with the German tongue, this excellent translation from the Ditson Wagner Lyrics for Tenor
will add to the enjoyment of the record.
Sieglinde then tells Siegmund the story of the Sword — how at her wedding a stranger had
suddenly appeared and thrust into the trunk of the tree a magic sword -which should belong
only to him -who could take it out. The stranger had secretly told Sieglinde that no one
but Siegmund -would have power to remove it.
Siegmund rises eagerly, and going to the tree -withdraws the sword with a mighty effort.
The reunited brother and sister embrace each other and agree to fly from the power of
363
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
Hunding. The curtain falls as they pass out into the moonlit
forest.
The love scenes between Sieglinde and Siegmund should
be considered in their allegorical and poetical sense, and
not judged by modern ethical standards. Wagner intended
this episode to represent the union of Love and Spring.
ACT II
SCENE I— A Wild and Rocky Pass
Wotan and his favorite Valkyrie daughter, Briinnhilde,
are discovered in full armor. He tells her to go to the
rescue of the Volsung (Siegmund), whom Hunding is pursuing.
WOTAN: Make ready thy steed, warrior maid,
Soon will come battle and strife;
Briinnhilde. haste to the field,
Give aid to Volsung to-day!
The Valkyrie eagerly prepares for her flight, and sings
her famous Battle Cry.
Ho, yo, to, ho ! (Briinnhilde's Battle Cry)
By Johanna Gadski. Soprano
(In German) 87O02 10-inch, $2.OO
Gadski is always a statuesquely beautiful Briinnhilde,
and her voice glorifies this music, in which many persons, insensible to the poetic depth and
power of the story, hear only noisy declamation. In this first scene especially, she brings
into beautiful relief the joyful nature of the Valkyrie, and her cries are full of eager, happy
vitality. Some idea of
the difficult nature of Rmmusimnii x^« x— .-
this famous Battle Cry r PftJ j EzZg-^ aCjtg' b . E..lC G^
\ i j r .1 t<fK Vf> '* *T.-- J* P ' 1 \V— * JS » ' ' ** 1 |l* I* Jiff ' r 11 1
may be had rrom these TO) H»*r I W * j I *| t
few measures Ho • yo • to ho. . . . HO • yo • to ho . . . HO •
GADSKI AS BRL'NNHILDE
THE RESCUE OF SIEGLINDE
Mme. Gadski, however, surmounts these difficul-
ties •with ease, and the aria is a really •wonderful
specimen of both singing and recording.
BRI'-NNHILDE:
Ho-yq-to-ho ! Ho-yo-to-ho ! Hei-aha !
But listen, father! care for thyself;
For a storm o'er thee will break;
Fricka, thy busy wife, approacheth in her
ram-impelled car.
Ha! how she swings her golden whip!
The frighten'd goats are fainting with fear,
Wheels rattling and rolling whirl her here to
the fight.
At such a time away I would be,
Tho' my delight is in scenes of war!
Take heed that defeat be not thine,
For now I must leave thee to fate!
Briinnhilde is right — Wotan is in for a scolding,
as Fricka now appears in an extremely bad
humor. Hunding has appealed to her, the guardian
of marriage, for help, and she insists that Siegmund
be punished. Wotan protests that this true love
romance should not be interfered with, but the
•wrathful -wife reminds him that the whole difficulty
is but the result of his own infidelity, and he is
finally forced to swear that Siegmund shall be
punished.
Fricka then triumphantly calls to Briinnhilde
that Wotan has further instructions for her. Briinn-
hilde finds her father in deep dejection, and when
364
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
she questions him he confides to her his efforts
to find a hero who shall banish the curse, but
says his quest has been in vain. He bids her
see that victory goes to Handing. She protests,
but he sternly commands obedience and leaves
her.
Siegmund and Sieglinde now appear, fleeing
from the wrath of Hunding. Sieglinde 's strength
has failed her, and she falls down exhausted.
Briinnhilde comes to the lovers and tells Siegmund
he must die. He scorns her prophecy and says
his sword will not fail him. Hunding' s voice is
now heard, and in a sudden wave of sympathy
Briinnhilde resolves to defend the young lovers.
Siegmund rushes to meet Hunding, and amid
flashes of lightning the warriors can be seen in
deadly combat, while Briinnhilde is visible flying
above Siegmund and protecting him. Wotan,
seeing the situation, then appears and causes
Siegmund to fall by his opponent's sword.
Briinnhilde retreats in terror from her father's
wrath, and runs to protect Sieglinde. She lifts the
helpless maiden on her horse and they disappear.
ACT III
SCENE I — The Summit of a Rocky Mountain
The act opens with the wonderful Ride of the
Valkyries, one of the most striking of all the mas-
ter's compositions. This is graphically pictured
in the splendid Fantasia by Pryor's Band, and in the La Scala record.
THE DEATH OF SIEGMUND
Cavalcata (Ride of the Valkyries)
By La Scala Orchestra (Double-faced, see page 369)
Fantasie (Including Ride of the Valkyries)
By Arthur Pryor's Band
62693 lO-inch, $O.75
31333 12-inch, l.OO
The Fantasie contains some of the finest portions of this second opera of the Niebelun-
gen Ring. At first we hear the motive of The Sword
by full band, followed by the tumultuous Ride of the Valkyries, one of the most tremendous
compositions in existence. The wild shouts of the goddesses as they ride their winged
steeds through the air to the Rock, the warlike cries of Briinnhilde and the neighing of the
war horses are splendidly portrayed.
A skillful modulation brings us to the last act, and a part of the great scene between
Wotan and Briinnhilde is given, beginning with the wonderful Siegfried, Guardian of the Sword
theme
on the trombone and which is repeated magnificently by the basses in another key.
The closing line of Wotan's Farewell, So £uss< er die Gottheit von dir ("with a kiss I
divest thee of godhead "), is heard on the cornet, followed by the Fire Music, an exquisite
blending of the two fire motive with Briinnhilde' s Sleep.
The Valkyries see Briinnhilde flying toward them, evidently in great distress. She alights
365
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— 'WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
VAN ROOY AS WOTAN
and asks her sisters to shield her from the wrath of
Woian, who is riding in pursuit; but they dare not
help her. She then bids Sieglinde flee alone, telling
her that she is destined to bear a son who shall be
the hero Siegfried.
BRUNNHILDE: .
Fly then swiftly, and speed to the east!
Bravely determine all trials to bear.
Hunger and thirst, thorns and hard ways,
Smile through all pain while suffering pangs!
This only heed and hold it ever:
The highest hero of worlds hidest thou,
O wife,
In sheltering shrine!
(She produces the pieces of Sicgmnnd's sword
from tinder her breastplate and hands them
to Sieglinde.)
For him keep these shreds of shattered sword-
blade;
From his father's death-field by fortune I
saved them :
Anon renewed this sword shall he swing;
And now his name I declare — Siegfried, of
vict'ry the son !
SIEGLINDE:
O marvelous sayings! maiden divine!
What comfort o'er my mind thou hast cast!
For his sake I live and save this belov'd one!
May my blessing frame future reward!
Fare thee well! Be Sieglinde's sorrow thy
weal!
(She hastens away. The rocky peak is en-
veloped in black thunder-clouds; a fearful
tempest roars up from the back; between
the peals of thunder Wotan's voice is
heard.)
The Valkyries hurriedly conceal Brtinnhilde in their midst as Wolan springs from his horse
in a furious rage.
WOTAN :
Where is Briinnhilde? Where the rebellious
one?
Dare ye to veil her from Wotan's vengeance?
(Briinniiilde comes out from the group and
faces her father, saying) :
BRI NNHILDE:
Here stand I, father, to suffer my sentence!
WOTAN :
I sentence thee not; thou hast shaped the
stroke for thyself.
Wish-maid art thou no more.
One time a Valkyrie wert thou,
Remain henceforth but merely thyself!
BRI'-NNHILDE (violently startled): ,
Thou disownest me? Thine aim I divine!
WOTAN:
From heavenly clans art thou excluded,
Eann'd, degraded from thy blessed degree;
For broken now is our bond; exiled for aye
Art thou banished from bliss.
He then tells her that she must be put in a deep sleep,
and shall be wakened by the first man who passes. She
pleads with him in a beautiful appeal.
Briinnhilde's Bitte (Briinnhilde's Appeal
to Wotan)
By Johanna Gadski, Soprano PHOTO BIRT
(In German) 88183 12-inch, $3.00 JOURNET AS WOTAN
366
Wotan's Farewell
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
WOTAN INVOKING THE FIRE GOD
BRTNNHILDE:
Was it so shameful, what I have done.
That for my deed I so shamefully am
scourged ?
Was it so base to warp thy command, that
thou
For (me such debasement must shape?
Was't such dishonor what I have wrought
That it should rob me of honor for aye?
O speak, father! see me before thee: soften
thy wrath;
Wreak not thine ire, but make to me clear
the mortal
Guilt that with cruel firmness compels thee to
Cast off thy favorite child!
Wotan, deeply moved, softens his stern decree, and consents that she shall be won only
by a great hero who can brave the flames with which she is to be surrounded. He then
bids her farewell in the splendid Abschied.
Wotan's Farewell
WOTAN:
Farewell, my brave and beautiful child!
Thou once the light and life of my heart!
Farewell! Farewell! Farewell!
Loth I must leave thee; no more in love
May I grant thee my greeting;
Henceforth my maid no more with me rideth,
Nor waiteth wine to reach me!
When I relinquish thee, my beloved one,
Thou laughing delight of my eyes,
Briinnhilde sinks, wrapt and transfigured, on Wotan '3 breast ; he holds her in a long em-
brace. She throws her head back again and gazes with solemn emotion into her father's
eyes.
Thy bed shall be lit with torches more brilliant
Than ever for bridal have burned!
Fiery gleams shall girdle the fell,
With terrible scorchings scaring the timid.
Who, cowed, may cross not Briinnhilde's
couch
For one alone freeth the bride;
One freer than I; the God!
WOTAN :
Those eyes so lustrous and clear,
Which oft in love I have kissed,
When warlike longings won my lauding,
Or when with lisping of heroes leal thy
honied lips were inspired;
Those effulgent, glorious eyes.
Whose flash my gloom oft dispelled.
When hopeless cravings my heart discouraged,
Or when my wishes t'wart wordly pleasure
fiom wild warfare were turning —
Their lustrous gaze lights on me now as my
lips imprint this last farewell!
On happier mortal here shall they beam; »
The grief-suffering god may never henceforth
behold them!
Now heart-torn, he gives thee his kiss,
And taketh thy godhood away!
He imprints a long kiss on her eyes ; she sinks back in his arms with closed eyes, her
368
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— WAGNER'S DIE WALKURE
powers gently departing. He
tenderly helps her to lie upon a
low mossy lounge, closes her
helmet and completely covers
her with the great steel shield
of the Valkyrie. He slowly
moves away, then directs the
point of his spear toward a
huge stone, and summons the
God of Fire.
WOTAN :
Loki, hear! Listen and heed!
Appear, wavering spirit, and
spread me thy
Fire round this fell!
Loki ! Loki ! Appear !
A stream of fire issues
from the stone, which swells
to an ever brightening glow
of flame; bright flames sur-
round Wotan, leaping wildly.
Magic Fire Spell (Feuerzauber) (Transcription by Brassin)
By Alfred Griinfeld, Pianist 58006 12-inch, $1.0O
The leave-taking and the breaking out of the flames are
musically pictured in one of those marvelous bits of writing
•which only Wagner could produce, and this beautiful transcrip-
tion is artistically played here by Herr Griinfeld. The record be-
gins with the passage just preceding Wolan 's summons to Loge.
A FAMOUS GROUP OF VALKYRIES AT BAYREUTH
Then follows a long modulation ending in E major, when the
fire motive
(Brioht die Flaokerloh* »na.)
(The fiamet treak out.)
1
MATERNA AS BRl'NNHILDE
(BAYREUTH, 1876)
begins and continues with all its varied changes and modulations
to the close of the opera.
Wotan directs, with his spear, the fiery flood to encircle the
rocks.
WOTAN : He who my spear in spirit f eareth,
Ne'er springs through this fiery bar!
He casts a last look on Briinnhilde and disappears through the fire.
( The curtain falls. )
DOUBLE-FACED WALKURE RECORD
/Cavalcata (Ride of the Valkyries) By La Scala Orchestral
\ Lohengrin— Prelude, Act III By La Scala Orchestra^
369
62693 lO-inch, $O.75
GUILLAUME TELL
' Jcc-yaum Tell}
(Italian)
GUGLIELMO TELL
(Cool-yet' -mo Tell)
(English)
WILLIAM TELL
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS
Words by Etienne Jouy, Hippolyte Bis and Armand Marast, taken from Schiller's
drama of the same name. Music by Gioachino Rossini. First presented at the Academic,
Paris, August 3, 1829. First London production, in English, at Drury Lane, 1830, and in
Italian at Her Majesty's, 1839.
370
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA-ROSSINI'S WILLIAM TELL
ACADEMIE ROVAI.E DF. MtSIQUv
GLILLAUtlE
TELL,
i. LES ENTREES 1)1 MMIHMiM M •<;•! M* 1 •> ,.
PROGRAM OF WILLIAM TELL
PREMIERE, PARIS OPERA, 1829
Characters
WILLIAM TELL, 1 f Bass
ARNOLD, suitor of Matilda, [Swiss Patriots] Tenor
WALTER FORST, ( Bass
MELCTH AL, Arnold's father Bass
GESSLER, Governor of Schwitz and Uri Bass
RUDOLPH, Captain of Gessler's bodyguard . Tenor
RUODI, a fisherman Tenor
LEUTHOLD, a shepherd Bass
MATILDA, daughter of Gessler Soprano
HEDWIGA, Tell's wife Soprano
JEMMY, Tell's son Soprano
Chorus of Peasants of the Three Cantons;
Knights, Pages and Ladies of the train
of Matilda; Hunters, Soldiers and
Guards of Gessler.
Scene and Period : Switzerland; thirteenth century.
THE PLOT
The story of Tell, the distinguished patriot, and chief instrument of the revolution
which delivered the Swiss cantons from the German yoke in 1207, has been taken by
Rossini for the theme of one of his most admired operas, the dramatic interest being
heightened by the introduction of love scenes and other episodes.
In the libretto by Jouy and Marast Gessler is endowed with a beautiful and amiable
daughter, Matilda, who has been saved from a watery grave by Arnold, son of Melcthal, the
patriarch of the country, and a determined opponent of the tyrannies of Gessler. As a
matter of course, mutual attachment ensues, and leads to the troubles which might have been
expected from so ill-sorted a connection.
At the opening of the opera we learn that an agent of Gessler's has attempted an out-
rage on the daughter of a herdsman, and been slain by her father, Leuthold. Obliged to fly
the country after this act of vengeance, it becomes necessary to cross Lake Lucerne while
the weather is so adverse that none of the boatmen will row the old man across the
tempestuous waters. William Tell finally undertakes the rescue, and by so doing incurs the
mortal hatred of Gessler,
As time progresses, the people become more and more disaffected ; and the father
of Arnold, suspected of inciting them to acts of insubordination, is seized by Gessler and
executed. The son's feelings are thus subjected to a
severe conflict between his love for Matilda, Gessler's
daughter, his duty to his country, and his desire to avenge
his father's death. He, however, renounces his love,
and joins the band of patriots now marshaled under
William Tell. Events are brought to a climax by Gessler
causing a cap to be elevated on a pole, and requiring
all passers-by to bow to it. Tell firmly refuses to do so,
and is thereupon subjected to the ordeal of the apple, being
required, under pain of death, to shoot at an apple placed
on the head of his son. Although the distance was consid-
erable, he was able to strike the apple off without injuring
the child. The tyrant, perceiving another arrow concealed
under Tell's cloak, asks him for what purpose it was in-
tended. To which he boldly replies, "To have shot you
to the heart, if I had killed my son ! " The enraged governor
orders him to be hanged ; but the Swiss, animated by
such fortitude and patriotism, flew to arms, attacked and
vanquished Gessler, who was shot by Tell. Matilda and
Arnold were united, and the independence of the country
was assured. THE TYRANT GESSLER
371
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ROSSINI'S WILLIAM TELL
OVERTURE
This great overture, which Berlioz has called a symphony in four parts, is a fitting
prelude to such a noble and serious work, and is full of beautiful contrasts.
The first movement is reposeful, expressing the solitude of Nature, and is followed by
the contrasting Slorm, a majestic and awe-inspiring tone picture. To the Storm succeeds a
beautiful pastoral with a delicious melody for the English horn, and as Berlioz says, "with
the gamboling of the flute above this calm chant producing a charming freshness and
gayety." As the last notes of the melody die away, the trumpets enter with a brilliant fan-
fare on the splendid finale, a fitting climax to a great work.
Part I— At Dawn
By Pryor's Band
Part II— The Storm
By Pryor's Band
Part III— The Calm
By Pryor's Band
Part IV— Finale
31218 12-inch. $1.OO
31219 12-inch, l.OO
31220 12-inch, l.OO
By Pryor's Band
31221 12-inch, l.OO
Note. — This series is also issued in Double-Faced form. — See page 375.
ACT I
SCENE— A Village in the Canton of Uri
The curtain rises on a peaceful scene, showing a charming village with the house of
William Tell in the foreground. Tell and his family are engaged in rural occupations, and
the fishermen, while they prepare to put out the boats, sing a lovely barcarolle.
Accours dans ma nacelle (Come, Love, in My Boat)
M. Regis. Tenor (In French) *45026 10-inch, $1.00
FISHERMEN:
Come hither, my dearest love!
In my little boat embark;
Ah! hither come, and with thy
smile
My loving heart rejoice.
Though leave I must, Eliza, dear,
Do not let me alone depart;
See how the shining sky above
A brilliant day doth augur.
Gentle as the bending rosebud,
Born in the morning's early dew,
Heaven's threaten d tempests
wild
Will thy presence, love, appease;
When by your side I'm seated.
What new life my soul receives!
There's a Providence above us
Our heart's affections will pro-
tect.
A horn sounds as the sig-
nal for the beginning of the an-
nual Shepherds' Festival, at
•which three marriages are to
be celebrated by Melcthal,
the patriarch of the village. Arnold, Melcthal' s son, is saddened at the signal, thinking of
his own love, Matilda, who is the daughter of the tyrant Gessler.
Tell confides to Arnold some of his plans for overthrowing the power of Gessler, and
asks Arnold to assist.
FIRST ACT SCENE
* Double-Face J Record— For title of opposite tide «x DOUBLE-FACED WILLIAM TELL RECORDS, page 375.
372
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ROSSINI'S WILLIAM TELL
Che finger tanto invano (Vain is the Attempt !)
By Antonio Paoli. Tenor, and Francesco Cigada, Baritone
(In Italian) 92048 12-inch, $3.OO
ARNOLD: ARNOLD:
(Ah! vain is all dissembling.) What power do we possess?
While the tyrant's yoke continues, TELL:
My heart is o'erwhelm'd with grief. Strength enough has he who doubts not
What dost thou desire? If our valor fail us not,
TELL: The tyrant will surely fall.
To recall you, Arnold, to your duty. ARNOLD:
ARNOLD: But, if conquer'd, where our refuge?
Ah! Matilda, dearly do I love thee; TELL:
Hut from my heart the passion I must root, In the tomb!
If my country and my honor so demand. ARNOLD:
TELL (aside): And who will avenge our fall?
If to us unfaithful he has been, TEI.L:
His grief his repentance doth attest. Heaven!
(To Arnold): ARNOLD:
We have no need for doubt or fear — When the hour of danger comes,
If true to ourselves, we must conquer. Faithfully I will stand by you.
The young man hesitates between duty to his country and his love for the tyrant's
daughter, but finally casts his lot with Tell, and goes to bid a last farewell to Matilda.
The festival now begins, but is interrupted at intervals by the sound of hunting horns,
showing that Gessler and his huntsmen are in the mountains near by. The young couples
are wedded, and all are rejoicing in their happiness when the festival is rudely inter-
rupted by Leulhold, a shepherd, who rushes in crying, " Save me from the tyrant." He
explains that one of Gessler's officers had abducted his daughter, and to rescue her he
had killed the villain. He begs the fishermen to row him across the lake to safety. They
refuse, not daring to offend the tyrant, and because of the storm which is raging. Tell
appears, rushes to the boat with Leuthold and puts out on the raging lake just as the
soldiers of Gessler appear. Baffled of their revenge, they burn the village, devastate the
fields, and strike down the aged Melcthal.
ACT II
SCENE — A deep valley in the Alps. On the left the Lake of the Four Cantons. Twilight
Matilda appears and muses upon her love for Arnold. Her lover now joins her, and an
effective love scene ensues, which is interrupted by the approach of Tell and Walter, and
Matilda departs. Tell has seen the young man talking to the daughter of his mortal enemy,
and accuses him of being false to the Swiss. Arnold confesses that he loves Matilda, but
says he will renounce her if his country demands the sacrifice.
They then break to Arnold the news that Gessler has put his father to death, and feel-
ings of vengeance drive from his mind all thought of Matilda. In a fine trio the three
patriots call upon Heaven to aid their righteous cause.
Troncar suoi di (His Life Basely Taken)
By Antonio Paoli, Tenor ; Francesco Cigada, Baritone : Aristodemo
Sillich, Bass (In Italian) 92O51 12-inch, $3.0O
ARNOLD: Our cause propitious Heaven will aid;
His life the tyrant wickedly hath taken, The shade of your father our souls will
And yet my sabre in its sheath reposeth; inspire!
Alas! my father his son's aid was needing, Vengeance it calls for, and not lamentation;
While I Helvetia was e'en then betraying. Although departed, he doth seem to say,
Heavens! never again shall I behold him! Happy in his destiny hath he been;
TRIO: His remains a martyr's tomb shall hallow,
May glory our hearts with courage exalt Of virtue such as his the fit recompense.
Berlioz writes of his attempt to analyze this great trio: "What! Analyze the awful
despair of a son who learns his father is brutally slain ? Note the details of a flute or
second violin passage! No, — I can only cry, 'Wonderful, superb, heart-rending!'"
The men of the cantons now assemble, and in a splendid finale swear to conquer or die.
Domo, o ciel, da uno straniero (By a Vile Foreigner Subdued)
By Nestore Delia Torre, Baritone (In Italian) 76013 12-inch, $2.0O
The curtain falls to a magnificent outburst of patriotism, " To arms ! To arms ! "
373
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ROSSINI'S 'WILLIAM TELL
ACT III
SCENE — The Grand Square of Altorf — Gessler's Castle in the background. In the Foreground
a Pole surmounted by a Cap
Gessler and his barons are seated on a throne at one side of the Square, while various
It is here that the superb ballet, one of the
This has been recorded in three parts, by
amusements are given for their entertainment,
most beautiful ever composed, is introduced.
Pryor's Band.
/William Tell Ballet Music— Part I By Pryor's Band)*-, . .
\William Tell Ballet Music— Part II By Pryor's Band/ 35i:>42 12-inch, 11.29
William Tell Ballet Music— Part III By Pryor's Band * 165 78 lO-inch, .75
The band, under Mr. Pryor's masterly baton, has played this brilliant music in a man-
ner which brings out all its beauties.
Gessler, who, -with much satisfaction, has been watching the populace bow to the cap
•which he has had placed on a pole as a symbol of his authority, suddenly notices that Tell
and his son fail to pay honor to the standard. He orders them seized and brought before
him, and when he is told that Tell is the man who aided Leulhold to escape, his rage is
intensified. He asks if the boy is Tell's son, and when Tell replies, "My only son," a fiend-
ish idea strikes the tyrant. He orders Tell to shoot an apple from the boy's head on pain
of instant death for both. Tell refuses, but Jemmy urges his father to obey, saying, "Father,
remember your skill! Fear not, I will not move!"
Tell embraces his boy, and selecting an arrow, manages to
conceal another in his coat. He casts a fierce look at the tyrant,
then aims with care and strikes the apple fairly in the centre.
When he realizes Jemmy is safe, Tell faints and the concealed
arrow is discovered. " For whom was the second arrow ? " de-
mands Gessler. " For you, tyrant, if I had harmed my child ! "
Gessler then orders both put to death, but Matilda, who has
entered, demands the life of the boy and takes him under her
protection. Tell is taken to prison amid the curses of the Swiss.
ACT IV
SCENE — The Ruined Village of Act I. At the Right
the partially burned Cottage of Melcthal
Arnold, who knows nothing of the capture bf Tell, has come
to his native village to bid farewell to the home of his boyhood.
He gazes at the desolate cottage and sings his charming and pathetic air, Ch, Blessed Abode.
O muto asil (Oh, Blessed Abode)
By Francesco Tamagno, Tenor (In Italian) 95009 10-inch, $5.OO
By M. Gautier, Tenor (In French) *45007 lO-inch. l.OO
By Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French) *45026 lO-inch, l.OO
This number is one of the most effective of those allotted to Arnold. It begins with the
beautiful passage
liORlTZ AS WILLIAM TELL
dl.
Ok! bteti'd a • bode, with • in whose walls mine eyei firtt saw the HfM.
This aria is reposeful and offers a fine contrast to the tumult of the last scene.
ARNOLD:
Oh! bless'd abode, within whose walls In vain I call; no father's greeting,
Mine eyes first saw the light, Which fancy now to me's repeating,
Once so belov'd, yet now thy halls, Will e'er again these ears be meeting.
Bring mis'ry to my aching sight. Then home once lov'd, forevermore, farewell !
Tamagno brought all his strength and vitality to the part of Arnold, singing it superbly,
and this fine air is given with wonderfully truthful and impressive declamation.
A company of Swiss patriots enter hurriedly and tell Arnold of the events at Altorf. He
calls on them to follow him to the rescue of Tell, and departs in the direction of the capital.
•Doubk-FaceJ Record— For title ofoppottte tide ter. DOUBLE-FACED WILLIAM TELL RECORDS, page 375.
374
VICTOR BOOK OF THE OPERA— ROSSINI'S WILLIAM TELL
WILLIAM TELL S FLIGHT
SCENE II — Lake of Four Cantons.
A Storm is Gathering
Tell's wife is resting here on her way
to demand of Gessler her husband and son.
She hears her son's voice and is overjoyed
to see him brought to her by Matilda. She
clasps him in her arms, and anxiously in-
quires for her husband. Matilda says that
Tell has been removed from Altdorf Prison,
and taken across the lake. She has no
sooner spoken than Tell appears, having
escaped from the boat and sent an arrow-
through the tyrant's heart. Arnold and the
patriots appear, rejoicing that Gessler has
been slain and that the Swiss are free once
more.
The storm breaks, and as if to an-
nounce liberty to Switzerland the sun
bursts forth, revealing the glittering, snowy
peaks of the Alps in all their dazzling
beauty. An invocation to Freedom comes
from every throat :
TELL:
Let us invoke, with hearts devout,
Thee, oh Freedom, to sway each heart!
Thou gav'st us pow'r to strike and conquer,
Do thou ne'er depart!
ALL:
Thou gav'st us pow'r to strike and conquer!
We are free, do thou ne'er depart!
DOUBLE-FACED AND MISCELLANEOUS WILLIAM TELL RECORDS
/Overture, Part I — At Dawn
(Overture, Part II— The Storm
By Pryor's Band)
By Pryor's Band/
16380
/Overture, Part III— The Calm
(Overture, Part IV — Finale
/Overture, Part I — At Dawn
\Overture, Part II— The Storm
(Overture, Part III — The Calm
\Overture, Part IV — Finale
/Ballet Music, Part I
\Ballet Music, Part II
/Ballet Music, Part III
\ Profeta — Re del cielo By Luigi Colazza, Tenor
(Asile hereditaire (Oh ! Blessed Abode)
By M. Gautier, Tenor
Les Huguenots — Plus blanche (Meyerbeer)
By M. Gautier, Tenor (In French)
{Accours dans ma nacelle — Barcarola (Come, Love, In My
Boat) By M. Regis, Tenor (In French)
Asile hereditaire (Oh ! Blessed Abode)
By Leon Beyle, Tenor (In French)
By Pryor's Band) ,_„.
By Pryor's Band/1*
By Pryor's BandU,._o
By Pryor's Band/3'
By Pryor's Band\, «,.,,.
By Pryor's Band/3*
By Pryor's Band\,,_ .
By Pryor's Band/3'
By Pryor's Band
(In Italian)
(In French)
16578
lO-inch, $0.75
10-inch, .75
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
12-inch, 1.25
10-inch, .75
450O7 10-inch. l.OO
45026 lO-inch, 1.00
375
FOR REFERENCE
NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE ROOM
CAT. NO. 23 OH