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Carmilla
One could hardly expect someone like Flora Lawson to resist the urge to adapt Le Fanu’s Carmilla into a stage play. Given the dearth of vampiress roles, Mrs. Lawson frequently has to adapt in order to play the type of role she obviously relishes. I must say, this work — perhaps because of the lack…
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Grand Wagner Festival, May 1877
How lovely that composer Richard Wagner conducted this festival himself! I’ve been a devotee of his music for years now, and I was absolutely thrilled that I already had a box seat for the entire season. I have it on good authority that certain members of the first violin section don’t care for Wagner, but…
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State Reception of His Imperial Majesty the Shah and Grand Concert
Royal Albert Hall, 23 June 1873 The reception for the Shah of Persia was a magnificent, glorious occasion, with fine music and elegant decorations. Sadly, I must protest the use of the experimental electrical lighting, which is tasteless and ghastly. Electrical lighting lacks all the grace and charm of gas and limelight. But enough of…
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The Vampiress
August 19, 1898, The Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly I fear I review this piece with some small measure of shame, as this work is not what one might call high-minded. On the other hand, the acting was quite good! Flora Lawson, wife of acclaimed violinist Abraham Lawson, performs as the titular “vampiress.” Mrs. Lawson plays the…
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Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade
September 12, 1898, Royal Albert Hall This exciting new work is sublime, made even more so by the skills of Abraham Lawson, widely considered the finest violinist in Britain and most likely the continent as well. The lush and exotic orchestration and fashionable oriental themes are a magnificent showcase for Lawson’s genius. For those unfamiliar…