GRAND OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1928, Page 18

GRAND OPERA.

MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE OF "ERNANI."

A remarkably fine production was given of Verdi's opera "Ernani" last night by the Fuller-Gonealex Company. "Ernani" is a tragic men in four acts, words by F. ALPiave. The subject is taken from Victor Hugo's tragedy of "Herpani," and was, first produced at Venice, March 9, 1884. Early in its carssr the opera experienced various vissitodes. The con-, sptnscy had to bs toned down lor political reasons before the presentation of the wgric was permitted. In Paris Victor Hugo raised objections to its performance, and it was produced in the French capital as "II Proscetto," with the characters changed to Italians. Though one of the earliest of Verdi's operas, "Ernani" is strong in dramatic intensity, in brilliancy, and power of its concerted finales, and in the richness of its choral effects. Signorina Silvestri mode a splendid Elvira, power and dramatic intensity were shown in the arias, duos and ensembles, wmieh were delightful to listen to. Artaro | Tamburini as Ernani, a bandit chief, ssng and acted with strength and abandon, Franco Izal, as- Don Carlos, used his resonant bass voice to fine effect in the various solos and concerted numbers. Ernesto Fumagalli made an excellent Don Ruy Gomez die Silva, and the minor parts wore capably sustained by Signorine Silvestri and Pfrimmer and Siggori Gilardi and Gislon. The opening Rreludio was delicately handled by. the orchestra, and a spirited delivery was given of the Mountaineers Chorus, "Allegri beviani." Ernani followed with a capital rendering of the aria "Come rugiada," and contributed an energetic performance of "Oh tn che Talma." Elvira's aria "Sortae la note" was charmingly sustained by Signorina Silvestri, and the lovely inspiration "Ernsni! involam i" was presented in a manner which tenderly expressed its first part, and brilliantly exhibited the music of "Tutto

sprexsp." The artist concluded wit J, - dranaatko pobaaace of Ah! VdT-rtl chorus making a telling the orchestra added further "intewZ* . the oituatiop With Don Carl*fc?»2 the vocal display in the duo "Qui ndt™?tbe duettista concluding with * OTld of Ah!vil pessne. The scene e T««S "Aont Ascol" na« a telling niece semble flinging by Elvira, Do® OtefcT the orchestra, whilst the ice! e tuo crederi," eung by admirably presented by E. k! energetic and forceful the delivery of the vindictive soena"!**. che un brando." A powerfsl and ovS whelming performance eecunsd of ♦),. subsequent concerted "Ben Sievede." wl.;a fittingly dosed the act. Splendidly voS was J ago qui Tosto," by the srio **7 Don Carlos gave with marked rqcomi "Cool gimo Ache," and an impamioned de&2r Signorina Silvmfaitf La Vendetta Piu tremenda " In the third act Don Carlos nve » impressive, and at times, a thriUin* JZ tormance of the soMoqav "Gtm JOh de vend" and "Oh Somme Caxfe • The famous sextet artd chorui "A Carls Magno gloria w* gradually worked Z'' 4U ea ' °1 gre * t which V* thrilling in effect, and the famous do* between Elvira and Ernani "Cess^| Suom, which passes from raptnrow" deepßinng tale in "Per HBmL" v was graphically delivered. The minated with a dramatic performance ci *Per Aoi dAmorc," sung by Einra Ernani and Silva. The opera was superbly mounted and costumed, and orchestra and chontt executed pans in a capable manner. Maestro Gonealez ably conducted. Tonight Gioacliini Rossinra opera buflk"ThBsrber of Seville" will receive its pramiere production.