ROSSINI'S "IL BARBIERE."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 224, 21 September 1928, Page 3

ROSSINI'S "IL BARBIERE."

SPARKLING PERFORMANCE.

SCAHUZZI TRIUMPHS AS FIGARO

• Before a crowded house last night the i Fuller-Gonsalez Opera Company gave a remarkably effective and sparkling production of Gioacchina Rossini's opera buffa "II Barbiere di Siviglia.' The solo cast was in specially competent hands, and the choruses and orchestral pieces were admirably rendered. Of outstanding interest was the clever singing and acting of Signor V. Scamuzzi in the part of Figaro, the barber. Throughout the .season his work has been enjoyable, but he excelled himself in his inpersonation of his role last night. All the time he occupied the stage he kept the audience highly interested and amused. Another consistently sustained delineation was that Oif Doctor Bartolo by Signor Antonio Alfieri. Signorina Poletti's flexible voice was admirably suited to the part of Rosina, Signor Rota made an acceptable Count Almavia, whilst Ernesto Fumagalli'a rich vocal organ and his fine acting was much like! as Don Basilio. Signorina Pfrimmer as RosiDa's Governess Ber!a w-;s capable, and Signor C. Gislon as Fiorello was well chosen. Rossipi is often epoiken of as the Swan of Pesaro, where he was born. His mother sang buffa roles in a travelling opera | company, and his father was one of the j orchestra. "The Barber of Seville," an opera buffa in two acts, words by Sterbini, founded on Beaumarchais' comedy, was first produced at the Argentia Theatre, Rome, on February 5, 1816. "The Barber," is regarded as the greatest of Rossini's operas. When told that the composer had written the work in thirteen days, Donizetti replied: "Very possible; he is so lazy." The original overture was lost, and the present one belongs to a totally different opera— "Elizabeth," the opening of the cavatina "Ecco ridente" is borrowed from "Aureliano"; the air of Bertha "II Vecchietto" was suggested by a Russian tune, and the eight initial bars of "Zitti," Zitti," are from Simon's air in Haydn's "Seasons." The music of the opera is fresh and vigorous, and the airs lavish in their bubbling spontaneity. Rossini gives the singers every chance of displaying their vocal skill, which ds exhibited in the celebrated scena, "Una voce poco fa," and the "Largo al factotum" is recognised as premier basso buffo number, whilst the opera abounds in delightful concerted pieces, duos and brilliant instrumentation. The orchestra played the overture in a cantabile fashion, and graphically presented the storm music in the final act, whilst the choruses were given with resolution and spirit. Signorina Poletti's delivery of the florid music of Rosina delightfully reflected its graces and brilliant, scales and arpeggi. With notable agility and ease of voice "Una voce poco" was given, and an allegro treatment was secured of "Ma se mi." The soprano joined the tenor in effective performances of the duos, and gave with freedom and facility "Contro un cor che." Signor Scamuzzi sang distinctively in the various recitatives, and the celebrated buffo aria "Largo al factotum" was interpreted with life and gaiety, and had to be repeated. The lively duo between Figaro and the Count was energetically sung, and a sprightly rendering was obtained of "All! che d'amore." Ernesto Fumagalli's calumny scena "La Calumnia" received a sonorous and descriptive delivery. The dialogue between Figaro and Rosina was effectively enacted, and the florid duo "E il Maestro" was much enjoyed. The music lesson scene was thoroughly appreciated, and the dialogue quintet wis cleverly presented. Bertha gave a capital performance of "II Vecchietto." Signor Rota made a fine success in "Ceesa di phi," and in a mezza voce sang tastefully "Se il mio." With Figaro he gave ah enchanting performance of "Ah che d'amore." , Signor Alfieri sang and acted artistically in each of his solos and recitatives. He contributed a maestoso rendering of the Andante "A un dottor," with the solo voices lent valuable help in the quintet '"Don Basilio!" and gave a markedly successful delivery with the Count of "Ehi di Casa." Signor Gonsalez is. to be congratulated on the fine all-ronnd performance of a popular opera. To-night Bellini's "Xorma" will be 6taged.