THE ITALIAN OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 3093, 17 January 1873, Page 2

THE ITALIAN OPERA.

“ Un Ballo in Maschera,” Analice. A Masked Ball, the music by Verdi, was given last night at the Queen’s Theatre. The evening was very unfavorable, a very heavy shower having fallen about five o’clock ; and, although the clouds cleared away a little before seven, the sky looked sufficiently threatening to prevent many attending the Opera who purposed being present. Yet in spite of this the house was well filled. The Masked Ball was originally produced by Verdi under the title of ii Gustavus the Third,” but. oiying to a dispute with the manager of the Don Oarjos Theatre at Naples, it was ultimately brought out under its present title, and the scene was changed from Sweden to Boston in America. It is a tale of conspiracy, prophecy, love, jedousy, and assassination The hero is Richard, Earl of Warwick, .vovernor of Boston, whose secretary, Renato, a Creole, is married to a lady named Adelia, misprinted in the programme Amelia. A secret, though not dishonorable love subsists between Richard and Adelia, which ultimatelyleads to the tragic result with which the piece closes. There is a fortune-teller, Ulrica, that the authorities wish to banish, who is protected by Ricardo, or Richard. She is visited both by him and Adelia, but for different purposes. She se-.-ks to have her love for Richard expelled from her heart, that she may return her loyalty to her husband; and he merely wishes his fortune told. The sybil prophecies he will be assassinated by a friend. He hears Adelia bidden to go at night and gather a herb growing in a desolate spot, whore a criminal has been executed, and to drink the juice expressed from it. and contrives to meet her there. A discontented faction having resolved to assassinate him, follow him to this spot, but are anticipated by Itenato, who finds him fete, a tetc with Adelia veiled. He warns Richard ami induces him to escape, which he does, leaving Renato unknowingly to protect Ids own wife. The conspirators attack him, and Adelia, anxious to save him. steps between him and Samuello; her veil falls, and her husband concludes her guilty of infidelity to him. He resolves upon revenge, in the first instance proposing to kill Adelia; but changing his purpose, ho joins the conspirators, causes his wife to draw the lot that assigns to him the task of assassinating Richard, which he does at a masked ball to which ho was invited Richard, dying, exonerates Adelia, and pardons his murderers. This slight sketch is sufficient to shov that there is plenty of room for exciting situations and effects. The leading characters are few—Ricardo was represented by Signor Rosuati; Renato, by Signor Coliva; Samuello, by Signor Dondi ; and Tomasso, by Signor Favas; II paggio, the page (Edward), was allotted to Signora Coy ; I Inca, the Sybil, to Signora Kiboldi; and Adelia, to Signora Bosisio. So carefully and effectively was every part performed, that the excellencies of style of each performer were fplly brought out. Signor Coliva sang splendidly, and so id Signor Rosuati. signor Dondi was not called to any great exertion last evening, but was always welcome w'lieu be appeared A * OW little gems fell to the lot of Signora Coy, whose charming voice and manner secured lor her an encovo and a show'er of in her smar and arch answer to Renato at the ball. Siguoia Kiboldi's voice was heard to great advantage in the part of Ulrica, and Signora Bosisio. by her splendid acting and vocalisation, rendered the character of Adelia most interesting. Un Ballo in Maschera” only requires to be better known to become a favorite opeia. , To-night, Bellini’s favorite opera of I Puritan! ” will be played, witli Signora Coy as Elvira The Australian and Northern press have been unanimous in praising her portrayal of

this character as a magnificent performance, so that the patrons of the opera have i nch treat before them. The plot is a love-story grafted on the warfare between the and the Puritans, in the times of the first Charles Stuart. Sir Kichard Forth has been accepted by Lord M alton, Elviras father, as a suitor for her hand Ihe maiden, however, loves Lord Arthur Talbot, a cavalier, and is heart-broken at the prospect m a union with Sir Richard. Moved by the interces ■ ion ot Sir George. a retired Puritan Colonel, blwias uncle, Lord Walton, sets aside his promise to Sir Richard, and consents to her marriage wit i Lord Arthur, who arrives at the fortress or Plymouth, of which Sir Richard is Governor, to celebrated their nuptials. Amongst the ladies in attendance, Lord Arthur discovers Henrietta, the widow of Charles the First, and with that chivalric devotion which at that time was characteristic of the adherents of the Stuarts, he determined to rescue her, and. according y, just as he is about to lead his bride to the altar he flies with her from the fortress. Sir Richard connives at the flight, conceiving thereby to further his suit with Elvira, who thinking herself to be deserted by her lover, goes mad. Lord Arthur having escorted Henrietta to a place of safety, returns to claim ins bride, and Elvira’s reason is restored. The lovers arc re joicingin their happiness, when Lord Arthur is arrested by order of the Parliament, ana sentenced to death. Just at this juncture a herald arrives who proclaims the total defeat ot the Stuarts; and publishes a full amnesty to ail political offenders. Elvira and Lord Arthur are thereupon united, and all is joy and gladness. ________