OVATION TO A COMPOSER.

Evening Star, Issue 3244, 14 July 1873, Page 3

OVATION TO A COMPOSER.

The Naples Correspondent of the Time *, writing on April 16, says The great excitement of the week, however, has been that occasioned by the success of “Aida” and the triumphs of Verdi, and the demonstrations have been so unusual and so enthusiastic that tljey dpservp a special mention. After much disappointment and long expectation, “ Aida” was performed for the lirat time on Sunday last, then on Tuesday, again on Thursday, and this evening it will be given again for the last time. The crowded bouse was almost in a state of frenzy on the first Occasion, and each time this has increased. Undoubtedly the acting was improved—the performers lost their nervous timidity, and the delicate shades and lights of the music were made more perceptible. However it was, the audience lost all selfcontrol. On Sunday evening Verdi was called on, not twenty-six, but thirty-eight times ; on the next occasion fifty-one times, and on Thursday there was an universal madness. When the Grand March with trumpets was played in the second act Ike enthusiasm amounted to fronay. “ Bis ! Bis!” was re-cchoed again and again, and on Verdi's appearing before the curtain in answer to the shouts of the audience, all in the pit stood up, waved hats and handkerchiefs, while sonnets on various colored

paper and bouquets were showered down upon him from the boxes. At the close of the second net he was caßed for again, and receivtd the same ovation ; but, when the curtain rose, the maestro appeared, surrounded by the wV.olc company, while the scene-shifters brought in a magnificent corbeille of flowers arranged most gracefully and a crown of laurel with two white ribbons attached to it. Signor Musella, the impresario , then approaching, presented the crown to Verdi, who, as may be expected, wasmuchmoved. 'l'his extraordinary homage was hailed with almost terrific applause, shouts, and clapping of hands, while sonnets and bouquets were poured down as in a storm, A journal reports that Verdi, on retiring, said to some friend, “ Why this is positively Vesuvius in eruption !” And it certainly was a marvellous scene. This evening “Aida” will be performed for the last time, with the assistance of Verdi himself, and a tempest may be expected. The maestro will leave for Bwsaeto to - morrow, and Madame Stolz, who is perhaps the most simpatica performer of the company, for Ancona, where she is engaged for fifteen nights. The next day the same correspondent wiites : —Verdi leaves Naples to-day after a series of ovations such as has rcarcely been given to patriot or King. On Saturday “Aida” was performed for the last time under his special direction, and furious as was the enthusiasm which the “ maestro ” received on other occasions, it was exceeded by the tempest of last Saturday, To say nothing of what occurred within the house, on his leaving it two lines of persons were discovered, bearing torches in their hands, which extended from San Carlo to his hotel in Chiatamono. It was a difficult matter for him to enter his carriage, so great was the pressure of friends and admirers, and when he did so, many of those carrying torches followed him in cabs, while a long line of carriages, filled by ladies and others of the audience, accompanied him. This, however, was not sufficient, for many well-dressed persons in the crowd insisted on taking the horses out of the shafts, and then drawing the “ Oran Maestro ,” as he is called, to his hotel. Here a band of the National Guard was stationed, and the shouts of the crowd were so continuous that Verdi was compelled to show himself at the balcony seventeen times, according to correct calculations. During the last few days he has, of course, been overwhelmed by visitors and cards, and Verdi will leave to-day as the man whom Naples has delighted to honor more almost than her political saviours. The Impresario Musella, too, has won his laurels, and whereas last year at this time he was covered with abuse, he is now exalted, if not to the Seventh, at least to the Sixth Heaven. In which celestial compartment to place Madame Stoltz or Madame Waldmarae it would be difficult to say. “ Aida” has certainly been presented to a Neapolitan audience with splendid effect, and by a brilliant company, and the financial results have been satisfactory. On the first four nights the receipts amounted to 48,000 lire, and on the last occasion to 11,195 Ifte. It has now been performed six times, and, though Verdi was not present on the last two occasions, it seems to grow in public favor. An excursion train is exported from Rome with some hundreds of persons to hear tho great opera. It is to arrive in time for the performance, and will leave again at two in the morning. Who would have dreamt of such a feat a quarter of a Century age, when one left Rome by the dilif/enza early in the morning of one day and arrived in Naples in the afternoon or evening of the next day ?