THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 3447, 10 March 1874, Page 2

THE OPERA.

The Royal English Opera Company gave their first performance last evening at the Princess Theatre. We have heard much of them from the Australian pap rs which from time to time have spoken well of their success. Public expectation, therefore, has been raised, but not unduly, for many have doubted if there was talent in the Australian Colonies equal to the efficient performance of an opera. Last night should dissipate th * doubt. The company is a purely Colonial one, and the more to be valued, as being the first to prove that we have amongst us in the South material that only requires organisation and cultivation to place the Colonics high in that most delightful of the polite arts, music. We are not prepared to say that there is that homogeneity of vocalisation and style which results from systematic study of special schools of music, such as is perceptible in companies of Italians. That perfection is yet to come. It is the result of special training, as well as constant and long working together. The surprise is th at with choice limited to the Colonies, so near an approximation is attained to the operatic companies organised by selections from populations of millions instead of a few hundred thousands. The opera given last night was ‘ ‘ Mari tana ” a Spanish story embellished by the genius of one of our beat English composers, Wallace. Most of the airs are well known to us, and the story of the gipsy girl married in such curious fashion to one of the nobles of the land, through the machinations of a dissolute villain, though romantic enough to create general interest, is too familiar to render detril necessary. The chief interest really lies in how and by whom the operatic relation of it was got through. The chief characters are The King, Mr C. H. Templeton, baritone ; Don Jose, Mr T. H. Rainford, basso; Don Cresar de Bazin, Mr Henry Hallam, tenor; Maritana, Miss Alice May, soprano; and Lazarillo (thepage), Miss E. A. Lambert, contralto. The remaining characters, which may be considered accessories, were represented by Messrs Vernon, Lester, Johnson, Miss Florence Howe, and Mrs Levison. Of these we may simply observe that each fulfilled the part allotted with skill and good taste. A’iss Alice May’s voice is a fine clear soprano of great compass and power, flexible, and capable of great expression. She is a good actress, and we have no hesitation in saying exceeded the highest expectations formed of her talent In the recitative, “How dreary to my heart,” and “ Scenes that are brightest,” she sepured an enthusiastic encore, and to our mind excelled even that effort in the duet ‘ ‘Holy Mother,” which she sang with Miss Lambert. That lady’s voice is a fine contralto, rich and full in the lower register, and capible of great expression. The aria, “ Alas ! those chimes, with which, the second act opens, was so exquisitely given that it was redecnanded, but Miss Lambert was allowed to retire after bowing her acknowledgment. Of Mr JRainford’s voice we need hardly have said much, had it not been years since he visited Dunedin. Since that time, much as his singing was then appreciated, he has evidently improved. His rendering of “ Happy moments” was. perhaps, his best effort; but throughout he sang with such effect as to establish himself iu his old position as a favorite. Mr Templeton possesses a baritone voice of good quality. He had not much to do last evening, but what we heard led us to conclude he is capable of very effective efforts. Mr Hallam, whom we have heard before, has a very light tenor voice, of extraordinary compass, but somewhat difficult of management, where great energy is required. This, we apprehend is a physical defect, resulting from want of chest power. To this point Mr Ha vlam should direct attention, for his ear and his vocalisation are good, and he sail" “ There is a Flower that Bloometh” with ex° quisite taste and expression. “ Ves, let me a Soldier fall ” was also given with spiiit and taste. If ws might venture upon a suggestion, we should recommend the orchestra to nurse rather, than overmaster Mr Hallam’s voice, for when he and they are en rapport he is very effective. And touching the orchestra; taking into consideration that it is the first timemany of them have played together in public and under Mr Allen’s conduclorship, they pulled well together. M. Fleury played with all his old fire and ability, and the introduction of a second piano, playtji by Mr Anderson, gave a weight and effectiveness to the instrumentation that contributed much to the evening’s success. Seldom have we heard strangers gathered together for the first time who made so few slips. There is usually some little mutual distrust |that tends to the very evil they are anxious to avoid, and it will require a few evenings’ practice togeiiher create mutual confidence. But Mr Allen has a great advantage in a welltrained chorus, who fvent steadily and artistically through their’ Wbrk. 1 ' “.What myetery” was especially' well perfOrnied and deservedly applauded. The jjurtaiu w’as raised in response to an universal gall at the end of each act, and a shower of bouquets at the close of the piece attested the delight with which “Mantana” had been listened to. We had almost omitted to mention that Mr Willis has painted some capital scenery. Tjbo set in the last act is especially good. Tnis' evening “Maritana” will be repeated j and to-morrow ihe “ Grand Duchess is announced, " °