AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 4268, 31 October 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

Although there was a good attendance down stairs at the Queen's Theatre to witness " Maritaua," we were disappointed in not seeing the dress circlo so well filled as the merits of the opera and the performers deserve. Opportunity of hearing the works of composers like Wallace rendered so ably and truthfully are rare in Uunedin. "We know of no opera that contains a more constant succession of charming melodies than " Maritana," and last evening they were rendered iu a style that it would be difficult to excel. The overture was beautifully played by the band, and, iu appropriating to eich artist tbe character to be represented, a very happy selection had been made. Madame Simonsen was in excellent voice, nnd sang with that taste and expression that give such charm to her efforts. It is difficult to sny which of her arias pleased us most. Like the audience, tbe last nott.s breathing the music of her voice seemed the sweetest. She had to accord two or three encore 3. Miss Lambert, as Lnatarillo, gave full effect to tbe ciuivacrer bo hj in its action and vocalisation. " Alas, those chimes! " had to be repeated, and received hearty applause from tbe audience. Mr Florence appeared as Don C'sesar, and on the whole gave a fair dramatic rendering of the part of the reckless Don; but his singing is seldom excelled. One of the most difficult songs to giv& effect to is ''Yes, let me like a soldier fall." and Mr Florence sang it with correct expression, and in its true spirit. Mr Hodgson as Doti Jose - and Mr Barrington as The King, contributed their full share in rouderiug the piece successful; and if wo do not mention others it is because, though necessary to the deve'opment of the plot, their parts wore uot prominent. Too much cannot bo said in praise of tlio efforts of the chorns, and of the manner in wbich tbe baud sustained and gave effect to both soloists and chorus. To students of music, both vocal and instrumental, there is much to be learnt from the Simonsen Opera Company. Through their high attainments they give correct musical readings of the best operas, bring out their beauties, and afford standards" for imitation in our local performances. At the Princess's laist evening " Faust and Marsruurre" was produced to a moderate attendance. Miss Willis, who has previously appeared as Mar euerite, made her reappearance in tl at character, aud played faithfully. Mr Dam pier was Mepln'stopbdes, aud on his shoulders nearly the whole work of the piece fell, ho having to pxoapt oaay

of the subordinate characters, besides fOfr tainiug his ow U part. Mr Darapier represented Kephistopholes as a polished villain. His crouchinar demeanor, when outside the church and lieaviu? the cbantinsr within, was remarkably Rood. The Faust of Mv Hooper was a very uneven pert irmance, and he needed more than the Satanic influence of Mr Dampier to carry him through his ¥%?*'•■„• steel ° carefully as Valentine. Miss Viv an and Mr Keogh fell into the same fault by letting tivir tongues wag toolfreely. The orchestra di'l good service, aud the final tableau was well arranged. To-night the piece is to be repeated, and should the sens*less "gag" indulged in last night be excised, there ought to be a good performance.