THE OPERA.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 134, 4 November 1874, Page 2

THE OPERA.

BALFE'S SATANELLA. The appearance of the Theatre Royal last night reminded me of old times, when full and enthusiastic houses were the rule and not the exception, and I think our visitors must have been pleased at the very cordial greeting one and all received on making their re-appearance. I incline to the belief that •' Satanella " that weird compound of loving woman and ensnaring demon—is one of Miss May's best parts, because I think it gives her far more scope for the display of the wonderful histrionic power which she possesses than many of her roles, besides bringing out her magnificent voice. Therefore, it was the correct thing to give this opera, though somewhat short-handed, and the result, I may say, making due allowances for the short time allowed for recovery from what our French friends would call the wal de mer, was a success? lam glad to note a most marked improvement throughout in the company since their last visit. Miss May's voice has gained both in sweetness and modulation, and Mr Hallam has wonderfully improved. In the chorus and the other departments of the opera I notice a smoothness which tends very greatly to the success of the various works.

Of Miss May's rendering of the part of Satanella there can be but one opinion—it was excellent. The opening recitative, "Myself once more," was so well sung, with such

true artistic finish, that I hardly know which I liked best, this little bit or the more florid melody which follows, and which, like a silver thread, runs throughout the opera. Both were beautifully sung and the dramatic action, without being overdone, was full of power. This was more marked in the scene where, having disposed of Leila, Satanella takes her place as the bride. In this Miss May brought out very vividly the tumult of feeling agitating her, knowing as she does her doom, but her love for Rupert leading her to brave the anger of her demon master. In the duet with Arimanes at the opening of the third act one of the finest pieces of music in the whole opera, Miss May sang capitally both the recitative "Though the angry bolt" and the duet " Unrequited love" being rendered with deep pathos and feeling, added to brilliant vocalisation. The ariettas in the slave scene were given with much archness and spirit, and it was difficult for one to recognise in the joyous strains the being whose mission was of such dread import to the man she loved. The finale to the opera in which Satanella vanquished by love gives way to the pleading of Leila was beautifully sang particularly the solo and trio : ' Oh tenderness sublime." Miss May, I was glad to see, received a well-deserved ovation at the end of each act. Miss Lambert, though out of voice somewhat, yet sang the thankless part of Leila fairly. She appeared to me to be out somewhat in her first aria, but in the concerted pieces her voice harmonised nicely, especially in the unaccompanied finale to the trio "Lift not to heaven." Miss Howe whose voice has also greatly improved, sang her music as Stella, carefully and well, and Miss Harris deserves notice for the small part of Bertha. The dance incidental to the above scene, was gracefully done by the four young ladies of the corps de ballet who last season won applause for their interpretation of the poetry of motion. I can safely congratulate Mr Hallam upon his excellent rendering of the part of Rupert. He was in capital voice, and appears to have gained both in power and melody. He gave '' The glorious vintage of champagne " very well indeed, with an absence of effort, and yet a fullness of tone which surprised me somewhat. So also in the ballad, '' An angel form" and the song "]STo prize can fate " the latter especially, he sang excellently, with correct taste and expression. Judging from his opening effort I predict that he will be a prime favorite with opera goers, certainly his re-appearance must be regarded as a complete success. The part of Arimanes was taken by Mr Templeton, and I think there cannot be any doubt of his having achieved a triumph in it. Though missing the deep full tone of Mr Rainford in some of the parts, I may say that, as a whole, I liked Mr Templeton. It evinced marks of careful study, and a thorough appreciation of the music. The recitatives were well sung, and with dignity and expression, while the solos though difficult, Avere very well interpreted. His singing in the duet with Miss May in the third act, as well as his acting, was worthy of all praise, and throughout the opera, he ac quitted himself in a most onerous part excellently. Mr Vernon made a cspital Hortensius, a sort of Dr Pangloss character, suiting his humor thoroughly, and this too without exaggeration. All the points in the part were made and made well. The choruses were very good, taken throughout, especially the Bridesmaid's Chorus. The voices seem to harmonise better than before, and more attention is paid to forte and piano passages. The orchestra, under Mr Allen, played well, and did good service throughout the evening. Mons Fleury is to the fore as leader, and deserves a word of praise for his solo in the overture introducing " The power of love." To-night Vincent Wallace's "Maritana," perhaps one of the most popular operas ever written, will be produced. Miss May's Maritana is one of her happiest efforts, and Miss Lambert as Lazarillo also shows to advantage. I hope that the season so auspiciously began will prove a thorough success, and that Mr Allen and his company will not regret their return visit to the square city. SEMIBREVE.