"ERNANI."

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1663, 19 June 1879, Page 3

"ERNANI."

"Verdi's popular opera seria " Ernani " was produced last night for the first time in New Zealand, by Mr H. Towle's opera class, at the Theatre Royal. Both music and story are too well known to demand any descrip f ion or criticism, but it is gratifying to be able to record a very genuine success to a very difficult and ambitious undertaking. The mere effort of committing to memory the difficult score of such an opera as " Ernani " is no light task, but the way the music was sung last night by Mr Towle's class reflects the greatest credit on preceptor and pupils, who, with one exception, displayed the possession of a large amount of ability as singers as well as histrionio talent. The feature of tho evening was the debut of Mrs Cooke as Elvira, and she my be honestly congratulated on the really admirable manner in which she acquitted herself. She possesses a sweet, pure soprano voice, combining quality and power and a very extensive range. After singing the somewhat hackneyed "Ernani Involami," it was at once apparent that Mrs Cook was established in the good graces of tho audience, and at every stage of tho opera she more than confirmed this favorable impression. Mr Towle sustained the character of the bandit chieftain, and sang and acted with spirit, carrying a great deal of the responsibility upon his own shoulders. Mr J. H. Edmonds also made his first appearance as De Silva, and proved himself a moro than average good amateur vocalist and actor. His voice is a baritone of sweetness and power, and he sings with both taste and confidence. His success was also a pronounced one, and he materially contributed to the general success. Mr Lang as Ricardo, and Mrs Talbot aa Giovanna, were also very good. The one exception was the King, personated or rather caricatured by Mr Euncie. Whoever told this gentleman that he had a voice and could sing has been guilty of a great indiscretion, which was only equalled by the manager in casting him for so important a role as Don Carlos. Really Mr Runcie's performance asted as a wet blanket on the efforts of his fellow performers, and ho should in his own interest never have undertaken the part. The band and chorus acquitted themselves admirably, the former conducted by Mr Knox, who kept his forces well under control. The overture was excellently played, the solos for clarionet and cornet by Messrs Mohr and C. Coombes being specially admired and applauded. Altogether there was but one expression of opinion as to the really excellent manner in which the opera was as a whole performed, and no doubt a crowded house will assemble to-night to witness its repetition.