ENGLISH OPERA.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1774, 27 October 1879, Page 2

ENGLISH OPERA.

There was a marked improvement in the attendance at the Theatre Royal OB Saturday night, when the English Opera Company exhibited their proficiency in grand opera. A better choice than Wallace’s “ Maritana” could scarcely have been made, as far as the leading members of the company were concerned, but the subordinate characters and chorus were much below the mark, and gave very feeble assistance to the principals. The popular character of the music of “Maritana” when fairly rendered, is quite sufficient to ensure th<r opera against the possibility of failure, but many of the wellknown songs and concerted pieces were sung in a manner on Saturday night as to leave very little room for improvement. Miss Jenny Thorno made her deiut in the title role, and but for the natural timidity inseparable from a first appearance in so arduous a character, acquitted herself in a satisfactory manner. Mies Thorno has a sweet, melodious voice, which will improve with practice. She has an extensive compass, but lacks somewhat of power. Time will probably, however, develope her voice into more powerful and flexible organ, and in the meantime she was so far successful as to warrant her being given encouragement to persevere. She sang the romance “ The Harp in the Air” very nicely, and subsequently made a more pronounced success in “ Scenes that are Brightest.” The duet with Lazarillo, “ Sainted Mother,” was not so successful, the Maritana singing in an indecisive, uncertain manner, indicative either of nervousness or a want of perfect acquaintance with the music. Mrs O. Florence was an excellent Lazarillo ; she sang «Alas, those chimes,” magnificently, the lower notes of her fine contralto voice coming out as clear and round as a bell. She was equally excellent in her portion of the fine trio, “ Turn on, Old Time,” and rendered invaluable aid in the concerted pieces, especially in the quintette, “What mystery.” Mr Florence was in splendid voice, and sang the music of Don Caesar de Bazan in a masterly manner. He got an enthusiastic encore for his singing of “ Let me like a soldier fall,” and later on another for the perfect manner in which he sang, “ There is a flower that bloometh.” Mr T. B. Browning gave a fine rendering of Don JostS, singing all through in the most effective manner. His rich bass voice was heard to the greatest possible advantage in “In happy moments,” and he fairly woke the audience to enthusiasm by his fiery rendering of “My courage now regaining.” Messrs Florence and Browning, not forgetting Mrs Florence, sang the exquisite trio, “ Turn, Old Time,” as well as ever it has been sung in Christchurch. Mr J. H. Edmonds was not very happy as the Ring, but he sang the well-known duet with Don Caesar in the last act very well, and got fairly through the music of his part, Mr T; Burton made a good Marquis, and the same praise may be given to the lady who impersonated the Marchioness. The orchestra, though small, was very good, Professor Hughes, who led, being a host in himself. Mr H. F. Towle acted as conductor. There will bo no performance this evening, the theatre being engaged for the complimentary benefit given by the Foresters to Mrs Walter Hill. The opera company will appear again to-morrow night, and repeat “Maritana.” The “ Bohemian Girl ” and “II Trovatore ” are underlined for speedy production.