THE OPERA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 184, 20 January 1880, Page 3

THE OPERA.

Balfe's "Rose of Castile," as given last night by the Lyster Opera Company, displayed to advantage their powers iu this particular style, and the absence of a prompter proved their thorough indopendenco in their parts. The plot turns on the assistance rendered by Manuel, the Muleteer, to tho Rose of Castile (Queen of Spain), which enables her to thwart her ministers in their endeavor to depose her. The music is of a kind which it is not difficult to seo cannot fail to be popular, being bright, sparkling, and interspersed with airs, or rather " balladß," which would not disgrace a seoond rate amateur concert. Those engaged on its performance last evening* exerted themselves, and successfully, to render it as attractive as possible, and showed clearly their thorough adaptation to their work. Madame Hersee, as Elvira, had some very good opportunities (of which she took full advantage) of showing her skilful management of her voice, and the applause which was bestowed upon her efforts in the ballads " Of girlhood's happy days I dream," and "I'm but a simple peasant maid," was not misplaced, the latter being rendered with great feeling and refinement; but her duett with Manuel, "Doßt thou fear me," was the most pleasing. Miss Lambert, in Donna Carmen's song,'' Love's the greatest plague in life," seemed to give satisfaction, and certainly showed that she was possessed of a voice capable of filling tho house. Mr Beaumont was in excellent voice, and contributed largely to the success of the evening by the way in which he gave "I'm but a simple muleteer," "Keep thy heart for me," and "'l'was rankand fame," the high O giving him his best opportunity of the evening. Mr Templeton dressed Don Pedro well, and was in bettor voice than wo have yet heard him. His " Hark ! hark !" was given in good style. Mr Howell, as Din Florio, was a comedy in himself, and Meßsrs Johnson and Levison sustained their share with credit to themselves. In the concerted pieces, tho buff) duet, "Bring the maid," and the trio, " I'm not the Queen," were well given and received a round of applause, the latter being rodomanded. The orchestra played the overture in a spirited manner, and was throughout deserving of praise. The bassi, perhaps, in the overture evidenced a little weakness. Tonight " Li Traviata" is to be given, and this, no doubt, will draw another good house.