THE OPERA

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1845, 21 January 1880, Page 3

THE OPERA

Notwithstanding the defects of last night, and there were defects which it would be folly not to admit, it was a refreshing change from tho opera of tho previous night, if music be looked upon as the chiaf feature. Those only who know the music of "La Traviata" well, or whose privilege it is to have a score to follow, can conceive the difficulties singers have to contend with throughout the entire work. None of those oharged with the caßt or yet the chorus, displayed that freedom from dependence on the prompter, without which success is uncertain. Signora Coy, in her Bplendid singing as Violetta, in the duet with Alfredo in the first act, fully compensated for the shortcomings of the chorus at the commencement, and she gave the recitative and air, "Ah forse lui," and hor share of the duet following, in a manner that brought its reward in immense applause. The impassioned duet with Alfredo, " lnvitato a qui," was an effect that may be remembered with pleasure. The duet with Alfredo, "Amato Alfredo," was deserving more liberal applause than was bestowed upon it. Signor Coy, as Alfredo, although not in his ÜBUal voice, contributed towards the success of the finale to the firnt act, and he rendered the short and difficult piece preluding the octette chorus in the finale to the Becond act in a masterly manner. Signor Verdi, as Germont, in the airs "Pura siccome angelo," and "Di Provenza il mar," sang with appreciable effect, and his presence was decidedly fine in the character he represented. The remaining part of his performance may be said to be subject to qualification. The manner in which the last scene was executed by the principal would suffice to redeem anything. The orchestra under Signor Zelman, whose task upon this occasion was not an enviable one, was not faultless, but the difficulties they had to overcome were no trifles. In the introduction to the first and third acts, where some beautiful and delicate playing is required, they may be said to have been perfect. The patienceof theaudience was tested in rather a severe way, by the extreme length of the interval preceding the last act, and was the opportunity for some very decided expressions of disapproval. This opera, the plot of which is sentimental to a degree, contains much that is, despite the Verdi prejudice with tome, beautiful, and many of the airs, some of which have been for years the idols of the public, are free from the common-place character of those in "II Trovatore." The instrumentation, in places, is refined and remarkable for tasteful combinations.

To-night is announced Flotow's comioopera, "Martha," and it is one in which the company is reported to excel. The following is a sketch of the plot:—Lady Harriet Durham, a Maid of Honor to Queen Anne, receives a visit from Sir Tristram, her cousin, who is made an object of ridicule by her and compelled against bis inclinations to escort her to her companion, Nancy, to Riohmond Fair. The sheriff opens the fair and reads the conditions, that all servants engaged must serve for one year. Two young men, Plunkett and Lionel, engage and carry off Lady Harriet (now Martha) and Nancy to their homes, and instruct them in spinning. They, knowing it would disgrace them at Court if the matter became known, oontrive with the assistance of Sir Tristram to escape. The young men are determined to find them, and compel them to serve their time. They are discovered in a wood, dressed for the hunt, but they deny that they are the peasant girls. Lionel loses bis reason in consequence of the haughty manner of Lady Harriet towards him, and is driven from her. She really liking Lionel, finds he is the son of the exiled Earl of Derby, and manages to have him restored to his position, when she offers him her hand, which he, distrusting her, refuses. Lady Harriet and Nancy again dress as peasants, and go to the fair. Plunkett takes Lionel there, who at the sight of Martha, who is willing to return to him, is restored to reason. Nancy also becomes the wife of Plunkett.