THE OPERA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1851, 28 January 1880, Page 3

THE OPERA.

The success with which “ La Sonnambula ” was given last evening would justify its repetition. It is unquestionably the best executed, taken as a whole, that has yet been produced this season, and reflects the highest credit on all those engaged on the cast. This pleasing opera, remarkable for no great pretensions but rather for simplicity, although there are a few instances where great demands are made on the voice, deserves to be what it always has been, a great favorite with the public. The plot opens with festivities in honor of the betrothal of Amina and Elvino. Lisa enters and sings the cavatina “ Tutto e gioja,” at the same time treats her own lover with coldness, Amina expresses her delight in the air “Oo me per me,” the villagers joining in chorus. A notary appears to prepare the marriage contract, which is signed, and Elvino presents Amina with a ring, she singing “ Prendi I’anel.” A stranger appears on the scene, which is gradually darkened, evening coming. The stranger who proves to be Count Eodolpho sings the air, in which the villagers join, “Vi ravoiso,” recalling old familiar scenes, retires, and is conducted to his apartments by Liza, the hostess of the inn, being warned that the place is haunted, which idea he treats with ridicule. Amina and Elvino then sings the duet “ Son geloso,” declaring nothing shall sever them, and the curtain falls, the first act being divided at this point. At the rise of the curtain, the stage presents the apartment of the Count, who is filled with thoughts of Amina, when suddenly she is seen at the window. He begins to think of the phantom, but soon perceives his mistake and recognises Amina. They sing the duet, “ Oh eiel," she dreaming of her lover. Lisa calls Elvino, who comes with the villagers, who perceive Amina. Elvino then gives vent to his feelings in the words, “ E menzogna.” The duet then follows, in which she asserts her innocence, but is spurned by Elvino and the villagers. The second act opens, in which occurs, after a chorus, the gem of the opera, “ Tutto e sciolto,” where Elvino declares that all is lost now, and then tears the ring which he has given her from her finger, and follows it up by the air, “ Ah ! perohe ” and leaves her. Lisa consoles him and persuades him to marry her. Amina is seen to issue frem a window of the mill, crosses the bridge and walks among the people. Then comes the duett with Elvino (hi which she sings of her lost love, and convinces him of her innocence) which is one of the best specimens in the opera, and is much enriched by the prominency of the viola. They then awake her, and great rejoicing takes place with all but Lisa, who has the mortification of being detected in her false accusation. Of the success achieved by Signora Ooy there can bo but one opinion, notwithstanding that she did not appear in her usual voice. Her airs “ Oo me per me,” “ Soora il eon laman,” and the duet with the chorus “ Prendi,” where ho gives her the ring, the duet “ Son goloao ” and the air ‘‘Ah non credea ” were beautifully given and enthusiastically ap plauded. In the well-known “Ah non giungo ” she received such an ovation as is rarely witnessed, and storms of applause greeted its repetition. Signor Coy appeared in excellent voice, and did such justice to his part that it is difficult to select any item for commendation. Signor Verdi in the air “ Vi ravoiso ” made a good impression, but

is hardly such a success in this opera as in the one of last night. Ho appears to have been very heavily weighted of late, and this must tell on the most robust. Mrs Fox and Miss Boyal deserve mention for their participation in the performance ; the former lady did very well except in the air “ De’lieti auguri,” where she was very much out of tune. Miss Royal’s voice, of which u Carmen ” gave us a very favorable impression, was not so effective in this opera. Some of the concerted pieces are excellent, and the whole of that class of music was rendered with precision and with marked effects of light and shade. The instrumentation was deserving of notice by the absence of noise, and was played by the orchestra in their best possible stylo. To-night “ Maritana ” is to bo repeated.