AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2474, 11 March 1882, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THEATRE ROYAL,

“ Maritana.” Mr Turner’s benefit last night drew, as it deserved, a large house, every part of the Theatre being well filled. Of all the English operas in the repertoire of the company, there is not one so universally popular as “ Maritana,” and for two reasons. The first of these is its charming music, making it a continuous succession of melodies j _ and, secondly, the principals are so admirably suited to their parts. Miss Montague's Gitana was most excellent throughout, the music allotted to the part bung sung with such taste and effect as to evoke most enthusiastic applause. Whore all was so good, it is diffi cult to select any special item for commendation, but her rendition of “ Scenes that are brightest” stood out in bold relief from amidst the rest. From first to last Miss Montague's impersonation was charming, and the only regret is that but another opportunity is afforded ns of hearing one of the best lyric actresses wo have had here for some years. A number of floral offerings greeted her at the close of the opera. Miss Lambert's Lszarillo is pretty well known to Christchurch theatre goers, and she sang “ Alas those Chimes " very nicely indeed last night. Her part in the duet, “ Sainted Mother,” was not so successful, being rendered flat in parts. Mr Turner’s Den Cce*ar is one of those parts in which he revels. From first to last ho is the hair brained, quick-tempered, bub withal gallant soldier, and the music, particularly “ Let mo like a Soldier fall,” was most splendidly sung throughout. Mr Templeton appeared for the first time this season as Don Jose, and sang well. Mr Gordon’s Bing ot Spain was also a good performance. To-night will be the last of the opera, when Flotow’s “Martha” will be produced, and on Monday M. Leon Oaron’e cantata “ Victoria ” end a miscellaneous concert will be given, being the farewell performance ot the company in New Zealand. THOMPSON’S DIOBAMA. The Gaiety Theatre was crowded to excess last night, when the diorama of the Zulu war nag egain exhibited. Mr Thompson, as usual, created a large amount ot amusement by his distribution of gifts. This afternoon there will bo an exhibition for the especial benefit ot the little ones, in addition to the usual performance in the evening. M. CANTAT’A “VICTORIA.” On Monel the principals and members of the Montague-Turner Opera Company will render M. Caron’s prize cantata “Victoria,” composed for and performed on the occasion of the opening of the International Exhibition at Melbourne on October Ist, 1880. The principal parts on that occasion were taken as follows :—Soprano, Madame Fanny Simonsen; contralto, Mrs Cutter; tenor, Mr Armes Beaumont; bass, Signor Verdi. The words of the cantata are by Mr J. W. Mcaden, and the music by M. Caron. The cantata comprises in the first part three numbers subdivided into six. Following the orchestral introduction is a chorus, a tenor, contralto and soprano solo, quartette and chorus, terminating with a chorus for men’s voices only. The second part opens with a pastorale, followed by a bass recitative and solo. Then comes a chorus of nymphs, a soprano solo, and a grand march. The latter is scored for orchestra, quartette and chorus. The finale comprises a chorale leading to a bass solo, a quartette, chorus and ensemble finale. The trio parts are representative respectively of the history of Victoria, pact and present. The largo movement with which the cantata opens is intended by the composer to suggest the original condition of the colony before its settlement. Then comes a double tempo, the theme of which, worked out in unison by the wood and stringed of the orchestra, is expressive of the poetic idea of Victoria aroused by voices which foretell the glorious future before her, and the same subject is also treated in the opening recitative and bass solo in the second part. This latter is intended to musically depict the gradual process of settlement. The chorus following the introduction opens with an imitation by the orchestra of the rippling of the sea upon the strand. The final chord is given by the singers os a sort of humming chorus, typical of the sound of insect life. The tenor solo, which comes next, is to string accompaniment, and is suggestive of the primitive beauty and solitude of the country. In the contralto and soprano solo, together with the quartette and chorus which succeed, the music is dramatic, emblematical of the approaching change in the history of the colony, to bo brought about by the wonderful discovery of gold In the chorus for male voices is depicted the approach of mariners from afar, the etorm and calm at sea finally culminating into a song of joy at the approach to the shores of Australia, which closes the part. The second part opens with a pastorale, representing the pnspsrity and advance of settlement which has taken place. The gathering of the various nations of the earth attracted to Victoria is illustrated by the chorus of female voices, the male voices gradually joining in until the whole unite in a chorus of acclamation. A song of welcome, written as a soprano solo, follows, and this leads up to the grand festival march for quartette, chorus and orchestra. A chorale of thanksgiving ends the cantata.