THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 5

THE OPERA.

LA SONNAMBDLA. Last night Bellini’s opera “La Sonnambula” was performed at the Theatre Royal to a comparatively thin house, Signora Vita taking the part of Amina; Signora Venosta that of Lisa; Signor Camera, Blvino; and Signor Cesari, the Count. The unpropitious state of the weather deterred many of the subscribers from attending, and generally may be assigned as the reason that the general public did not put in an appearance so largely as on the previous evenings. Signora Vita was in excellent voice, and acted the. part of Amina with much bewitching grace. The music composed for this part requires a light fresh voice, clear in its upper notes, and of great cultivation. It is. now almost needless to say that it found a very, excellent exponent in Signora Vita, whose charming voice possesses all these requisites. In some of the most difficult cadences, and soaring far above the highest notes usually attempted by musicians, Signora Vita’s voice sounded as silvery and melodious as a flute. That which is most enchanting in the singing of thin talented artist, is the power of so modulating her voice as to express at the same time the most tender and gentle passions. In her delivery of the music of Anima Signora Vita interchanges two distinct styles of singing, “ Come per me sereno,” in the first part of the opera, affording a capital opportunity of displaying each of the styles. The sweetly pretty music of this fine cavatina, ns well as the rondo finale “Ah non grange,” were effectively rendered, eliciting the warm applause of the audience. Signora Vita appears moulded- by nature especially for such light and graceful rOles as Rosinain “II Barbiere ” and Anima in “La Sonnambula.” The slight “ chill ” which appeared to exist at the commencement of the performance, entirely disappeared, and long before the final drop of the curtain did the audience by their frequent .applause thoroughly testify their complete enjoyment of the part, indeed, the curtain dropped to loud cheers and cries of bravo ! bravo ! Signora Venosta, whose duties were by no' means onerous, gave a capital performance of the deceitful Lisa, her singing and acting being faultless. Signor Camera as Blvino was very effective, his delineation of the mortified lover, when, in deep despair and jealous doubt, he resentfully snatches the ring from Amina’s finger, was true to the life. This is now the third consecutive evening on which Signor Camera has appeared, and each appearance has gained him many additional friends. As the Count Signor Cesari was entirely successful. Mons. Carron fills his, very trying position with much skill and judgment. The fine double bass playing of Signor Ceschina at almost the close of the opera created quite a sensation. The accompaniment of a double bass for a voice like Signora Vita's at first sight appears somewhat incongruous, yet in his able hands it was a musical treat. We hope before long to hear him him perform one of his fine solos. The opera , for to-night is “Un Balio Maschera,” by Verdi. In its representation all the leading artists will appear, including the prima donnas Signoras Guadagnini, Caranti Vita, and Venosta, which is sure to draw a crowded house. The opera has never as yet been performed in this city.