THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5246, 16 January 1878, Page 3

THE OPERA.

AIDA. The second representation of this classical and pleasing opera was accorded a most enthusiastic reception last evening at the Theatre Royal, when it was performed before one of the largest audiences which have bean seen in the theatre for some time past—a fact whichspeaksvolumesforthe musical taste of the opera-goers of Wellington, and is also an evidence of the high estimation in which Signor Camero has succeeded in establishing himself by his painstaking and artistic rendering of the various characters which have been allotted to him. The performance of “ Aida" has within the last few days received a somewhat lengthened criticism from us ; it is therefore not requisite to particularise the same points of excellence which it was our pleasing task to do on its first representation. The performance ran throughout as smoothly as could he wished by the most critical, and fully sustained the very high opinion which had universally been expressed by those who were fortunate, enough to -witness its former grand success. The music of “ Aida” requires to be heard even more than twice before the gems of in-trmnentation in it can be fully realised. This was most apparent in the intricate figures which were noticeable . during : the performance yesterday evening ; also the effective solos for The violia, which were played with much skill by Signor Bima. The music, taken as a whole, may be fully accepted as establishing Signor Verdi as one of tha most successful of classical writers. It is therefore with much regret that we inform our readers that in future, it is reported, he intends confining his musical genius to the production of Masses; not that the latter class of composition is inferior in any respect -to the former, but that it will restrict him in that field of writing in which he has only just established himself. Signor Venosta proposes talcing her benefit on Thursday next, on which occasion the opera of “Trovatore” will be performed. The same fatality as regards the date of this performance as attended that of Signora Vita is much to be regretted, viz, that of coming before so great an attraction of a fresh opera. Still, notwithstanding this drawback, we will be much deceived in the taste of the Wellington opera-goers if a crowded house does not welcome her in the most decisive manner possible. This lady’s accomplishments are of so different a line to those of the other leading vocalists that it may not be imprudent to ca 1 attention to a few of her most attractive excellencies. The debut of the Opera Company was signalised by the extraordinarily good representation of Azucena by Signora Yenosta, and the part has therefore been selected, we think most advisedly, by her as her masterpiece of. the lyric-drama. It may remind some of our less enthusiastic readers of the pleasure derived from Signora Vonosta’s performances when we mention the operas of “Semiramide,” “Faust,” “Luorezia Borgia,” “Pipele,” “Unßallo in Maechera,” and “The Barber of Seville,” in each of which Signora Venosta has been received by large audiences as a talented, faithful, and artistic representative of the several characters which have fallen to her. The couple of benefits which have already taken place in Wellington have been complimentary both to the “ beneficiares” and to the good taste of the lovers of music in this city. We may therefore venture to predict a crowded house to-morrow evening.