“LA FAVORITA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 475, 3 October 1928, Page 15

“LA FAVORITA”

DONIZETTI’S TUNEFUL OPERA AN ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE Judging- by the Fullef-Gonsalez performance of “La Favo.rita” last evening it is very evident that the be*t of the company’s wares were not placed on the top of the basket. Donizetti’s music is particularly colourful and ample scope is provided both principals and chorus. In the monastery scenes the singing of the religious choir is particularly fine, probably being the best chorus work heard during the season. The opera also provides Signor Kota with an exceptionally fine role. In certain numbers, particularly the “Spirito Gentil,” and with Signorina Algozzino in the final, number, “Farewell, let me be gone,” he excelled himself. This last number provided a magnificent finale to the opera. Dying with grief and remorse, the penitent Lenora bids him “turn to God for I die, but I die contented.” The distant voices of the monks mingle with the duet which comes to an end with the death of Lenora and a last final note of anguish from Rota —a high, ringing top C magnificently sustained. With youth, good physique and appearance, and a very tuneful lyric voice at his command, Rota bids fair to have a successful career. Signorina Nina Algozzino’s powerful mezzo-soprano wafe again heard to good advantage. As Lenora, Signorina Algozzino had many fine dramatic moments. which were made the utmost use of, her richly coloured voice and fine diction enabling her to give a very convincing portrayal, particularly with Fernando in the wedding scene. "Signo.r Vicleffo Scamuzzi was the King, and with his fine resonant voice and regal bearing he looked every inch the part. In “Thou Flower Beloved” he sang with fine expression and effect, and also in the spirited “Lenora, Thou Alone,” but his best work was done in the court scene, where the papal ultimatum is delivered. Here Scamuzzi rose to great heights, investing his work with a fine sense of the dramatic. Signor Antonio Alfieri made one of his best appearances of the season in the basso role of Baldassare. Prior of the MonasLrjr of St. James, in which Fernando is a novice. His bell-like bass rang . ut with telling effect in the various numbers allotted him. His ultimatum to the King was a splendid piece of declamatory singing, and it was warmly applauded. His “In Heavenly Splendour” In the fourth act was also a splendid effort. Alfieri is indeed a very useful member of the company.

In minor roles Signorina Anita Mazza and Signor Gilardi acquitted themselves creditably.