Verdi's New Opera. The Undisputed Success of "Otello" at Milan.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 195, 19 March 1887, Page 2

Verdi's New Opera. The Undisputed Success of "Otello" at Milan.

Italo Cam panifli cables the " Times }i from Milan : ~ The fir3t presentation to the public of Verdi's new opera, "OtelloV* on Satuiday evening, was a grand event in the history of Italian musical art. The theatre was overcrowded with people representing all classes of Milan society, including all the Italian nobil'ty in the city who could get here. Bolto's libretto is excellent. The drama ia constructtd id accoi dance with the principles of Wagnerian reform. The first act of Sbakspere'e splendid tragedy is entirely dispensed with by Bolto, the action of the opera beginning with the second act ; but Bolto, with great pluck,atones for the omission by writing in several scenes which are greatly effective. Verdi in his new work has made a distinct ascent toward a higher musical plane than any which he has reaped. He has abandoned the conventional forms of the old Italian opera and created his work on an entirely different plan. The score is written with remarkable freshness and invention, and notwithstanding his dating evolution, V^erdi has sustained the Italion nationality of his work, aDd the well-known qualities of his genius will be recognised, though in a more brilliant light than heretofore. The orchestration ia one bright jewel of mu°ical art, Everybody agrees that Verdi has pointed out a new road to fame for the younger Italian masters. Stalls at last night's performance sold for $40, seats for $20, and boxes from $100 to $240.