THE OPERA.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 59, 14 December 1871, Page 3

THE OPERA.

“ Saffo” Avas played last night at the Theatre Royal before a larger audience than has been seen there this Aveek, but not so large a one as avc expected to see, nor as the Opera desci ml. The scenery, a great deal of Avliich bad been prepared especially for the production of this piece, Avas admirable, and much more appropriate than it lias been in most instances heretofore, reflecting the greatest credit on Mr Frank Yarley, under whose superintendence it Avas arranged. Signora Zenoni oatdid all her previous performances, her acting in the caA-e scone, Avhen she destroys the altar, and attlie finale being grand and at the same time natural. The duet in the same act by Signore Zenoni and Polli was a treat to all avlio heard it, as was evinced by the hearty hurst of applause with Avliich it Aras most deservedly recei /ed. We look forward with pleasure to hearing it repeated on Friday night, Avhen it is to be sung as an addendum to “ Traviatn. Signors Coliva as Alcandro and Rosdati as Faone (the lover) Avere botli in good voice, and played, as Avell as sang,Avith great feeling and pathos. We next come to the music, the orchestra, Avliich indeed ought in “ Saffo ” to be allotted the first place, forming, as it does, the principal beauty of the piece. We can scarce find words to describe it as it ought to be described. It was smiply beautiful, and in parts soul-stirring, leading the listeners to imagine that they Avere, for the time being, in a sphere far above ordinary mortals. The overture to Avhat Avas made the foiu til Act Avas rendered in such a feeling manner as to demand the only encore of the evening, and was repeated to the most attentive house ava have seen during the season. The one regret felt after last night’s performance is, that Ave shall not hear “ Saffo” aga.n for some time to come. Signor Ca&li lias determined to remain until the end of the Aveek, j and offers as an inducement the three magnificent operas, “ La Somnambula,” “ Traviatn,” and “ Martha.” Friday evening is set apart as a benefit to Signora Zenoni, which of itself ought to fill the house, and on Saturday a bumper house is •sure to Avitness the farewell performance of the first ~>pera Troupe which has visited our infant itv.