Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-08-22 00:00:00

TALIAN OPERAS AT THE TIIEATRE ROYAL.

The engagement for the first series of Italian Operas at
the Theatre Royal terminated last night with a most
successful representation of Verdi's romantic opera " Il
Trovatore." Madame Bosio was perfect in her personifi-
cation of Leonora; brilliant, pathetic, and impassioned,
without a touch of exaggeration, but throughout governed
by the most refined taste ; Maille. Nartier Didie
an admirable Azrrcena, full of character and
feeling, her voice rich in tone, and her execution
most finished and expressive. Signor Neri Bat% LH was a
very effective Illanrico, and Signor G:•aziani resumed his
original role of the Count di Luna, His "Il balem" was
encored, though scarcely so well sung as when ha first
introduced it to a Liverpool audience. Signor Tagliafico
took the little part of Ferando, and sung " Abbietta
Zingara" very well, but scarcely with sufficient mystery.
But during the week's performance he has dis-
tinguished himself so much as to be fully able
to allow of this abatement of his tenors. His
Giorgi) in the " Puritani," his Sparafucile in
"Rigoletto," his Beppo in " Fra Diavolo," and his
Rodolphe in " La Somnambula," have exhibited a versa-
tility of talent and a dramatic feeling in action and " make-
up," that' showed him to be a master' of his art. Signor
Ronconi in Rigoletto and Lord Alleash exhibited similar
dramatic power, and realised the ideal of Liston—the
performance of intense tragedy with the most vivid comic
character. Mad'lle Didie was fully entitled to take her
place with these great arti,ts ; while the elegant and
accomplished Bosio retains her place as eminently prima
donna of this admirable operatic company. Signor Gar-
dorsi, as principal tenor, fully sustained his reputation;
Made'lle. Victoire 13alfe was a pleasing debutante ; and we
must rot forget Z;lger, Psdonini, Parepa, and
Marlene, Tagliafico. The operas have been put upon the
stage with all the London appliances, dresses, chorus, band
conductor (Ur. Alfred Mellon,) and prornp`er. Nothing
Could be more magnifieent—nothing more complete—yet
the Liverpool merchant princes have been too poor,
in spirit or in purse, to give adequate support to Mr.
Copeland's enterp:ise and endeavours to bring the highest
class of art to Liverpool. The houses have never been what
such a combination of talent and accessories should have
commanded. A person signing himself " A Liverpool
Merchan." has written to a cAemparary to state that
we have been determined not to submit to the prices
charged by Mr. Copeland." As another " Liverpool
Merchant" has written to contradict this, we may leave
them to settle it amongst themselves.

THE AMPHITHEATRE.

MR. CHARLES MATHEWS' FAREWELL.

Mr. Charles Mathews gave his farewell performance,
previous to his voyage to the United States, at the Amphi-
theatre, last night. The very last opportunity for a lorg
time of seeing so universal a favourite, might have been
expected to draw together a large audience, but a crush
such as that wbich took place at the Amphitheatre last
night, we have rarely seen. Every inch of space in boxes,
pit, and galleries was filled. The avenues and passages to
the different divisions of the house were thronged, and
groups remained standing alrthe evening where one might
have thought it an utter impossibility to see or hear any-
thing which took place on the stage. When Mr. Ma+hews
came on as Sir Charles Coldstream in "Used-Up," he was
received with the most enthusiastic applause, which was
several times renewed. We shall not stay to criticise a
performance of which the highest eulogium is to say, that
it was all Mr. Mathews' acting has ever been since he
became marked as the first of English comedians. He
was called before the curtain at the conclusion of the
piece, and again as warmly greeted. " Cool as a
Cucumber" and " Patter v. ;latter" followed. When
the last piece had closed, loud and general calls
from all parts of the house brought Mr. Mathews
again before the curtain. Having several times bowed his
acknowledgements, he came forward to the front of the
stage, and proceeded to address the audience. The
following is as nearly a verbatint report of Mr. Mathews'
speech as the crowd, the noise, and the distance at which
we stood from the stage; would allow. Mr. Mathews
said—

Ladies and Gentlemen : I hope you will allow me,
befare leaving Europe, to say a few words in parting.
Next Tuesday will be the anniversary of the day when I
made my first appearance in Liverpool, now fifty years ago.
I do not mean to say I then made my appearance in public .
(Laughter.) I happened to be born in Basnett-street,
Liverpool, and am, therefore, actually a Dicky Sam.
(Cheers.) Ladies and gentlemen, I find that I have really
nothing to say but to thank you over and over again for
your many kindnesses. We have laughed together for
many years, and I shall not attempt to make you cry at
parting. I can assure you I would rather hope that
you will promise me I shall find you laughing upon my
return. (Cheers.) Through all my troubles and difficulties
—and they have not been a few—l always came for support
and sympathy to the public, and the public always che3red
me with favour and kindness. About twenty years ago I
made my first false step. I embarked in a speculation in
Covent Garden Theatre, and took amillstoneround my neck,
which I have been ever since endeavouring to get d of.
I am quite aware that in these struggles my fair name has
became somewhat tarnished. (Cries of "No, no.") I am
well aware that the existing opinion of me is, that I am
a reckless fellow, who gets into great difficultiee, and gets
over them, only to find others as great. But I can assure
you this is an error. (Cheers.) The nigger who was
accused by his master of getting drunk again immediately
after his reform answered—"not drunk again, massa—
same drunk." (Loud laughirer.) It is just the same
with my difacilltige---the same drunk always. (Cheers

•
and laughter.) They may change their name
and change their place, but the same involvement
still exists. The fire has never been so thoroughly
extinguished but that some few sparks still remain. I
am now about to try whether the broad waters of the
Atlantic will extinguish them for ever. I have nothing
more to add, except to take my leave. If the adventure
proves fortunate I shall be able to laugh over my success.
If it fails I shall only have to laugh at my own absurdity
in supposing that anything short of a spadeful of earth
upon the top of my head will ever put an end to my strug-
gles
for earthly independence. Most earnestly and
sincerely do I thank yon, ladies and gentlemen, for your
long-continued kindness and favour, and have only now to
bid you farewell.

Mr. Mathews then left the stage amid the most enthu

elastic applause.

This day, Mr. Mathews leaves Liverpool by the
Asia. It is not his first visit to the United
States, bat it may be considered his first pro-
fessional tour in America, as his former visit was made
before he had attained that high reputation which he now
enjoys. It was subsequent to his return from America
that he entered into the speculation in the management
of Covent Garden Theatr', to which, in the remarks given
above, he so frequently referred. We can only express
the hope which every one of Mr. Mathews' countless admir-
ers must feel—that his return to England, after his
approaching American tour, may be followed by years
more auspicious in a pecuniary point of view than on the
former occasion. More celebrity in his profession neither
Mr. Mathews or any other actor can attain.
MR. BARRY SULLIYAN.—This accomplished actor con-
cludes his engagement at the Amphitheatre tonight. He
will appear as Hainlel,—a part which we have frequently
declared his finest impersonation.
ZIOLOGICAL GARDRNS.—It win be seen that the last
ascent of the Cremorne Balloon, will take place here on
111,,nday next, with the novelty of a Parachute Descent on
this ow' sion. We wish the spirited pr;..prietor a bumpar
in these fine grounds, and an auspicious day to crown his
unceasing endeavours in catering for the people.

THE QUERN'S HALL BOLD-STREET:An extraordinary
combination of talent in the vocal and instrumental mus-
ical departments is announced for Monday evening at this
beautiful and favourite house. Mrs. Alexander, the emi-
nent Scotith pianist, who was so applauded last winter,
at the great festivals in Clayton ;Hall, gives a grand
concert at the above Hall on Monday evening. The claims
of Mrs. Alexander are many, but independent of these,
the programme of the entertainment, with the tames of
the performers, would be sufficient to attract an audience
to fill a larger house than the Queen's. Miss F. Harding,
whose fascinating rendering of popular Scotch ballads,
created quite a sensation last winter—Mrs. Ross, the ad-
mired vocalist—who, only on occasions of the present des-
criptiontan be induced to appear in public—Mr. Glover,
Mr. Stanley, Mr. Stubbs, and other celebrities, will appear,
and with a host of genuine talent, we anticipate a bumper
at the Queen's on Monday evening.
NORWICH MUSICAL FESTIFAL, —Our cotemporary, the
Bury and Norwich Post, in referring to the arrangements
progressing for the calibration of this grand triennial festi-
val, states that Glover's cantata of " Tam O'Shanter,'
has been set down for Mr. D. Miranda, a gentleman who
at the Theatre Royal, Liverpool, and at the St. George's
Hall Saturday Evening Concerts, displayed a taste and
talent that showed him to be the most promising Tenor of
the present day.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS•

By British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph

FRANCE.

PARIS, FiIDAY.
It is said that the Duke of Cambridge will visit
the Emperor at tho camp of Chalons.
The Paris Siecle has an article on the elections
in the Principalities, in which, it is said, regard is
to be had to the wishes of the Moldo-Wallachians,
as far as they can be ascertained ; but the Par's
Conference is not to be bound by them, since it
must also consider and provide for the interests of
Europe.

A despatch from Marseilles states that fifty
wounded persons had been received at the French
Consulate at Tunis, all of whom had been wounded
during the recent outrage.