The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-23 00:00:00

French Theatricals.

(From Galignan•s Messengsr.)

GRAND OPERA.--The " Moise" of Rossini has been re-
vived here with all the pomp and splendour befitting that
great work, which has far too often been taken up and pre-
sented in fragments, sung by mediocre artists, and so put
on the stage as to serve but as an introduction to the ballet.
So lamentable, indeed, have been its former representations,
that even Rossini, indifferent as he is in such cases, might
justly complain of the carelessness of its performance, not
only as an injury, but a positive insult to himself. Now,
however, M. Perrin has repaired this negligence, and pre-
sented " Melee" to the public with all the edjuncts of ap-
propriate scenery, ballet, and local colouring that the illus-
trious maestro could desire. The singing also is worthy of
the " miss en scene ;" Mdle. Marie Battu is almost perfect
in the part of Anal. In the grand finale of the third
act h er pure voice, now much fuller than it used to be
came out with limpid cleanness, and without either screams
or forcing—and her grand air (fourth act) obtained the
honour e f a double mall. Faure impersonated Pharoah
with all the power of voice and breadth of style for which
he is conspicuous. Obin rendered magnificently the inspired
prophet and liberator of his people. Warot was good as
A.menophis, and Mlle. Taisy (Amenaide) contributed to the
perfection of the ensemble.

ITALIAN OPERA.—" Linda di Chamounix," which had
not been given for many years, was received here on Sun-
day, and, with the exception of the chorusses, which appear
to want practice, the performance lett nothing to be desired
Aldtle. Patti, whose voice and style are admirably suited to
the part of Linda, achieved another triumph. That her
singing should be faultless was no more than was ex-
pected, but her dramatic rendering of the cha..
rdcter astonished the audience, and she was encored
and recalled three times, Mme. Merio-Lablache, as
Pieretto, was excellent. The same may be said of the
Antonio of Delle-Sedie. Brignoli—who now seems-fo have
established himself as a favourite—was extremely good in
the tenor part; but his tendency to imitate Mario seems if
anything rather on the increas With his fine voice and
perfect command over it, it is to be regretted that he should
not make up his mind to .ail under his own colours. Scalese
gave an amusing version of the buffo part. The engage-
ment of the Sisters Marchisio at this theatre has been can-
celled, in consequence of the state of hoalth of Mme. Car-
lo!ta, whose "interesting situation" renders a temporary ab-
sence from the boards necessary. It is not yet known
whom M. Bagier will substitute far these new Parisian
favourites.

LtRIQUE.—TWO mew one-act operettas have been pro-
duced here—viz,, " Les Begaiements l'Amour" and "Le
Cousin Babylas," the former by M. Albert Grisar, and the
latter by M. H. Carpus. In the first, Caroline, a young
widow, is the heroine ; of a tender, sentimental, almost
poetical nature, one defect alone prevents her attaining
perfeCtion—she stutters. Toquandel is also young, inno-
cent, and even more poetical than Caroline ; for, whereas
she only reads, he writes verses. A further similarity
exists . between them—he also stutters In virtue probably
of the esiom qui se ressemble ?assemble, they are brought
together, fall in ove with each other, and finally marry,
after amusing attempt o conceal their infirmity, which,
however, is miraculously dispelled—probably by the
intensity of their passion—before the curtain falls.
The music of M. Albert Grisar is lively, pi-
quant, and full of melody. Itime. Faure-Le-
fevre and , Fromant materially contributed to
the succes of the piece by their singing. Le Cousin Babylas
is in person as ridiculous as in name. Reduced to a skeleton
and almost to idiocy by the potions and treatment of his
uncle, a kind of experimental Sangrado, the latter, by way
of making amends, has promised him the hand of his ward
Isabella. She, however, determines to bestow herself on
her lover, the fascinating Pedrillo, and ultimately carries
her point. M. Carpus's music is light, airy, agreeable,
thoroughly French in character, thanks to it, "Le Cousin
Babylas" was favourably received. Tho reproduction of
Gaunod's " Mireille" in its present shape and proportions
is likely to prove more remunerative to the director of this
theatre than was the case last year when first brought
out- It then was somewhat tedious. In London,
where it was considerably curtailed, and assisted
by all the talent of Titiens, Trebelli, and Giuglini, it was
still a failure; but given as it is uow, and better sung by
Michot than by Morini. and still retaining Mmes. Carvalho,
Faure, and Ugalde, its representation gave very great satis-
faction.

GnINASE.—We have to record the appearance of two
novelties at this theatre. In "Les Truffes," by M. E. Mar-
tin, we have an amusing picture of the efforts of a young
couple, anxious for an evening tete a tete, to get rid of an
old bore of an uncle, who insists on staying to dinner on
discovering a truffiid turkey is to be the chief plat. "Le
Point de Mire, by Messrs Labiche and Delacour, introduce
us to the rivalry of two mothers, each anxious to bestow on
the hero—young, handsome, and a millionaire. The plot
is drawn out to such tedious length, that though not with-
out merit, the piece only met with a lukewarm reception.
VARIETES.—M. Offenbach's new operatic burlesque,
"La Belle Helene," just brought out here, is likely to
prove as great a hit as his " Orphee aux Enters;" the
music is lively, sparkling, and original, and the piece itself
is extremely amusing. Of the plot, it is sufficient to say
that it describes, after the somewhat crude fashion the pub-
lic of the V arietes delight in, the conjugal misfortunes Of
Menelaus on the arrival of Paris at Sparta. Mlle. Schneider
is an appropriate representative of the fair but frail daugh-
ter of Leda ; and, to render the partmore correctly, has
availed herself of the aid of modern science to impart a
golden hue to her hair. The authors of the libretto are
Messrs. Meilhao and Ludovic Halevy.
BOUFFEB PA.RISIENS.—Cham, the witty caricaturist of
the Charivari, is the author of a new operatic extravaganza
produced here under the title of "Le Serpent O. Plumes,"
he music by M. Leo Deslibes. It was fairly received, but
cannot be set down as a great success. _ .

The Theatre-Frangai; and the Vaudeville last evening
gave special representations in honour of the 225th anni-
versary of Racine's birthday. At the former " Phedre"
and the last two acts of the " Freres Ennemis" were repre-
sented, and at the latter " a Uzes," an "Ode to
Charity," set to music, the words by the great poet; and
"Les Plaideurs."

The Duke de Moray has read to a select party from the
Theatre-Frargais—M. and Mme. Lafontaine, Coquelin,
and Dalanny—a new piece, in one act, written by himself,
whiCh is to be performed at his hotel during the winter.
On Sunday 3,000 dilettanti assembled in the Cirque de
l'lmperatrice to hear a grand ch ral performance by 800
artistes. The selection of music was good, and the volume
of sound most imposing. The instrumental part of the
prograinu e was entrusted to the excellent band of the
Garde de Paris, which moat efficiently discharge I its duty.
The receipts of the theatres, concert rooms, and other
places of public amusement during the month of Novem-
ber amounted to 1,799,5181, being 2,4631 more than in the
preceding month.
Thackeray once figured as a dramatic author in Paris.
On the Ist Feb., 1840, the playbills announced the produc-
tion that evening at the Theatre de la Porte St. Antoine
(now Theatre Beaucmarchais) of a melodrama, in three
acts, called " L'Abbaye de Penmarch," "from the joint
authorship of MM. Tournemine and Thakeray." This
drama had a fair run.
Terse thousand pounds is named as the sum given for
the English copyright of Meyerbeer's " Africaine."
Signor Bocce, director of the Theatre Reggio at Turin,
has cancelled his contract and forfeited his caution-money
(10,0001.), in consequence of the Italian Parliament having
sanctioned the removal of the c: pital to Florence. Signor
Mattinotti is spoken of as his probable successor.
Ullmann, who is now travelling in Germany with Car-
lotta Patti, lately published the following advertisement in
a Leipsic journal :
"Talented Young Ladies—l am in search of a girl of 16
or 18 years, daughter of parents without means, well edu-
cated, good-looking, and gifted with a fine voice (high
soprano), and decided talent for music. Such a young lady
I propose to have educated for the opera at my expense dur-
ing three years, by the best teachers cf singing, first in Ger-
many, then in Italy, and last in Paris. Atter her education
is finished she will receive. contract for six years with
the following stipulations :—Travelling expenses for
two persons, theatrical costumes, and 1,500 thalers in
the first, 2,000 thalers in the second, 2,500 thalers in
the third, 3,000 thalers in the fourth, 3,500 thalers in the
fifth, and 4,000 thalers in the sixth year."

Liverpool Cotton Market—This Day,

Market firm. Sales, probably 10,000 balm

CRYSTAL PALACE.—Notwithstanding the incle-
mency of the weather yesterday nearly 2,800 people were
present at General Tom Thumb's reception. The palace
being comfortably warmed presented a marked contrast to
the weather out of doors. This day and to-morrow are the
last two days the General and his party will receive
visitors. The Palace is decorated as for the Christmas
holidays, and the great Christmas-tree will also be illu
minatcd.

THE CHAPEL ROYAL IN THE SAVOY,—Dr. Jelf,
the Principal of King's College, has with great
kindness placed his College Chapel at the disposal of the
Rev. Henry White, the chaplain of the Savoy, for a morn-
ing service on Christmas day, Some months since the
Savoy Chapel was burned down, and the congregation
having no place in which to meet, the Principal of King's
College gave them his chapel for evening services, Every
Sunday night the chapel is crowded ; one side being set
apart for the persons who are in the habit of attending the
Savoy, the opposite side being freely given to such other
persons as may like to attend. Mr White's own people
completely fill one side of the chapel, and the other side is
invariably crowded by strangers, who are attracted by the
heartiness of the services. On Christmas-day there will be an
evening as well as a morning service in the College Chapel.
Principal, professors, students, and even gyps (if there be
such things at King's), being away for the holidays, the
Savoy congregation will be enabled to join in the two full
services to which th,y have been accustomed at Christmas.
NIL White was formerly a student or King's College, and
Dr Jell's offer of his chapel is at once a mark of respect
to his old pupil and. a compliment to the Savoy cungre•
gatioa,