The Sun.
London, England, 1852-03-15 00:00:00

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

The programme for the sixth season of the Royal
Italian Opera has just been issued—somewhat later than
usual. Better late than never. After a preamble, in
5 which the directors (net without a shadow of reason)
claim for the erablishment a liirge share_ of public
consideration, and pledge themselves to deserve
, it by continued good management, a list of the
actual repertoire is set forth, as a proof of what has
i been done, and a guarantee of what may be here-
, after expected. The catalogue includes no less than
36 operas,-3 of Mozart, 1 of Beethoven, 10 of Rossini,
3 of Meyerbeer, 1 of Weber, 1 of Auber, 1 of Cimarosa,
4 of Bellini, 7 of Donizetti, 3 of Verdi, 1 of Halivy,
and 1 of Gounod—all of which have already been per-
formed, and are available at a moments notice. To these
are added five novelties—Spohr's Faust, Weber's Oberon,
Rossini's Comte Ory, Donizetti's Les Martyrs, and Pietro
it Grande, a new opera destined expressly for the
theatre by M. Jullien. Faust, having been com-
posed with dialogue required the addition of re-
citatives to suit the Italian stage. These have been pre-
pared by Dr. Spohr himself, who will superintend the
production of the opera. Recitatives have also been
added to Oberon, by Mr. Planche, author of the liberetto;
but who is to set them to music is not stated in the pros-
pectus. Doubtless, the task will be consigned to com-
petent hands. The announcement of these magnificent
works will satisfy the numerous admirers of the German
school, while the advocates of French grand opera will
not regret the opportunity of hearing one of the latest
and least known operas which Donizetti wrote for the
Academie Royale de Musique. In another line—that of
comic opera—Le Comte Ory stands acknowledged as one
of Rossini's best efforts, which, moreover, has never had
full justice done it, in Paris or elsewhere. Here, then,
is an excellent occasion for the Royal Italian Opera to
distinguish itself. The promise of an opera by the well-
known M. Jullien, who whatever his buccal' in other
branches of the art, has never essayed his talents in the
dramatic line, will tend not a little to excite the curiosity
daonhdh varied a
Mr. Desmond
c colouring—yeadov, an
the taof the public. Peter the Great is a good subject, capable
whichof
libret-
tist, will avail himself. It is worth noting that of the
five advertised novelties not one is an Italian o
stirringther incidentsthere i s
pera. In
former programmes it has been the custom
list of some dozen new works, several of to give a
which were
positively to be produced, without pledge, however, as
to any in particular. The present announcement of five
novelties, to be absolutely brought
the season, is at once less vagueandout in the course of
The engagements for the more satisfactory.
resee
nearly all the old favourites, withP t campaign include
sundry reinforcements.
The principal soprani comprise
Viardot, Madame Castell n Madame Grisi, Madame
a
Zerr, with the addition , and Mademoiselle Anna
of Madame Gazzaniga. The
first four need not be described. The last, a vocalist of
high reputation in theth chief theatres of Italy, has never
been heard in
Mademoiselle Bertrainadi,
countr. The
favourable compr im-
pressioni last year
decidedly inferior
to Mademoiselle Corbari, who was for three
seasons the representative of that not unimportant de-
partment. The contralto Mademoiselle Theresa Seguin,
,
is a new comer, of whose merits we are unable to
Speak. The seconds donna remains, as before, the
useful, Mademoiselle Cotti. The weakest point in the
above catalogue is the contralto ; but it must
be remembered that the three great operas of Meyer-
beer, the three great operas of Mozart, and indeed
the majority of the established works, to the com-
plete and admirable execution of which the Royal Ita-
lian Opera owes its fame, have no parts for a contralto.
The loss will be most felt in Lucrezia Borgia, La
Gazza Ladra, &c., in which the early triumphs of
Alboni can never be forgotten. The male department,
in most particulars as strong as ever, is ia some in-
stances fortified by new acquisitions. The only im-
portant omission is Signor Tamburini, whose respect-
able name we miss from the present list of barytonea.
There is still, however, the inimitable Signor Ron-
coal, supported by the careful M. Rommi, and Signor
Bartolini (cousin, we believe, of Signor Tamberlik)
a new importation, whose laurels have been won at
Palermo, and, more recently, at Brussels. The army of
tenors is invincible. Signor Mario and Signor Tam-
berlik are supported by two other celebrities—Herr
Ander, from Vienna, renowned as one of the best singers
of Meyerbeer's music, and M. Guymard, the first tenor,
and the rival of M. Roger, at the Grand Opera in Paris.
Besides these there are signor Galvani, a new light
tenor from Milan; Herr Stigelli, who made so good an
impression last season; with Signors Luigi Mei and
Soldi, to complete the list. The basses are scarcely less
formidable. To Herr Formes is added Signor Marini,
who will be recollected as having sustained the post of
.1847, 1848, and 1849, with dis-
primo basso profondo in
Signors Tagliafieo,
tinguished ability. Polonini, Gre-
gorio, and Rache, make up the catalogue. From the
above it may- be presumed that the executive force, so
far as the principals are concerned, will be at least as
efficient as ever.
Mr. Costa, of course, retains his place as conductor;
and it is stated, moreover, that the orchestra and chorus
have been reinforced by " several important additions."
The names of the new-corners, however, are not yet pub-
lished. The military band continnes to be under the
management of Mr. Godfrey, In the ballet department
some few changes are promised, which, with one excep-
tion, ere of no great importance. The well-known and
justly-admired pantomimist, Mademoiselle Robert, from,
the Grand Opera in Paris, is secured; the clever Made-
moiselle Louise Taglioni retains her place; Mademoiselle
Brussi, who was applauded three years ago, as a very
pretty if not an eminent danseuse, is re-engaged: M.
i
Alexandre resumes le •
s duties as ballet master; and se-
veral less familiar names make upthe list. A variation
from the custom which has prevailed since 1849 will be
involved in the representation of divertissements, after the

performance of short operas, like L'Elisir, Lucretia, and
others. Over the scenic department Messrs. Grieve and
Telbin again preside; Mr. Alfred Mellon remains 'con-
ductor of the dance-music; and the other minor officers
are the same as last year.
The theatre opens on Tuesday, the 23d inst., with what
particular opera has not yet transpired. Donizetti's Les
Martyrs has been mentioned.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S TIiBATRE,
OXFORD-STREET.
Under Use Management of Mr. CHARLES KEAN.
On Monday, March 15, will be performed Shakspere's Xisto-
rical Play of King John, with the new and original Farce, untitled
Our Clerks ; or, No. 3, Fig Tree-court, Temple.
Tuesday, 16th, The Corsican Brothers, with the new Farce, and
Betsy Baker.
Wednesday, 17th, sbl/were's Historical Play of King John, and
the new Farce.
Thursday, The Corsican Brothers, with the new Farce, and
A Model of a Wife.
Friday, 19th, Shakspere's Historical Play of King John, and the
new Farce.
Brothers, with the new Farce, and
Saturday, 20th, The Corsican
Betsy Baker.

ROYAL MARIONETTE THEATRE,
ADELAIDE-STREET, WEST STRAND.
TAUS ETENING, and every evening during the week,
Introductory ADDRESS, by Mr. Albany Brown.
After which, a new scene of Apropos, entitled the MANAGER'S
ROOM.
With THE SWISS CO rTAGE.
Te be followed by the Neapolitan grotesque Divertissement of
ARLECHINO FORTUNATO, with the Frolics of Saltarello and
Pierrot.
To conclude with the Musical Burlesque of BOMBASTES n -
ElOBO.
Doors open at Half-past Seven, and commence at Eight o'clock.
A Morning Performance on Wednesday and Saturday nest.
corn to open at Half-past Two, and commence at Three o'clock.
In active Preparation, an entirely new version of the Grand
?Astern Spectacle of ALADDIN ; or, The Wonderfhl Lamp, which
will shortly be produced with, all the vast resources of this small
establishment.
Private Boxes and Stalls to be had at the Box-office of the
Theatre, and of all the principal Librarians.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Mr. B, Webster, Sole Lessee and Manager, Old Brompton.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed LONDON ASSITRANCE. Characters by
Messrs. Buckstone, Leigh Murray, Lambert, Howe, Mrs• Stirling,
and Miss Reynolds.
A Selection of English Music.
After which, THE JACOBITE.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHL
Lessee, Mr. B. Webster ; Directress, Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING.

Will be performed THE WRECK ASHORE.
After which, DID YOU EVER SEND YOUR WIFE TO CAM-
BKRWELL ?
to conclude with a new and original Christmas Tale, called LIT-
TLE RED RIDING HOOD. Wolfram, Baron of Barliburg (sur-
named the Wolf of Biberich), Mr. Paul Bedford; Scraggenheim, Mr.
Butler; Trudchen (commonly called Little Red Riding Hood), Miss
Kathleen Pitzwilliam.

,GYAL PR UCCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-iiTREET.
Under the Management of Mr. C. Keaa.
TEEN EVENING,
Will be performed Shakespere's Historical Play of KING JOHN.
Prtncip•dl characters by Messrs. C. Kean, A. Wigan, Ryder, Addison,
.Meadows, J. Vining, C. Fisher, Graham, F. Cooke, Everett; Miss
Phillips, Miss Robertson, Miss Murray, Miss Kate Terry, Mrs. Daly.
and Mrs. C. Kean.
Ater which, OUR CLERKS ; or, No. 3, Fig Tree-court, Temple.

JtfiYA..t. 1.416X.Mis
Under the Yanuement Maciiore Vestria.
THlsi Infk_ll,McO,
WIP be performed
Tn e 44AME OF SPEC OL.I.TION. Principal characters by
Messrs. C. MA.thews, F. Matthews, R. Roxby, B. Baker ; Mrs. C.
horn, and '2,liss M. Oliver.

To ,onci.s.de with
I new and original Fairy Extravaganza, by J. R. Planche, Esq.,
entitled TUE. PRINCE OF lIAPYY LAND ; or, The Fawn in the
Forest. Characters by Madame Yestrls, Miss St. George, Miss
Lanza, Miss Martindale, Miss Grove, Miss Ellis, Miss Rosina Wright,
Messrs. F. Matthews, 11. Baker, Suter, llorneastle, Butler, and
Vernon.

ROYAL UL] AYH; THE
..4.etie and Manager, Mr. N. Farrel,

_ _
TrTIS EVENING,
Wlll be performed THE ADVOCATE AND HIS DAUGHTER.
Principal characters by Messrs. Farren, Hoskins, W. Farren, Jun.
Diddear ; Mesdames Sarah Lyons, Durand, and Bartlett.
After which AN ORGANIC AFFECTION.

To be followed by THE LAST OF THE FAIRIES.
To cmclnde with :MATRIMONIAL, &c., &c., fu which Messrs.
Compion.,Shaiders, G. Cooke, Mesdames Phillips and Bartlett will
appear. •

NCli'S PLATIIOUSE A.ND STRAND Vital:Mg.
...Ntieb. Mr. W. K. COPELAND, V.lveroooi.
Nes, Piece, A Ra ;ged School—Revival of Behind the Scenes.

r7!1,4 KVENIN4

Will he performed MATRIMONIAL PROSPECTUSES.
After which, THE RAGGED SCHOOL. Characters by Messrs,
Walter Lacy, Rogers, Attwood ; 3tsses Sanders, Maskell, and Mrs.
SelTo by.
be followed by MY LOVER THE CAPTAIN.
To conclude with BEHIND THE SCENES.
Boxes, 35.; Pit, 2s. • Amphitheatre, Is.
YriVßte i3oxe,3 One Odue...no. a Liao each.
Stage Manager. Mr. E. Stirling.

ATL FY 'L.4 ROYAL .AILYHITILEATRE.
riadot I.+, 'Niro:ll4;e 04 her Mk/e3tY and hid Roy*: Highness
Fri tICC
Proprietor and Manager, Mr. W. Batty.
The most successlul and popular Theatre in London.
THIS EVENING,

Will be performed a new Grand Spectacle, entitled TANCRED
or. The Triumph of the Crusaders. From the pen of J. Kingdom,
Esq., yvhich has been some mouths in preparation, and in the pro-
duction of which neither cost nor pains have been spared.
After which, the second week of the most wonderful Artists,
the NICOLO FAMILY, why will introduce their admired Enter-
tainments.
To be I oilowed by Batty,' Inimitable Scenes of the Arena.
To conclude viithaby particular desire) BLUE BEARD.
lnei_ets to be had et the tint-ottlce from Kievan tali Four daily.
Stage 41anager. Mr. T. Thompson. •