The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-23 00:00:00

ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA.

BLANCHE DE NEVERS.

The pleasant recollection of what Mr. Balfe has already
done as a musical composer would of itself be quite suffi-
cient to attract a brilliant and overflowing audience on the
production of a new opera from his pen, even supposing
there was no previous interest attaching to the story dealt
with, but, coupling the fact of the immense patronage that
has been showered upon the great sensational drama, " The
Duke's Motto," at the Lyceum, unusual interest was excited
on Saturday evening to witness'how the popular composer
had dealt with the subject in his last new opera, "Blanche
de Nevers." Our own impression is that the story was
too complicated to afford materials for an opera, although
the services of Mr. John Brougham, the adapter of the
drama, had been secured to furnish the libretto for Mr.
Balfe. In that opinion we are now confirmed, although it
must be confessed great tact and ingenuity has been exer-
cised in the adaptation. The characters are precisely the
same as in the "Duke's Motto." Fechter's great part,
Lagardare, of course is sustained by Mr. W. Harrison, the
rest of the cast being as follows :--Philip of Orleans (Re,
gent of France), Mr. A. St. Albyn ; the Prince de Gon-
zagues, Mr. W. H. Weiss ; Cocardasse, Mr. Henri Corri ;
Peyrolles, Mr. J. Rouse; JEsop (the Hunchback), Mr.
Ansley Cooke ; Narvailles, Mr. C. Lyall ; Diego, Mr.
Friend ; Chavernay, Mr. Arthur ; Notary, Mr. Goodwin ;
the Princess de Gonzagues, Miss Emma Heywood; Zillah
(a Gitana), Miss Anna Hiles; and Blance de Novers, Miss
Louisa Pyne,
After a short, but effectually composed, symphony the
curtain rises upon a very beautiful scene, an encampment of
gipsies—the first act of tho play being entirely omitted—
when, after a very good chorus and pretty dance by the corps
de ballet, Prince Gonzagues enters in search of Blanche
de Nevers. Zillah, the Gipsy Queen, is told she is the
missing lady, and then we have the sensation incident—the
duel between Lagardere and the Hunchback, /Esop, and

the departure of the parties to Paris. In this act there is a
song for Zillah, "A Gipsy Queen am I," which Miss
Hiles sang with great vivacity, and although it was but a
very ordinary effort of musical composition, the audience
vociferously applauded it, and of course it was repeated.
Mr. Harrison's opening song is one of those which is
invariably found in the first act of all operas
produced under his management ; in this instance,
it is " I'm as happy as a king." There is not
much in it as a musical composition, although again the
audience applauded it most lustily, and demanded its repe-
tition. To this demand, however, there was a strong oppo-
sition, but the dissentients were silenced by cries of " turn
him out." The great feature of the act was a florid piece of
vocalization by Miss Pyne, " Ever unwearily, singing so
merrily," and a pretty duet, "Oh what boundless joy,"
sung by Miss Louisa Pyne and Miss Hiles. The composer
evidently had taken great pains with these two composi•
tions, and as a natural result they were worthy the applause
they elicited. The act closes with a well-scored unaccom-
panied quartette by Misses Pyne, lilies, Mr. Harrison, and
Mr. Wiess, which is perhaps about one of the best things in
the opera.

The second act, in which it will be recollected Lagard ere
informs Blanche of his love for her, opens with rather a
vulgar comic song by Mr. Rouse, " Oh what an unfortu-
nate humbug am I," and then comes that which we
presume must be considered the tenor song of the
opera, " Wilt thou think of me." We much question
whether it will ever become a favourite, although there is
here and there a momentary melody, but the opening notes
of it are in fact neither more or less than the first bar or
two of the piece of dance music known as " the Schottische."
The accompaniment is pretty and telling, and of course it
was encored, but whether, as a musical composition, it
deserved that honour, is more than questionable. Miss
Pyne's cabelleta, "As when a sun burst from the sky," is
one of those peculiar compositions of Balfe which
invariably evoke unanimous applause, and Miss Emma
Heywood's contralto solo, " Time with reluctant step moves
on," was given with a beautyof intonation and intense pathos
that stamped it as one of the triumphs of the evening.
The other incidents of the drama are worked up in the
two succeeding acts of the opera, the most noticable musical
compositions being a duo for Miss Pyne and Mr. Harrison,
4, Must we part ;" a capital bacchanalian song for Mr,
Weiss, 'The Old Vine Tree;" a chorus of soldiers, "A
cup to soldiers' trade fill high," and the finale for the
prima donna, although the latter was not heard to advan-
tage, owing to the noise and confusion created by the de-
parting portion of the audience. This, however, must for
the future be provided against, as at present the opera is
much too long, and no better proof of that assertion is
wanted than the anxiety of the audience to quit the theatre
before the curtain had descended.

The opera, taken as a whole, will not add another laurel
to the wreath Mr. Balfe already possesses ; but at the
same time it is but just to remark it will not diminish his
reputation as a composer. It is, speaking from first im-
pressions, wanting in that sustained melody which marks
the greater part of Mr. Balfe's former productions. As far as
acting is concerned, nothing could be better. Indeed, Mr.
Harrison as the gallant Lagard4re, and the Hunchback
)Esop was astonishingly good—in fact, it quite took the
audience by surprise, and from first to last he drew down
the most unbounded applause, by the pathos and anima-
tion he threw into the part. Miss Pyne seemed to like
the part of Blanche, while the other performers, Miss
Emma Heywood more especially, acquitted themselves
with the utmost excellence.

The "calls" were frequent; and after the drop scene
descended at the first act, Mr. Harrison, Miss Pyne, Mr.
Weiss, and Mr, Cooke had to bow their thanks. Mr. Balfe
had also to appear and personally acknowledge the applause
of the audience.

The scenery, dresses, and appointments were magnifi-
cent. The scene of the illuminated gardens of the Regent,
on the occasion of the masque ball, was beautiful beyond
description.

The house was crowded in every part, and from first to
last the reception of the opera by the audience was most
enthusiastic and highly satisfactory.

ST, JAMES'S HALL,

Church's Historical Panorama of the Civil War in
America is now being exhibited here with great effect.
The immensity of the painting may be surmised, when the
reader is informed that it occupies nearly two hours in its
display. The panorama commences with the first march
of the Federal troops down the Broadway, in the United
States, and capitally illustrates the immense excitement
that such a proceeding must have awakened. We then
have vivid representations of the different engagements
that have taken place between the Northern and Southern
armies, all which are depicted with consummate skill. The
disastrous retreat at Bull Run, the Federal fleet in a storm
off Cape Hatteras, Harper's Ferry, scenes in the seven days'
battle before Richmond, the battle of Fredericksburg, the
siege of Vicksburg, and the bombardment of Fort Sumter
and Charleston are all remarkably well painted, while the
two or three scenes exhibited, not of the terrible nature of
the foregoing—a Southern planter's house with cotton fields
and a foraging party in a farm yard—are very excellent
specimens of scenic art. There is a short but very excellent
description of each of the scenes represented given by Mr.
Fenno, the lecturer, and some very excellent musical ac-
companiments, which, combined, produce a very entertain-
ing, and, at the present time, more than ordinarily interest-
ing exhibition.

THE NATIONAL SHAKSPERE COMMITTEg has
received the addition of the following names during the past
week :—The Marquis d'Az3glio, Sir Roundell Pahner, the
Attorney-General, the Rev. Humphrey LloydD
, .D., the
Rev. W. Reeves, D.D., S. Ferguson, Esq., CO', T. Lloyd,
(W
Esq., M.P., Mr. Alderman Spiers, of ord, Mr. Cowden
Clarke, John Anster, LE. 0., and D. P. Starkey, Esq.
MR. AND MRS. It ZRMANN VEZIN are engaged
at the Princess's, where a new play, written for them by
Mr. Westland Marston, will be produced shortly after the
beginning of the season.
SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY, EXETER HALL.--
Mendelssokn's "Elijah" will be performed on Friday next,
the 27th inst., Madame Itudersdorff, Madame Sainton.
Dolby, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Smiley, principal
vocalists.
4g QUEEN MAe."—A second edition of Miss
Kavanagh's new novel, "Queen Alaleabelt.n has just
been issued by Messrs. Hurst and Bk
" Queen
Mab" (says the althenceum) is a good and interesting novel.
hlt has a strong, well-complicated plot, yet keeps
clear of ' sensation' interest. The story does which
turn upon
the mere concatenation of circumstances which lead a reader
on for the sake of seeing 'how it all ends,'
aleaving him
without further desire to look into the book again.
Mab' human
deals with conflicting Queen
passions and conflicting
duties. The qualities of the characters make or mar their
fortunes. ' Queen Mab,' as she is called, is charming.
The book is well worth reading. It is well written, and
the interest is sustained to the last page,"

AMERICA.

(REUTER'S EXPRESS.)
Tho following are the latest despatches from the

Boston papers :

lITAstiiNGTON, Nor. 10.

From information which reached Washington
to-night, the messenger leaving the Army of the
Potomac at 10 o'clock this morning, it appears that
General Buford yesterday reached a point two miles
north of Culpepper, driving rebel cavalry and in-
fantry before him.
General Lee's head-quarters on Saturday night
were at Brandy Station on the Rappahannock.
This refutes the belief current in some quarters
that he had gone south to advise with Bragg.

Our army lay in line of battle all day yesterday,
but Lee declined to accept the issue of an engage-
ment.

Snow fell yesterday afternoon along the line o
mountains, covering the peaks of the Blue Ridge.

General Kilpatrick occupied Pony Mountain yes

terday afternoon. Last night he discovered a large
area of camp fires south of the Rapidan, between
Racoon ford and Rapidan station on the railroad,
No force of magnitude were discovered in and
around Culpepper. This leads to the. inference
that Lee has declined to risk a general engagement
in the open field, and withdrawn his forces, except
a small guard, to his former strong post.
All the evidence tends to prove that Gen. Meade
has out-generated Lee, by leading him to believe it
was his intention to move down the neck opposite
to Fredericksburg, thus inducing the latter to
weaken his front here to strengthen that point.
A gentleman who arrived here to-night says our
line of battle crossed the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad to a point where it is supposed Lee has a
full force on our front.

THE CONGRESS.

An Allegory about Certain Very Queer

Fishes.

By P**lik******* C*****.

We would here venture, ourselves, to offer, by way of pre-
liminary, the following Key to the Allegory :-
1. The Lake—Europe.
2. _Pike—France.
3. Trout—England.
4. lench—Germany.
5. Dace—Poland.
6. Perch—Russia.
7. Diet of Worms•--Revolutionary Government at War-

saw.
8. Roach—Nice and Savoy.
9. Tseati of Reeds—Treaty of Vienna.
The taste of a hook—The Castle of Ham.
A. Ihe Carp—lhe Critic (not, of course, a mere carping
critic) among the Diplomatists.
.2. The Gudgeons—The " whole boiling" in this proposed
"pretty kettle of fish."

(Frona the Times.)
I know a LIKE, (1) where each genus of fishes
Has its own proper region apart.
The PIKE (2) who wants plenty of room for his dishes
Favours views of reform for the chart.

The TROUT (3) has his haunts under oaks deeply rooted,
Whore the lake overflows in the stream,
Mid weeds to his nature Teutonic well-suited,

The siow TENCII (4) spends his days in a dream.
The Pike in the centre commands a dominion

Where his tail, when he gives it a swish,
Conveys to the surface of public opinion
Every idee he forms upon fish.
A region of old was assigned to the Daces, (5)
But I find by historic research,
That three stronger fish push'd them out of their places,
And the chief of the three was the PEucu. (6)

The Perch vow'd the outcasts his special protection,
And enjoin'd them to swim by his side,
But ne'er in the warmth of a Perch's affection
Has a Dace yet been found to confide.
The Daces rebelled in their own ancient water,
And proclaim'd their own DIET OF WORMS; (7)
The Percle ate themup with a promise that later
Ile woull eat them on friendlier terms.

So vexed is the lake by these two finny races
That the public attention it draws,
A Perch does not limit ambition to Daces,

So his was no popular cause.

The Trout was a keen and courageous official,
Ever ready to rise at a fly,
And wont to pass judgment, deemed extrajudicial,
How Fishes should deal with their fry.

That Trout was much dreaded by fishes the boldest,
For a property strange he possest,
He could send such a shock into water the coldest,
As to make it too hot for the 7 est.

Quoth he, " Since the Perch has no awe of Jove's thunder,
I myself will his conscience affright,
All tyrants shall learn how a Perch will knock under
To a Trout that's accustom? d-to write !"

In a solemn despatch full of menace and moral,
Then the Trout call'd the Parch a bad lot ;
And declared that he enter'd the lists of that quarrel
With the sternest resolve to fight not.

Siuco Europe was saved from the Moor by Charles Martel,
Thought the Trout, "Nothing like my despatch I"
Said the Perch when he calmly considered the cartel,
" That Trout will not come to the scratch."

So, while on the Dace he continued his dinner,
The Perch to their champion replied,
And the critics agreed that the Trout was no winner,
When to writing the .Perch he defied.
Meanwhile, the Grand Pike eyed the waters in trouble
With a statesman's prophetic survey,
For where'er on the surface there rose up a bubble,
There the Pike hail'd the sign of a prey.

A very deep fish, yet a very bold swimmer,
Many snares for that Pike had been set,
Heaven knows the contempt he had now for a trimmer,
And how lightly he broke through a net
Thought he, "To those Dace I've an old obligation
Still the claim of the Perch is as strong :
For I ate up a ROACH (8) with his full approbation,
Which the Trout said that Grotius held wrong•

"This quarrel affords me the happy occasion
To demand a new map of the lake;
Perhaps with the aid of a little persuasion,
'Tis an idde that fishes will take."

Then burst on the waters this autograph letter,
"Friends, events grow more urgent each day,
It becomes me to alter this lake for the better,
Let me fully express mon idle.
" Whenever the limits of States have been shattered
The big fishes have met to arrange
How rights over small fit,h the goods may have scattered
They might with advantage exchange,
" ' Twas the TDEA.TY OF REEDS (9) that adjusted our nations,
But who now in that Treaty confides ?
Can the peace of the lake rest its fishy foundations
On the reeds which are pricking our sides ?
"I unfold, then, the plan which my tail by itB switches
Has hinted long since to the tam
Let the lake be reraapped by a Congress of Fishes
To be held in the place I advise.
for this
,g I have not always lived in this lake like the r
I have starved upon frogs in a brook ; ...each" ;
I have learned how the school of adversity pinches,
And experienced TILE TASTE OP A ROOK (10)
Cautious in eating
i i 14 is
is not
as
pa
iskme
aerri es
tPi
di
ekse
tthhea presstjlut. —OOK (10)
Is a Pike that the Gudgeons
A Pike whom a hook has made
may trust. meeting;
sett:
i, Let an offer so stept a
Altho' rumour has called
For I prove by the ilencl to Suspicion,
" AlTthnradetmalta
iwonnascnet
to I butagree
sa toy, ' c
Where vra
etha Pike of ambition,
whichelalktae.ke,
LetTh isthpa
et
apeea part
breathing
hheinall should assemble,
Give a final repose
letter
to my hole ;
lake most accustomed to tremble
Even the Tenchggrteowettitaleleri 'l4lj:la'u°Bl:.d'
.i. was so hard to believe thrvv.te ;eat consternation,
at optihkee,csaisnev;
'T
was
Could be only to talk abriut Dace.

This plan for remapping the lake was a riddle
Which suggested to fish but one guess :
" As the Pike had his share of the lake in the middle
Re must mean that the ends should be less."

But still, as bewilderm ant breeds indecision)
So the counsel in vogue was delay ;
provision,
Let the Pike state his scheme, on each special

Every fish would have something to say.
In short, most agreed with the Eel, that to wriggle
Was the politic mode to escape;
Ask the Pike to explain—ask the Grayling to hip le
And thus slip thro' details from the scrape.
Spoke the CARP (11)—" Let all fishes forgot their old
grudges;
Do not question the views of the Pike,
Every hint that he is not the justest of judges,
Serves to justify him in a strike.

" Reply that you thank him for all his good wishes,.
That his zeal for your welfare you know;
But—a _Pike to his hole ashy a Congress of _Ashes
THEY ARE I:WI:1010M (12), INDEED, ir TIL GAO.

SECOND EDITION.

SUN OFFICE, HALF-rAsT 4 o'CLocic

LUXEMBOUR (4-.

- ~--

The Second Chac.►_aber of the Grand Dathy
of Luxembouig, has -voted its rei:dy to the
SPEECh from the Throne, The Address is Et
mere paraphrase of that. documaut, with the
exception of the paragraph announcing; the
approaching conclusion of a new Concordat. The
Chamber on that subject recommends the Go.,
•ernment to take into account the Concordats of
18u1 and 1807. The clericals, it may be re-
membered, dispute the legal existence of those con-,
ventions.