The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-13 00:00:00

ROYAL ENGLISII OPERA.

----ie- `

"THE DESERT FLOWER."

The eighth and last season of the Pyne and Har-
rieon management commenced last evening under
the highest patronage, and in the presence of one of
the largest and most fashionable audiences that
probably ever assembled within this magnificent
theatre. Every stall, box, and seat were occupied
previous to the rising of the curtain, and those who
had the misfortune to arrive a few minutes after the
opening of the door had the unpleasant neeeesity
forced upon them of either taking up a standing
position in the lobbies, or of having their tickets
altered for another evening. The roonouncernent
that their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Pein-
cess of Wales, his Majesty the King of the Greeks,
and the Royal Family of Denmark would honour
the theatre with their presence, no doubt contributed
in a great degree to the overflowing audience, as
the portion of the theatre that received more visitors
than it could under any circumstances accommodate
was opposite " the Prince's aide." In the royal box
sat the Prince of Wales, by his side the King of
the Greeks, next him his sister the Princess of
Wales, the Princess Dagmar, and Prince William.
The Prince and Princess Christian of Denmark and
their attendants were also present. To the musical
portion of the audience the great event of the even-
ing was the production of a new opera, by the
author of " Maritana," " Lurline," &ca, Mr. V,
Wallace, entitled, "The Desert Flower." The plot
of :the new opera is by no means novel, yet it has
the merit of being clear and simple, perhaps more
than ordinarily so, and is founded on the dangerous
yet delightful, perplexing yet provoking, handiwork
of little Master Cupid. The scene is laid in Dutch
Guiana, and on the rising of the cartain the first
scene—a delightful specimen of the painter's art—
is the exterior of a Dutch settler's dwelling, near
Surinam. To this place a certain cowardly Major
Pumpernickle has been despatched by his Govern-
ment, to quell a revolt that has broken out amongst
an Indian tribe—the Anakowtas—whose queen is
Onita, " the Desert Flower." Attached to the
staff of the Major is one Captain Maurice, who, at
first sight, falls over head and ears in love with
the beautiful queen, against whose people
he is at war. Onita, with one of her followers,
Casgan, in order to lure the Dutch into the im-
penetrable forest, voluntarily surrenders herself a
prisoner, her great object being to find the comman-
der of the expedition, in order that he may become
the first victim of Indian vengeance. Pumper-
nickle, in order to secure himself, magnanimously
hands over the command to Captain Maurice, and
thus the two future lovers are brought in contact,
At first she scorns the proffered love of Maurice,
who is an invader of her territory, but very shortly
after mutual love springs from hate, and then Onita
is as anxious to save the lite of her lover as she was
before desirous of sacrificing it. Casgan, the re-
jected lover of the Queen, discovers her attachment
to Maurice, and during a friendly meeting of the
foes he works upon the feelings of his tribe, and
the result is that Maurice is taken prisoner
and condemned to death. Onita, in order
co save him, offers to mak.e him king by
marriage, a proposal the young Dutchman
is only too joyful to accept. But the course of true
love never did, and, we suppose, never will, run
smooth, for Maurice finds, to become an India❑
King, he must bow to idols, abjure his country and
religion, which rather than do he prefers to die.
Onita contrives her lover's escape, and then takes
the place prepared for him on the funeral pyre ; but
just as the savages are about to kindle the fire,
Maurice returns with a troop of soldiers, rescues
Onita, shoots Casgan, and, we suppose, eventually
marries the Desert Flower.

The music of the opera is certainly not of an
elaborate description ; in many parts it is pretty,
melodious,and telling, yet much of it is common- place.
Of course,ithere must have been great difficulty in
dealing with a subject of such quaintness, where
Indian marches, dances, and choruses must of neces-
sity abound, but Mr. Wallace has succeeded in sur-
mounting the difficulty, and also in introducing
several pretty ballads, which may, when they be-
come familiar, prove popular. Miss Pyne, as Onita,
the Desert Flower, has a piece of this description,
entitled " Why throbs this heart into rapture new,"
which she rendered with most delicious sweetness.
The " Wood-bird's song" is one of those difficult
and elaborate compositions that invariably falls to
the lot of Miss Louisa Pyne in ail new operas, but
the fatigue of rehearsals, and the anxieties of a
first night rendered some parts of her voice less
clear than on ordinary occasions, so that the upper
notes had to be attained with some apparent diffi-
culty. Mr. Harrison, as Maurice, in the first act, has
one of his usualcharacteristic songs, in this instance
he carols the pleasure of a hunter's life. It was given
in his best style, and elicited great applause. "Since
Honour's star cloth o'er me shine," and the love
song " Though born in woods," the two ballads
'allotted to the part of Maurice, were both sang with
much taste and feeling, although we think they
were in some parts rather above the register of Mr.
Harrison's voice, but to the cause already noticed,
may many of the false notes be attributed.
Mr. Weiss, as Casgan,.acquitted himself in a more
than ordinarily satisfactory manner ; he both acted
and sang the music of the part capitally. There
was none of that pumping up of his notes, a bad
habit he has of late fallen into, but, on the contrary,
his ballad, " When wandering through the forest
drear," was a perfect flow of melody. The choruses
were characteristic and telling, and there is also some
gay sparkling dance music, which cannot fail
to become popular. Tne opera is certainly destined
for a lengthened run, as its success was at once com-
plete, decided, and unmistakeable.
The scenery is really splendid. The tropical
forest in the second act, with its myriads of gorgeous
parasitic plants, its overhanging trees, and trans-
lucent water, and the wonderful effect of light in
the changes from the crimson noon to grey evening
and silver moonlight, was a perfect marvel of scenic
art. The calls for Miss Pyne, Mr. Harrison, Mr.
Weiss, and Mr. Wallace throughout the evening
were very numerous, and on the appearance of each
the most enthusiastic applause was bestowed, the
Royal party being not a bit behind the less aristo-
cratic in oeir expression of delight and gratification.
The Royal party remained till the close of the per-
formance, and quitted the theatre amidst the
swelling and majestic notes of the National
Anthem.

THE DEATII OF MR. FRANK FOWLER.—The
friends of this accomplished young author have
formed a committee to raise a fund for the support of his
widow and three little children. The names of the com-
mittee may be accepted as a guarantee for the merits of the
case, and the right application of the money subscribed.
The following are the names and addresses of the commit-
tee, to whom subscriptions may be sent :—The Dowager
Lady Filmer, 54, Onslow-square, South Kensington, S W
—The Lady Catherine Long, Landthorne, Farr.
ham
Frederick Birkmyre, Esq„ 4, New Bank-buildings, Lon-
don,
E.C.—Sir Robert W. Carden, 2, Royal Exchange-
buildings, EX.—the Rev. John Congreve, M.A., South-
field,
Rugby—J. J. Merriman, Esq., 24, Avenue-road,
New-road, Hammersmith, W.—Tom Taylor, Esq.,Laven-
der-sweep, Wandsworth-road, S.—Sydney Waterlow,Esq.,
Alderman, Carpenters' Hall, London-wall, E.C. Subscrip-
tions may also be forwarded to the account of the " Fowler
Fund," which has been opened at Messrs. Ransom, Bou-
verie, and Co.'s, Pall-mall Ea,t, London—or to Mr. Wm.
Walter, IS, New Bridge-street, Blackfriars, London, E.C.,
who has kindly undertaken the duties of honorary secre•
tary to the fund. We sincerely hope that the committee's
efforts may be crowned with all the success they deserve.
AN AGREEABLE COMPANION is one in whom
travelling breeds a disposition to disparage and
sneer at everything he sees—one persists in looking only at
the weak side of fercign institutions and foreign character,
and who never loses an opportunity of setting up unfavour-
able comparisons and vaunting something that is some•
where else. There is something peculiarly provoking in
such a temperament, and nothing can be more utterly fatal
to enjoyment than to have to visit fine churches, admire
great paintings, and gaze upon sublime or beautiful land-
scapes, in the company of a carping critic of this kind. And
it is impossible to take sure precautions against joining a
companion who may turn peevish, or moody, or unsympa,
thetic. The changed circumstances among which travel
naturally throws him may aaake him as different as possible
from his usual self. When Gray set out to travel with
Horace Walpole, he never dreamt that be would have to
cut him in a few weeks for surreptitiously Opening other
people's letters. We never canbe quite acre how la man
will stand the test of travelling. companionship until we
have tried him ; and, unluckily, the duration and arrange-
ments of life do not allow us to matte very many experi-
ments, in case the first one or two should fail,—
,Saturday
.Review.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales.

A deputation of the Council of the Society of Arts
had the honour of waiting upon the Prince of Wales,
at Marlborough House, yesterday, and presented an
address, to which his Royal Highness was pleased
to return a gracious answer. The deputation con-
sisted of Mr. Wm. Hawes, chairman of the council;
the Marquis of Silisbury, Lord Henry Lennox,
my., Mr. John Dillon, Mr. George Fergusson
Wilson, F.R.S., the Hon. and Rev. Samuel Best,
Mr. W. B. Siuipson, Mr. Thomas Wink worth, Dr.
Odling, F.R.S, Mr. P. Graham, Mr. Thomas
Twining, Mr. P. Le Neve Foster, Secretary, and
Mr. S. I'. Davenport, financial officer,
The liiug of the Greeks, the Prince of Wales,
Prince Christian of Denmark, and Prince Frederick,
attended by Captain Grey, rode on horseback yes-

terday morning.
The Priucass of Wales, the Princess Christian,
and Princess Dagmar of Denmark, took a carriage
drive.

The Duke of Cambridge paid a visit to the
rrincess Christian of Denmark at Marlborough

House.

A deputation of the Royal Entertainment Com-
mittee of the Corporation of the City of London,
consisting of F. W. Truscott, Esq., chairman, H.
L. Taylor, Rig. , sub-chairman, and the Town
Clerk, had an interview with the Prince and Prin-
cess of Wales, and presented a slight memento of
their Royal Highnesses' visit to the City of London
on the Bth of June, 1863.

The King of the Greeks, the Prince of Wales,
Prince Christian of Denmark, and Prince Frederick,
attended by Captain Grey, Captain Lund, and Cap-
tain Castenschjold, went to the Crystal Palace,
Sydenham, in the afternoon.
The Princess of Wales, the Princess Christian
of Denmark, and the Princess Dagmar, took a
drive in an open carriage in the afternoon.
The King of the Greeks, the Prince and Prin-
cess of Wales, the Prince and Princess Christian of
Denmark, Prance Frederick, and Princess Dagmar,
attended by the Hon. Mrs. Grey, Countess Revent-
low, Captain Grey, Lieut. Funch, Captain Lund,
and Captain Castenschjold, honoured the perfor-
mance at the Covent-garden Opera last evening
with their presence.

The Right Hon. Sir George Grey left his seat,
Falloden, Northumberland, yesterday, for Scotland,
to attend the Queen.

Despatches were received yesterday at the Colo-
nial-office from the Governors of the North Ameri-

can provinces.

The Prince Consort Memorial at Aberdeen.

Her Majesty the Queen and the members of the
Royal family will be received at Guild-street, Aber-
deen, to-day, by the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and
Town Council, his Grace the Duke of Richmond,
the Sheriff of the county, the Convener of the
county, and the committee appointed by the sub-
scribers for the erection of the memorial. A space
for the carriages in the procession will be lined by
the Aberdeen depot battalion, the Aberdeen artil-
lery and rifle volunteers, the naval reserve, and the
police of the city and county.
The order of the procession will be as follows :
Body of Police.
Detachment of Cavalry.

The Convener and Master of Hospital of the Incorporated

Trades.

The Principal and Professors of the University of Aberdeen,
Baron Marochetti and the City Architect.

His Grace the Duke of Richmond, the Sheriff of the County;

Tho Convener of the County;

And the Committee of Subscribers to the Memorial.
The LORD PROVOST,
And Magistrates and Town Council.

The Suite in attendance on her Majesty and the Royal

Family.

Lady Augusta Bruce (in attendance on the Queen).
Countess of Hohenthat (in attendance on Crown Princess).
Baroness Schenck (in attendance on Princess Louis of
Hesse).
The Bight Hon. W. E. Gladstone.
The Princes Alfred, Arthur, and Leopold.
Lady Churchill (Lady in Waiting).
The Princess Helena.
The Princess Louise.
The Crown Prince of Prussia.
The Prince Louis of Hesse.
The Princess Louis of Hesse.
The Crown Princess of Prussia.
THE QUEEN.
Cavalry Escort.

When her Majesty and the Royal family have taken their
places, the Very Reverend the Principal of the University
will open the proceedings with prayer. An address from
the contributors to the memorial will be presented to her
Majesty the Queen. The statue will then be uncovered.

At the conclusion of the ceremony her Majesty, the royal
family, and suite, will return to Guild-street station with
their escort, by the same route as they arrived.
_ _

The Northern Club-room buildings directly face the site
of the statue. In front of the lower windows a platform is
being erected for the accommodation of the Queen and royal
party, who will be set down at a portico erected at the front
door. The Queer. will pass from her carriage into the lobby,
and thence into the billiard-room—a handsome lofty room,
which forms a half oval at the end towards Union-terrace
—and which will be fitted up plainly but elegantly for her
reception. There are two windows in the room from which
an excellent view of the statue can be got, should it rain,
and in front of these the royal platform is being fitted up.
The windows will be open, and the royal party will pass
by them on to the platform. The large table in the centre
of the room will be laid out with refreshments for the royal
party and suite; and the committee of the club have inti-
mated to the members that the house will be closed to them
until her Majesty's departure.

The statue is, of course, kept closely muffled up. The
figure represents the late Prince Consort seated with the
robe of the Thistle over a field-marshal's uniform, while he
holds in his hand a scroll, intended to represent the address
delivered by the lamented Prince at Aberdeen, on the occa-
sion of his presiding over the British Association for the
Advancement of Science. The height of the figure as it is
seated is 0 feet 0 inches, and the likeness to the deceased
Prince is said to be striking. The statue is placed on a
granite pedestal. The plinth, 10 feet by 81 feet, is of grey
granite, dressed. Above this is a moulded base of red gra-
nite, polished. The die, also of red granite, polished, and
surmounted by a cope of the same material, is 5 feet S inches
by 4 feet 2 inches, and 4 feet 2 inches in height. There
are bronze enrichments on the base and the cope.
The Aberdeen Herald expresses a hope that the citizens
of Aberdeen--so signally honoured in this matter—will
scrupulously attend to the wishes of her Majesty ; and
" that nothing will occur to jar the feeling of sacred plea-
sure with which she regards the occasion—the uncovering
of the first statue yet raised to do honour to her lamented
husband, Albert the Good,' and the first occasion on whirl;
shd has appeared publicly since his death•."

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PRINCE ALFRED IN EDINBuRGIT.---Ort Saturday
his Royal Highness Prince Alfred attended the sittings of
the Social Economy Department of the Social Science Con-
gress in the Parliament House. The prince listened to the
reading of all the papers on co-operation—six in number—
and to the greater portion of the discussion which followed.
On Sunday forenoon the prince, with Major Cowell, attended
Divine service in the High Church, when the Rev. Dr.
M'Letchie preached. Prince Alfred occupied the royal pew.
The Lord Provost and magistrates were present in their
official robes. Mr. Gladstone and Professor Lyon Playfair,
D. 8., hadi the honour of taking luncheon wiih hls royal
highness in the afternoon.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge
and the Princess Mary will return to St. James's Palace on
or about the lath inst., from Paris.
The Emperor of Russia has arrived at the Cbiteau
of Orienda, on the southern coast of the Crimea. His
Majesty will not return to St. Petersburg, it is thought, for
several weeks.

The Emperor Napoleon has just presented to the
town of Bordeaux two fin© portraits of himself find the
Empress.

Prince Napoleon has again left Paris for his estate
of Prangins on the banks of the Lake of Geneva.
The anniversary of the death of Queen Hortense
was celebrated on Thursday by the usual religious service
in the church of Itueil.

The Duke and Duchess de Chartres, travelling
under the name of the Count and Countess de Villiers,
have arrived at Vienna.
The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland have
during the past week entertained the Hon. Charles and
Mrs. Bertin Percy and Miss Percy, and a succession of
guests, at Alnwick Castle.
The Duke of Somerset arrived at his official
residence at the Admiralty last evening, from Stover Park,
his seat in Devonshire, in order to attend the Cabinet
Council to-day,