The Sun.
London, England, 1831-07-09 00:00:00

KING'S THEATRE.

A new tragic Opera, in Two Acts, by Dunizerri,
called Anna 4flole,yn, was last night performed for the
benefit of Madame PASTA. After mentioning its title, it
would, perhaps, be unnecessary to say much of the dra-
matic plot, had the author of the libretto thought proper
to confine himself to historical truth. His story begins
with that period of the unfortunate Queen's life when the
capricious sensualist Henry had resolved to get rid of her
at any rate; but the incidents are so twisted as to give a
colouring of justice to the tyranny of the brutal King.--
Lord R. Percy (Signor RUBINO continues to indulge an
ardent passion for Anna Boleyn (Madame PASTA) after
his return to Henry's Court, and be takes every opportu-
nity of declaring it to her. Anna is far from encouraging
Percy's suit, who, in a moment of despair is about to
strike himself with his sword, when Smeaton (Mademoi-
selle Belo:), a young page of .the Queen, who is also in
love with her, rushes from behind a curtain where he had
concealed himself on the Queen's and Percy's approach,
and in attempting to prevent the latter from committing
the desperate deed, draws Percy's fury on hirwelf, and has
recourse to his own sword for his defence. At this mo-
ment Henry enters, and, finding swords dri,wn in the pre-
sence of the Queen, suspects her of being the cause,
and, by charging her with having betrayed littn, elicits
enough from all the parties to think himself justified in
resolving upon the destruction of Anna. The King, who
has been some time in love with Jane Seymour (Madame
GAY), hastens the trial.of his consort, for the purpose of
obtaining spec ly possession of the hand of Jane ; but
Anna dies in the arms of her attendants, when about to
be led to execution. The story, allowing for the falsifica-
tion of history, is well arranged, and told in fluent language,
and good verse. There is a great deal of good music in
the opera, and the hand of a master is visible throughout ;
but imperfections are also abundant. In some parts Ros,.
sinian recollections have strongly prevailed ; and in others
Bellini's Pirata has supplied the model. There is also
an imitation of the well-known Tyrolese air, to which
Mademoiselle SONTAG gave so much celebrity by singing
it with variations, in the lines sung by Anna in the third
scene of the first act, beginning with the words .411 ! se
mai di reygio soglio ; and in the very last scene of the
opera, the not less known melody of " Home, sweet
home !" is assigned to the same personage, in the
prayer, " Cielo a' mici lunghi spasinii." Three
arias belonging to the part of Percy were sung by
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introduction, but this is succeeded by a very pleasing
Igth scene of the 2d act, and are both very delightful
compositions. melody; the
Of Madame PASTA'S acting in this opera it is hardly possible
to speak in. adequate terms. After witnessing her Medea, her
Semiramide, her Desdemona her Mary Stuart, and her
Nina, it appeared hardly possible that any new scope
could be afforded to her talents. In Anna Boleyn, all
the excellencies which have distinguished her personation
of those different characters are combined. The energy of
Medea, the dignity of Semiramide, the tender pathos of
Desdemona, the profound affliction of Mary Stuart, and
that faiicinating littleness which forms the charm of her
toad scene in Nina, were all displayed by turns, in situa-
tions which the author of the libretto appears to have
formed expressly fqr her. Her vocal poWere were less
called into requisition than her histrionic talehts. A great
deal of declamatory music is assigned to her part, which
she gave with admirable force and expression, but she had
little in the shape of a cavatina besides the prayer en
" Home, sweet home," which has been noticed above.—.
Madame GAY appeared for the first time in this country
as Jane Se:yn:our. She is a tall good-looking person, who
has evidently had some experience on the stage. On rat
cooling out she seemed to labour under the influence of
fear, but she soon regained her self.possession, and went
through her part in a very creditable manner. Her voice
is a soprano of a pure and pleasing quality, and her style
of singing is extremely tasteful. Signor LABLACHE was
the representative of Henry; in some respects the part
suited him well, hut, generally, the kingly honours sat
ill upon him, and it was evident that he has not studied
the mode of wielding a sceptre with as much attention a;
AthiaedpaemcuelipaAristTieAs of deafness
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called old
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reap-
pearance she was greeted with applause, cheers, and wav-
ing of hats and handkerchiefs from all parts of the house.
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