The Sun.
London, England, 1825-08-16 00:00:00

FABLE.

• " Atar, the Sultan, instigated by-Altamore, causes Astasia,
the wife of Tarrare, a distinguished chieftain in his service, to
be carried off to his seraglio. He determines further to saeri-
'fice Tarrare to his jealousy and "resentment, but is checked in
his design by the declaration of the Oracle, • that by him alone
the enemies of Persia can-be repelled. The. Sultan in vain tries
the effect of alternate love-making and threatening with Asta-
sia, until at length, irritated by her resistance, and by the death
of his son, who falls in single combat with Tarrare, he resolves,
in revenge, to marry her to one of his mutes.. By one of those
happy coincidences with which the stage abounds Calpigi has
introduced Tarrare into the seraglio in that disguise, and he is
appointed the husband of Astasia. Before he sees her, he is
discovered and seized by the guards of the Sultan, and, with
his wife, condemned to death.' 'The army and the people, how-
ever, rush in to rescue him. He has thus .an opportunity fora:
display of magnanimity worthy of the most illustrious heroes
of melo-drame. He commands the troops to biy down their
arms and-submit to the clemency of the Sultan. His pardon
and triumph of course succeed, and they are succeeded by the
finale."

Such is the mere outline of the plot, but there
ere a vast number of intermediate incidents,
which, if they do not forward the plo', serve, at
least, to develope the characters of the several
agents of the piece. The music of this ,Opera,
as we have before stated, was composed by the
celebrated SALT ERI, whose history we presented
to our Readers on Saturday last. The• Opera was
first brought forward in France, about 40 years
ago, and it made such a noise that the same com-
pliment was paid to it as to The Beggar's
Opera on the first appearance of that piece.
The French ladies, as the music of Tarrare was
so popular at its origin, had Tarrare caps,
Tarrare fans ; in fact, -wherever Tarrare could
be introduced in female attire, musical instru-
ments, &c. &c. were adopted. The fame of this
Piece naturally extended to other countries, and
Tarrare was represented with similar success in.
Germany, and in various parts of Italy. At
length the Proprietor of this Theatre, who may
be said to inherit musical knowledge end taste
from that admirable musician the late Dr. Art-
NOLD, his father, who was one of the Pupils of
the immortal HANDEL, and whose own Works have ,
ranked him with the best Composers of this
country, has had discernment sufficient to intro-
duce Tarrare. on English boards, .and spirit
enough to invest it with appropriate magnificence
in costume and scenery ; added to this, l►e has
employed on it the full musical strength of his
company, with the exception of Miss KELLY.
The success of the Piece was adequate to the
splendour with which it has been brought for-
ward, and it was received throughout with loud
and reiterated applause. BRAHAM was encored
in most of his songs, and he was obliged
to sing one of them thrice. Miss PATON
also was obliged to repeat most of her
songs. A young Lady, whole name, we un-
derstand, is HAMILTON, and who, according to
report, is a pupil of Miss KELLY, made her first
appearance in Astasia, and it was an appearance
of a very promising nature. Her figure is good,
and her voice is well-toned and of considerable
compass. Her deportment was easy, and the
evident result of feeling. BaAnAm sung and
acted with his usual success. PHILLIPS, in altar,
was somewhat too much inclined to smile and
nod with his confident Altamore, Mr. PERKINS,
but he sung with great vigour and effect. Miss
PATON displayed the powers of a first-rate
singer and a sprightly actress. THORNE, though
his character was . not exactly adapted to his
talents, rendered it effective. Miss GOWARD,
Mr. T. 0. ATKINS, and all the performers, ex-
erted themselves with zeal and success. The
music of the piece is various and appropriate,'
sometimes grave, sometimes sprightly, and some-
times good. It was superintended by Mr.
HAwEs, and was supported with correctness and
animation by the Orchestra. The chief ob-
jection to this piece is, that the plot is too -
much enveloped in recitative,and, what is unusual,
the dialogue is followed up by recitative, and re-
citative concludes with dialogue. This circum-
stance not only retards the progress of the
but prevents it from being perfectly intelligible,
and consequently obstructs the interest which it
might otherwise excite. The Proprietor has
amply discharged his duty. The scenery is beau-
tifully picturesque and splendid, and excited uni-
versal applause. The house was crowded in all
parts, and the Opera was announced for repeti-
tion by BRALIAId with almost unanimous assent.

Great improvements will be added to the ex-
terior of Drury Lane Theatre before its open.
ing, at the expence of the Committee. The
Portico at, the principal entrance will he taken
down, and an elegant Colonnade substituted,
which will be continued from the comer of Vine-
gar-yard to the Stage-door of the Theatre. The
play-going public will derive much accommoda-
tion from this convenient addition to their com-
fort, especially during the inclemency of the
whiter.

Mrs. WorFINGTON.--Tl►is celebrated actress,
after having been the subject of universal admi-
ration for her high comic talents, suffered
dreadfully under a cancer, which terminated in
her death. Such, however, was her curiosity and
her resolution, that, hearing there was to be a
new Poky in The Beggar's Opera (the famous
Miss BRENT), she declared that she would be
present if she died on the spot, and actually at-
tended the Thilttre at night,-under all the suffer-
ing of her painful and fatal disorder.
SOUTHAMPTON, AUG. 13.—Mr. KEAN has been
playing some of his most popular characters here, thik week,
to tolerably good, but by no means crowded houses. The first
was on Monday night, when he appeared in the character of
Richard. On his appearance he was greeted with loud cheers,
and every mark of approbation. As to his acting, those who
saw him several years ago, complain of a vast inferiority, which,
they say, must be apparent. To those who never saw him be-
fore, his performances certainly seem unrivalled.

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THE KING, &c.
His MAJEsTY,)yisitors, and suite left the Royal Lodge yes-
terday afternoon, in three single and one double-bodied phae-
tons, all drawn by ponies, for an airing in the Great Park:—
His Majesty, after driVing about the Park, visited the Princess
Augusta; at Frogmore Lodge, where, he remained 20 minutes,
and then returned to the Royal Lodge. His Majesty last
evening again entertained .the. Prince. • Esterhazy, 'Count
Lieven, Lord and Lady Warwick, and others holding si-
tuations under his Majesty, at dinner. • The private band
occupied the Conservatory, and played a variety of sacred
pieces during the evening. The remaining part of the
King's visitors are expected to leave the Royal Lodge this day.
The band of the Ist Regiment of Life Guards were stationed
in the Terrace last evening, from half after five o'clock until
nearly eight, during which time they delighted the company
with a variety of the finest productions of Mozart, Rosini,
Weber, &c., and concluded, as usual, with " Gad save the
King." We have not seen the Terrace better attended for
some time past.

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