The Sun.
London, England, 1851-05-16 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

The first performance this season of the chef d'eruvre
not of Mozart only tpt of the )yrical drama, 1/ bon
Giovanni, Mira:aced one of tie most crowded riudfezicei
xsga.tlie sealiou,lo,,herAlajesti's 'Theatre last evening;
The cast was the tame as at • the. 'close of last
season, when Madame Fiorentini, for the first time, sus-
tained the part of Donna Anna, and by her excellent
singing and acting, more than realized the expectations
to which her previous performances had given rise. Last
evening she again sustained this most arduous character,
end having now completely got over the timidity from a hich
every debutante mustnecessarily suffer, she was last night
enabled to give full scope to her genius, and the conse-
quence was, that her Donna Anna was a perfect artistic
triumph. Never have we heard the magnificent scena in
which Donna Anna describes the atrocious conduct of
Don Giovanni more energetically, more feelingly, more
perfectly given. As a piece of vocalization it was fault•
teas, as a piece of acting it was sublime.
fho audience were enthusiastic in their plaudits, and
the high tone thus given to the character in the com-
mencement was kept up throughout. Madame Fioren-
tini has added immensely to her already high reputa-
tion as an artist by her performance of Donna Anna
last evening. But what can we say of the
bright, sparkling, vivacious, fascinating, exquisitely
graceful Zerlina of Madame Sontag ? Wo can
or ly quote Voltaire's culogium of Racine, and say
after eech air, Exquisite ! Beautiful ! Perfect !
Me-
deme Sontag loves and understands Mozart, and she
throw her whole soul into the tart of Zerlina. The
" La ci dareni" (with Coletti),. the " Batt', hatti," the
" Vvdrai Curinu" were all rapturously encored, and
her acting was as fascinating as her singing. Colours
Don was a fine; manly piece of acting; he was in ex-
cellent voice, and rendered the music in a manner
worthy of himself and of Mozart. Of the Leporello of
Lablache it is a work of supererogation to speak; he was
last night as great (in every sense of the word) es
ever; ho appears to have recovered entirely from his
hoarseness, and was full of life, spirit, and humour. The
Elvira of Madame Guiliani is the most effective on the
stage, and she sung and acted last night delightfully. She
is almost the only Elvira who can render the music
of the part as it ought to be rendered that has appeared
of late years. Calzolari was the Ottavio, and gave '° Il
mio tesoro" with :great sweetness. In the ball-room
scene Carlotta Grist and Amelia Ferraris lent their
valuable aid, and danced the minuet with infinite grace.
The choruses and orchestra were perfect. Taken as a
whole we have never" seen Il Don Giovanni so
effectively performed as it was last evening. The
new Divertissement Les Cosmopolites which was
originally produced in honour of the opening of the
Chrystal Palace, was again performed last evening. It is
one of the most brilliant of choerographic spectacles.
The mixture of the .various costumes produces an admi-
rable effect. It was much applauded.

GRAND LITERARY BANQUET AT
SOYER'S SYMPOSIUM.
Alexis Soyer is the most princely of Amphitryons
The grand idea which emanated from his fertile brain
of inaugurating the opening of the Grand Symposium,
by a banquet to the literati now assembled in London
from all quarters of the globe, was yesterday practically
developed, with a combination of magnificent liberality
and exquisite artistic taste that adds a brilliant jewel to
the diadem of culinary empire, which universal suffrage
has placed upon the brow of the magnanimous Alexis.
After a delighted ramble through the enchantments of
the mansion and its grounds—the Temple of Danite—the
Gallic Pavilion—the Bower of Ariadne—the Celestial
Hall of Golden Lilies—the Glittering Recall le
of Eternal Snow—and all the beautiful produc-
tions of decorative genius which have stamped
the name of Mr. Alfred Adams with imperishable cele-
brity, at half-past six the cheering sound of trumpets
heralded the advent of a mighty joint—a " saddleback,"
carved from the carcase of a gigantic ox, and weighing
seventy-seven stone—to the portals of the Baronial
Hall. Then commenced a scene of festive elegance
which can never fade from the memory of any, who can
boast of being one of the favoured guests of Soyer the
Superb, on the memorable 15th of May, 1851. We can-
not suremon courage to attempt a description of Buell a
galaxy of epicurean blessings. Delicious tears, well-
ing from a heart which has for once, at least,
been conscious of tho joys of Paradise, would
render impotent the effort. With genuine bro-
therly affection we commiserate and sympathise
with those who were not of the elect. May the path
of the peerless Soper be ever illumined by the bounteous
blessings of Allah!
The presidential chair was occupied by the beloved
host himself; and amongst those present were assembled,
to do honour to foreign fellow-labourers, representatives of
the Times, The Sun, Herald, Advertiser, Chronicle, Post,
Globe, Daily News, Weekly News, Literary Gazette, Il-
lustrated „News, and various prints and periodicals too
numerous to mention.
The first toast wag, of course, " The Queen," followed
by "Prince Albert," " the Prince of Wa:es, and Ow rest
of the Roy al Family," and The Army and Nsvy,"
for which thanks were eloquently returned by the lion.
Captain Filzaaaorice and Captain Nicholls. The ridnost
enthusiasm was developed in the reception of the royal
names, and that of the princely originator of the
great Exhibition, was hailed with reiterated bursts of
fervid cheering.
The CHAIRMAN then gave the toast of the evening,
" The British and Foreign Press," which was drunk with
all the honours ; and a demand of three cheers for the
foreign visitors was responded to with the utmost cor-
diality.
M. ACHILLE REIM, in the absence of M. Meet
Janin, who was vehemently called for to respond to the
former portion of the toast, returned thanks in French
on behalf of the foreign press. He looked upon the re-
presentatives of the English press as his brethren and
fellow-labourers in the great cause of civilisation and
improvement. The year 1851 would be ever celebrated
d
in history—it was the year that had done away wit
tyrannies, and frontiers, and restrictions and distinctions
of class and country, and'
had united all nationsn the
bond of brotherhood. lie concluded by drinking " The
English Press."
Mr. R. lierox, of the Morning Herald, returned
thanks on behalf of the English press.
Mr. SMITH then, in a highly complimentary speech,
gave " The health of their worthy chairman, M. Soyer,"
pointing out the great benefits he bad conferred upon
the public by his enterprise and talents.
The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm.
M. Sovuß then rose amidst loud cheers, and said—lt
is with deep and heartfelt satisfaction that I rise on the
present occasion; that I thank the distinguished guests
who have this day honoured me with their presence;
that I welcome you all cordially and sincerely to the
Sympo!tiues. Still more grateful am I for your many
kind wishes for the welfare and prosperity of this gi-
gantic establishment, to which, whatever its merits, I
have devoted -by best abilities. That those wishes will
be realised Ido not for my part one moment doubt. My
endeavours in the gastronomic art have been for
adopted
olong
a period so highly patronised in England, my
country, that I am sure that patronage will not cease to
be bestowed now that.' have engaged in more extended
operations—now that like Caesar I have crossed the Ru-
bicon, and unfurled the banner of gastronomy, not only to
a notion, but to a world. Gentlemen, looking around this
festive board, I feel how inadequate it will be to ex-
press my feelings. This however, I can say,'that were
the Symposium to last a century, it would be many, many
years ere it would behold so brilliant and so fairy-like a
scene as this—ere it would see gathered together in this
baronial hall so magnificent an assemblage of the talent
and the genius of all nations.—(gear, hear.) And to
whom are we indebted for the opportunity and the great
Undertaking which so deeply influences the fortunes of
the Symposium, and as indistinctly brought about this
glittering meeting, but to that calmly wise and un-
affectedly beneficent Prince the worthy mate of
Royalty—his Royal Highness Prince Albert.—(Cheer,,s;)
But for that Great Exhibition, which now so Pr
s'oYt
raises its crystal head beneath his auspices, we 0,00- many
have expected to see assembled here to-del
d representa-
distinguished individuals--so many talenotemany sinews
tives of the mighty empire of intellect—so °the arts, and of
Of the great engines of the press, of
together not only
eenot
ceme nes: atuthoi
eot
inrosn loyf
artistic,di se science. The year 1851 has breitigh
samples of the industr(c,hbeuetran)_ob
talent of all nations—
• Lehei'rigorcni:er'tteeci; hearts full ef
tinguished by their literary,
but also by their social quoin:
..at
to
seethe
that genial cordiality and true y 8 silts
universe.friendshi which
will throw its glitterinogneoramyosrea,
anodveira
conclusion
sank mug entlemen,
thank yo for your kindness, and entreat you to believe
that to, whatever length Providence may extend my span
of life, this day will always be engraven upon my heart,
will always prompt me to fresh endeavours, and stimu-
late.me to still greater perseverance in what I may term
&gm.; social reform movement, the amelioration 'of_ the