The Sun.
London, England, 1858-06-28 00:00:00

E--V-EIN I .N GI,

If further proof were needed that Madame Ristori
possesses the gift of true histrionic genius, it would
be indisputably afforded by the manner in which
she developed the meagre, bald, nerveless character
of " Ottavia," in Alfieri's play of that title, last
Friday evening. She infused power, interest, and
dignity into a part which carries little identity with
grand tragic material ; and considering that the
role is destitute of all the high qualifications of
dramatic constituents requisite for tue scope of such
talents as tho, e exhibited by Madame Ristori, the
impersonation was wonderful, though we must
frankly declare that we .hope the energy of this
great actress will not be again waited on such un-
satisfactory stuff" during her limited number of
appearances. No play ought to be tedious or dull
, with Madame Ristori for its leading feature, but we
suspeot that many of the audience on Friday even-
ing experienced a strong tendency to obey the
playful demand often made on each other by chil.
dren—that of " opening your mouth and shutting
your eyes." The tragedy was, in fact, wearisome,
and while the repertoire of the dramatic muse
yields so many characters of vital and exciting in-
terest, we shall not expect to hear of Alfieri's
" °Untie being repeated.

MISS ARABELLA GODDARD'S MATINEE
MUSICALE.

The last of these attractive performances was
given on Saturday last at Willis's Rooms, exciting,
if possible, greater admiration of the gifted
pianiste's talent than usual. Miss Goddard's exe-
cution of Schubert's " Grand Sonata in A Minor,"
for the first time in public, was perfect and en-
chanting ; combining the various and difficult ex-
pressions essential to the correct in' erpretation of
the work, with unprecedented correctness. The
delicate tenderness of the Andante movement—the
rich and sparkling vivacity of the Scherzo, and the
precision and vigour of the concluding Rondo,
were alike exquisite and truly effective ; affording
ample evidence that Miss Goddard is an art'ste
of real spiritual power, and thoroughly qualified
to fill the high position she has attained. The
variations on an " Original Air" for Tenor and
Pianoforte, in which Herr Joachim shared the
honour with the fair pianiste, was beautifully
played, and elicited marked applause, as did also
Beethoven's " Grand Sonata in A Minor," on the
same instruments. A " Quartett in E Flat," by
Dussek, was admirably rendered by Miss Goddard,
Heir Joachim, Herr Garde, and Signor Piatti.
The latter gentleman is unquestionably among
the very first performers on the violoncello, his
purity of tone and precision of instrumentation
being all that the most highly educated ear can
desire. We congratulate Miss Goddard on the
eminent success of her series of concerts, though
we experience a degree of regret at their ter-
mination.

VOCAL ASSOCIATION, ST. JAMES'S-HALL.

This talented Association will give another and last
concert at this hill onWednesday evening next, and
presents in the piogramme some items of alluring
interest to the lovers of fine music. Menclelssohn's
Hymn of Praise, "Lobgesang," will be performed,
and doubtless in a manner that will do full justice
to the composition. "Mozart's Concerto in E flat,
for the Pianoforte," will will be played by Mr. C.
an 1 11,-T •°l-`‘ i n w;11 hive b;s " Ove,tu..e
to Henry the Euuraii," iur Liao ins,
land. These attractions, with the support of Miss
Louisa Pyne, Miss Stabbach, Mr. Montem Smith,
the Vocal Association Chorus, perfect Madrigal
singing, and the cmduclurship of M. Benedict,
will warrant the issuing of a c.at d of invitation, on
which may be announced, " Apollo at Home."