The Sun.
London, England, 1858-06-07 00:00:00

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

The fine opera, " Barbiere di Siviglia," which
ranks as prominently in the productions of Rossini
as " Don Giovanni" does in the works of Mozart,
was produced at this theatre last Saturday, for the
first time this season, with a cast that was well
calculated to win the applause and the admiration
evoked. Mario's Airriaviva is unquestionably the
finest on the opera stage ; and on this occasion he
sang with even more than his accustomed excel-
lence, giving the exquisite music of the part with
the flowing purity and careful finish which emi-
nently distinguish this artist. The beautiful air
" EC3O ridente it cello" was most effectively and
tenderly sang, and the duets with Ronconi were
enthusiastically received. The Bartholo of Zelger,
though earnestly studied and well sung could not
dissipate the remembrance of the " rich and rare"
vocal giant, Lablache, whose racy humour,
magnificent voice and genuine cordiality
not only with his part, but with his audience—
have left a role in ,the " Doctor " which
we must be content to see rendered rather as
a shadowy sketch than as a full-toned picture.
Madame Bosio is aspirited Bosina, and interpreted
the music in a very charming and animated man-
ner, though her natural organ is somewhat too
vivid and high in tone to be thoroughly suited to
the part. The Figaro of Ronconi is most admi-
rable. His, humour, vivacity, and activity give
great zest to the character, and constitute him one
undertook the part of
of the best and most mercurial "Barbers" we have
ever seen. TagliaUco
Basilico in place of Herr Formes ; and proved a
vt-ry safe arid acceptable substitute. The whole
opera was mos carefully
and correctly put upon
t
the stage and yielded intense pleasure to a brilliant
and • crowded audience.

Her MajeAty an.7luite honoured the perform-
ance with their presence, and among the visitors
were numbered—

The Duke and Duchess of Hamilton (nee Princess
Mary of Baden), the Duke of Wellington and Lady
Julia Hay, the Duke of Rutland, the Duchess of Mon-
trose, the Duchess of Richmond and Lady Cecilia Gor-
don Lennox, the Marquis of Hartington, the Countess of
Kinnoull, the E trl of Gifford, the Earl of Lucan, the
Earl and Countess of Bentive, the Earl and Countess of
Bessborough and Lady Kathleen Ponsonby, the Eail of
Lonsdale, the Earl of Coventry, the Countess of Clare,
Lord H. Gordon Lennox, M.P., Lord George Gordon
Lennox, Viscount Exmouth, Viscount Ranelagb, Lady
Elizabeth Bulteel and the Hon. Miss Bulteel, Lord and
Lady Southampton,, Lord and Lady Churchill, Lady
Georgina C Klrington and Lady Rose Lovell, Lord
Alfred Paget L7rd,Witarnoliffe, Lord A. Vane Tem-
pest, 3,1. P., Liy Dafferiu, Lady Anne Sherson and
Captain Sherson, Lord and Lady Arthur Leunox and
Miss Lennox, L idy Farquhar, Lady Pigott, Lady
Elinor Cavendish and Mr. F. Cavendish, Lady Pan-
inure and Mr. Power, Hon. Capt. Vivian, Hon. Capt.
Fermor, the Hon. Misses Blake, the Hon. Mrs. Charles
Cust, Sir G. Armytage, Lady Lawley, Sir William de
Bathe, Sir R. Crowder, Sir Akx. Bannerman, Sir L.
Pilkington, Sir R. Vivian, Sir J. Lowther, Sir H. Cot-
terell, Sir Burton and Lady M'Naruara, Col. B. Knox,
/vI.P., Meyrick, Col. Minchin, Cal. Airey, Major
Gage, Major Sykes, Capt. Clayton, Capt. Gordon, Cap-
tain Leyland, Mr. Bulteel, Mr. Wickham, M.P., Mr.
G. Towline, M.P., Mr. Norbury, Mr. E wart, M.P.,
Mr. R. Palmer, M.P Mr. and Mrs. Cogblan, Mr. H.
Webster, Mr. Woodford, Mr. G. Knox, Mrs. IL Vll-
lebois, Mrs. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Petre, Mr. Bidwell,
Mr. Lane Fox, Mr. and Mrs, Vardon, Mr. Antrobus,
Mr. Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Smith, Mr, Vane
Mr. Des Vceux, Mrs. Duff, &c.