The Sun.
London, England, 1857-04-15 00:00:00

_HER MAJESTY'S TBEATRE.

The season commenced here last evening, with a
troupe of artistes of surpassing excellence. Shortly
after the opening of the doors for the campaign of
1857 the appearance of the house gave evi_
deuce that the present season was to be
one of unexampled prosperity. Every box and
stall was occupied, and the coup d'ceil was magnifi-
cent. The opera chosen for the inauguration of the
season was Donizetti's "La Favorita," the princi-
pal parts supported by Spezia, Giuglini, and Via_
letti. Precisely at half-past seven Signor Bonetti
entered the orchestra, and having acknowledged a
most cordial reception, the overture commenced,
and was throughout played with the greatest care
and precision. Ou Mdlle. Spezia making her first
appearance she was greeted with the most enthu-
siastic plaudits, and the first few birsof the opening
air at once convinced the audience that an artiste
great ability was before them. Former representa-
tives of the character of Leonora have been content
to sing the music of Donizetti more or less cor-
rectly—to appear in a variety of costumes, and to
act the part either not at all or as that of a mere
walking lady. They have been either unable or
afraid to sound the depths of pmsiou which
lie beneath the surface of the character, and
to represent Leonora as she really is, a being
of intense feeling, energetic will, ungOvernahle em-
pulses, but yet who loves— loves ardently, impas-
sionedly, loves as only the children of the South
can love—with allhersoul and strength. The depths
of passion have, however, been sounded by Spezia,
and her Leonora is ono of the me t wonderful
pieces of impassioned acting ever seen. Her coun-
tenance expresses each change of passion in the
most marvellous manner, and her voice is at times
choked as it were with emotion. Her opening
scene with Fernando was a delightful representa-
tion of the fondest and most impassioned love, and
then her scene when informed that Fernando is to
be her husband was superb. Never has the conflict
of passions been more artistically represented; and
in the finale to the third act, when Fein.audo bi eaks
his sword and renounces his allegiance, she seemed
the impersonation of the wildest horror and despair.
The last scene in the cloister was a perfect
triumph of att. Who could see the heart-broken
creature lietening to the voice of her lover
as he takes the monastic vows—who c uld
see her fall at his feet in abject supplication—who
could see her die in his arms without feeling for
him' and her, and cursing the King, who had been
the cause of all this misery ? We have no hesita-
tion in saying, and we feel convinced that every
person present at her Majesty's Theatre last even-
ing will agree with us, that henceforth Mdlle.
Spezia will take her position as one of the greatest
actresses in lyric tragedy that has ever appeared.
In figure she is tall and graceful, and her voice is
a soprano, of great power and sweetness, which she
manages with the art and taste of a thorough mu-
sician, and though not obtruding ornament where
it is not required, she gave quite sufficient evidence
that she possessed all the resources of a consum-
mate vocalist.

The new tenor, Giuglini, made quite a hit, and
more than sustained the high reputation which has
preceded his- appearance. His voice is exquisitely
sweet, and cultivated in the highest degree, and is
one of the most chat naing we have had the ope-
ratic stage for years. His success was perfect and
decided, and the habitues of her Majesty's Theatre
may congra ulate themselves on having a tenor of
the highest order. Beneventano, as King Alfonso,
was, as usual, er.iellent, and Signor Yialetti, who
sustained the part of Baldass ire, made a most fa-
vourable debut. When the curtain fell there were
loud calls for Spezia and Giuglini, and, before the
applause had subeided, they had to appear no less
than four timer.. Mr. Lumley was next called for,
and on his appearance he was welcomed with the
most enthusiastic applause. The National Anthem
was then sung by the whole strength of the com-
pany:with the following new verse to celebrate the
auspicious event of the day :
" May the sweet babe just born,
Like her this land adorn,
Honour'd where seen !
Peace welcomed in her birth,
Plenty on bounteous earth,
May joy gladden every hearth,
Gad says the Queen !"
In the ballet of "Esmeralda" Mdlle. Pocchini
made her first appearance.. She is a very charm-
ing danseuse, and was greatly applauded. She is
petit, lively, and graceful. M. Massot, as Pierre
Gringoire, played very neatly and well. The rest
of the parts were all ably sustained.
The royal box was occupied by his Serene High-
ness the Prince of Leiningen, the Princess of
Hohenlohe-Schillingfurst, the Princess Feodore of
Hohenlohe, and party. His Royal Highness the
Duke of Cambridge also honoured the theatre with
his presence Amongst the company were his Royal
Highness Meer Ali Moorad Khan, Talpoor Khan,
Khyerpoor Khan, and party ; his ExcAlency the
Belgian Minister and Madame Van de Weyer; his
Excellency the Sardinian Minister, the Duke of
Wellington, the Marquis of Bath, I:ird Ward anti
party, the Duke of Leeds, the Due and Duchess
of Montrose and party, the Earl of Cardigan,
Frances Countess of Waldegrave, the Earl of Stam-
ford and Warrington, the Earl of Wilton, the Earl
of Carle, the Countess Dowager of Harrington, the
Earl and Countess Mounichirles, the Count
Pahlen, tha Countess of Shaftesbury and
Lady Ash'ey, the Viscountess Palmerston,
the Viscount Exmouth, the Viscount Chelsea, Sir
Alexander Woodford, Bart., and Lady Woodford ;
Sir William Fraser, Bart. ; Mr. Lrzielli, Colonel
Lockyer Freestun, M.P., and Mrs. Lockyer Free-
stun ; Mons. H. L. Bischoffskeim, Lord Dufferin,
Sir John Lowther, Bart. ; Mr. Whitbread, Gene-
ral Sir George Bowles, Lord Grey de Witten, Mr.
Craven, Mr. and Mrs. Granby Vernon, Mr. Har-
court Vernon, M.P., and Mrs. Harcourt Vernon ;
Miss BaillieMisstarn' Col. the Hon. James Lindsly
and Lady Sarah Lindsay, Mr. Wigram, Captain
Lord Sandys, Lord Gifford, Lord Burghersb, the
Hon. S. and Miss Middleton, Lord and Lady Al-
fred Paget, Lord W. L-nnox, Hon. Julian Fane,
the Hon. Miss Witten, Rear-Admiral Bowles, Sir
Ralph Howard, Batt., M.P., an i Lady Howard ;
Sir Jelin Harrington, Bart. ; Sir P. Cautley, Sir
David Baird, Bart. ; Genera Sir Edward Bowers,
Sir Thomas Barritt Leonard, Bart., and Lady
Barritt Lennard ; Mr. Henry Hope, M.P. •, Sir
John Walehe, Bart. ; Sir John Kaye, Bart. ; Lady
Flower, the Hon. Gore Langton, Sir John Bayley,
Bart , and Lady Bayley ; Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Goden, Sir Henry Webb, Bart. ; Sir James We.r
HHoong,
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Daputanin comLbyeo,nmtrh.eHHuoi)en. rtDdeudßley
Burgh,
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Wyndham, M.P. ; Captain F. and Mrs. Sutton,
(to., dec.,