The Sun.
London, England, 1844-03-20 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

An Italian version of Herold's chef d'ceuvre, Zampa, was
produced at this theatre last evening, under certainly not the
most favourable circumstances. This is, perhaps, taken as a
whole, the most perfect opera of modern times. There is a
rich flow of original and beautiful melody throughout this
magnificent work, and this melody is supported by most
elaborately-written and scientific harmonies. The instru-
mentation is perfect. The choruses are some of the grandest
ever composed, and, if we may be permitted the expression,
the music is admirably massed throughout. The opera has
always been most popular on the Continent, but a fatality
seems to have attended all attempts at its production
in this country. Some years since it was to have
been produced at Covent• Garden, the theatre closed pre-
maturely—the compiny removed to the Olympic, and then
Zampa was produced, with, of course, but mediocre success.
The theatre was too small, and the orchestra too limited, to
do justice to Herold's chef d'ceuvre. It was announced as the
opera with which the present season was to open at her Ma-
jesty's Theatre, with Fornasari as Zampa. In consequence
of his unfortunate differences with the Paris management,
Fornsari was unable to be here at the opening of the theatre,
and Acklia was substituted for Zampa. He arrived last week,
and Zampa was announced for last night, but. Fornasari, on
his arrival, was so ill, that
.it was impossible for him to
appear; and Signor Felice, the new basso cantate, undertook
the part at a very short notice. 11ut the fatality attending
the production of Zampa did not end here. Signor Felice
was also taken ill, and the following hand-bill was distri-
buted throughout the theatre last evening, before the com-
mencement of the opera :
" HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE, TUESDAY, MARCH 19.—The
indulgence of the subscribers and the public is earnestly re-
quested in favour of Signor Felice, who has not only under-
taken the arduous part of Zampa at the shortest notice, but
is suffering from indisposition."

It was evident, from the first moment that Signor Felice
made his appearance, that he was suffering so severely from
indisposition as to stand in need of every indulgence that
could be extended towards him ; and, therefore, out of justice
to him, we shall abstain from offering any opinion as to his
qualifications until we have had an opportunity of hearing
him under more favourable circumstances. Madame Per-
siani was the Camilla, and gave the beautiful preghiera in the
first act with the most exquisite pathos_ and effect. The
duet in the second act, " Nel vedere it suo tormento"
was also most delightfully given by Madame Persiani and
Signor Coielli (whose Alphonso was admirable), and was
loudly encored. It was, in fact, the gem of the opera.
Signor F. Lablache was the Daniel Capuzzi, and the buffo
duet in the second act was admirably sung and acted by him
and Madame Bellini, who sustained the part of Reta. The
chorusses were well given,_ and the beautiful overture re-
ceived full justice at the hands of the orchestra.
The opera was admirably conducted by Signor
Costa. The mise en scene was perfect ; yet still, owing to
the manifest inefficiency of the Zampa, the opera went off
flatly. The beautiful ballet La Esmeralda, which seems to
increase in its powers of attraction every time it is repre-
sented, concluded the evening's -entertainments. The house
was crowded. ,