The Sun.
London, England, 1857-10-23 00:00:00

{PRIOR 40. STAMPED 51).]

THE ITALIAN OPERA.

(Prom the .Dublin Freeman", Journal of October 21.)
Donizetti's opera buffs. of " Don Pasquale" was
produced yesterday evening in a style which we are
sure every candid and experienced judge of musical
art and performance, who happened to be present,
will admit to have been excEreet in the ensemble,
especially on taking into co,,sidera 'ion t true
comic genius and inimitable grace which marked the
awing of La Piccolomini in the character of Nerina.
We have witnessed the performance of many gifted
and eminent Prima Donnas of Italian opera in this
part, but never, never have we seen the ide sl cdn-
ception of the young Norina, the bride of a day, the
dearly won and gladly got rid of sposa of the hap-
less Don Pasquale more admirably personated than
on last evening, by this fascinating artiste. Her
opening solo in the first act, " So auch Io," was
sweetly sung, but as we thought somewhat care-
lessly. But in the second act her ac.iug and sing-
ing were exquisite. She made the most of her
delightful little voice, but words can scarcely do
justice to the playful archness and irresistible tra-
casserie of her acting in the courtship scene with the
old Don. Her affected timidity and simulated coy-
ness contrasting with her side whispers to her lover
Ernesto, and her wicked glances of intelligence
towards the arch-rogue Malatesta, were splendid
bits of acting. The act wherein Don Pasquale is
so cruelly persecuted by the whims of his supposed
wife and the scene of the final denouement were
fraught with -rich amusement. La Piccolomini sang
her solo parts in this opera with all her usual sweet-
ness and expression. Signor Belletti, asDoctorMsla -
testa, evinced his well known tact and vocal ability.
His opening solo, "Bella Siccome," was finelygiven.
TheErnestoOf Luchtsiavas a pleaainglyacted charac-
ter. We cannot be expected to feel dqeply impressed
with his solo singing in this piece aft-sr having heard
those bits of music sung by so many renowned artistes.
He watt encored in the serenade " Crime e goad,"
and he sustained his part in Vie delightful duetto
" Tournami a dir" very ereclit.ib!y. The finest
thing in the opera was ti.e celebrated planet e
"E ttimasto," which w-is rendered with ma,niticet, t •
effect by Madlle. Piccol omini, ignor Belletti, Sig-
nor Luchesi, and Signor Rossi. The latter per-
former, as Don Pasquale, evinced a high degree of
comic talent, and reminded us of Signor Rovere in
the same character. The quartet e was rapturously
encored. In all the oper I. went off very smoothly
and effectively. Madame Piccolomini was led forth
after the fall of the curtain, and loudly cheered.
Bouquets in profusion were flung at her feet. The
performances of the evening concluded with the
last act of _La .Favourita_in which Sig,, or Giuglini
and Madame, -Spezzia sustained the leading parts.
Signor Giuglini gaVe the magnificent aria "Spirit°
gentil" in masterly style, and Madsme Spezzia in-
terpreted the soprano, music of the last scene with
thrilling effect. The grand duetto in the last scene
was rapturously applauded. Signor Vialeiti sang
the basso musie of his part of Baldassare with t ,ste
and judgment. Bellini's opera of "I Puritani" is
announced for presentation this evening with a
powerful cast of characters.

. LA PICCOLOMINL
'Tis not her peerless voice alone
Can fling such spells around,
Although there breathes in every tone
The soul of sweetest sound ; •
'Tis not the beaming of thus eyes,
So full of lustrous light,
That nearer than her native skies
There's nothing half to bright ;
'Tie not that o'er her sweet young face
Such joyous radiance plays,
Or that her form such matchless grace
In every act displays ;
'Tis not the magic of her smile,
So ar.less, arch, nn,l bright,
Soft, sunny, realpfree from guile,
And dimpling with delight ;
What is this wondrous power of her's?
Where cloth the secret dwell,
That can from countless worshippers
Such homage deep compel ?
A thousand charms of earth combined
Could ne'er our hearts enthral,
Without the magic of the mind, ,
Genius ; the pearl of all.
Artless—with so mach skill of art—
Each word, and look, and move,
Spring from a deep inspired heart—
We see, hear, worship, love.
Dublin, 15th October, 1857. W. J. C.