The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-11-20
F,ou a. Ns.o York Amsrican.
From hAs NsW f0FA 1fFI I''1'''
FIRST NIGHT OF "FIDELIo" IN AMERICA.

FIRST NIGHT OF aFIDELIo" IN AMERICA.
FIpELIo.-THE DaAMA.-The august shade
Of Beethoven received last evening magnih-
cent welcome in the metropolis VI The New
World and the enthusiasm excited by flde-
liz while il cannot increase his glory whose
measure is full, must rebound 10 the honor oil
he audience, who felt and acknowledged his
mower. Yes, Fidelio triumphed-and The
victory was not only over public sentiment, but
alike over the traditions OF the past and the
established mode of musical taste over The
memory of the gay modern opera, with It's
arias and cantilsnas carved To fit the vocal
powers of prime donne, and the habit which
that opera has engendered, of expecting ~
ric, like necklace, to consist OF pearls strung
on a slender thread, instead of jewels firmly
bound by the golden and inseparable links oi
harmony.
Ii was strange to watch the mode in which
this musical drama calmly and malesticaliy
enchanted its new admirers. IL was pro-
cess full of dignity. No smiling Star sought
TO capiivate you with mereiricious airs ana
graces, no grand duo, or brarud solo, redeem
ed this or that scene. or act Slowly and 81
ant-like, the austere spirit Of the old Master
wrought upon his hearers until they entrust-
ed him with their souls, and yielded to the
emotions he chose TO command. Oh you
may give your spirits up to him feariessly
He will transport you to other worlds, and IN.
fuse thousand strange and thrilling sensa-
tions--will cradle you in his arms until, IN
admiration Of his strength, you forget how
powerless you.are, and when he had poured
those notes INTO your ear, and you are filled
with uemblings, as of golden wires half con-
scious Of their own thrilling-he leaves you
petrified, enchanted--n silent dream, when
even the echoes have subsidized.
Hush the overture is his voice. He
bids you prepare TO listen TO lay OF love and
hate, of woman's devotion, and OF mans re-
venge, with such episodes as real life furnish
es-unaided by art or fancy. There is no Ia
mieis voce-for the tempter is not near but
dwells in the depths where, from time to time,
you, the gentlest Of our readers, may hear him
challenging your own heart. Nor is there
gay dance as in Juan. Our drama hes in
prison--and joyous hearts are not the tenants
of its mournful walls.
The curtain rises. There is sweet lass
for jaier's daughter, and she loves not the
swain to whom her heart was half promised
until Fidelio came. Him, too, the old jailer
cherishes; for, though he arrived there poor
and friendless, his gentle air and sweet voice
have shed their light among the dungeons, and
made the fortress glad. All, Fidelio you
must wed Marcelline; and yet she feels no
treinor in your arms, as if you were man,
but loves you as brother. Poor Jacopo, thy
suit is hopeless-they are TO be married next
week.
And may be your aid, Roceo-your mask
is so rude and as you older grow, methnks
you sometimes sink undo, it.
Yes, Fidelio! but why so anxiousl'
First, that may have your confidence;
next that because love, would aid you
And do not trust you when | give you
my little .Marceiline ?-'Tis well, gentle
lad-you shall attend me in all my rounds,
save one
And that 2
Is TO the prisoner in the lowest dungeon
hush, lest the walls should hear me-who is
pining away, and soon will pine no longer
ooh, God
why that start, Fidelo p
Poor prisoner, think Of him-know you
his name 2
j do not
Oh let me 60 ,hithcr with you to to see
one SO sad -
That prisoner is Elorestano. That lad.
his wife, who, alfred in that boyish dress,
has waited patiently many day to see if her
long lost lord indeed lies in the bosom of
these dungeons. Her face is full Of soul, and
her voice of melody. She has won our
hearts, as well as the jailer's and Marcelline's.
The governor is come to inspect his trust.
and among the letters old Rocco hands him
is one that benches his face.
'The minister has heard that some are cap
tive in your fortress who do not belong there,
and is coming to take you by surprise-Be-
ware 2
'S'death-if he discover Florestano am
lost-my accused enemy must die to night
no, this very hour. Ho, there! station
one upon the watch.tower to sound blast,
should he see guarded equipage approach
ing-snd send me the jailer here
The governors visage is dark with civil
passions. Woe to the deienceless one
odd man, thou hast served me well, and
will reward thee
Thanks, noble lord
But there is one last act shall require Of
thee-and for this, thy pay shall be prncely.'
And that 7
'Hark ye-the prisoner-he whose food
thou hast diminished for month past-must
die. He was to have persisted long since, but
mercy spared him, until now when the mi
mister is at hand, who, if he find him alive, will
visit this negligence upon my head, with ruin.
You would not have me Stay him, my
lord =
No my hand shall end his days--so thou
wilt prepare his grave
1T is my duty
Please, father, let the prisoners come forth
and see the blessed sun to-day
Oh do, good Rocco! for my sake and for