The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-27

ITALIAN OfERA--Fmsr NIolEr OF LUCIA pI
LAMMERMooR Last evening, the Italian troupe
gave the first representation OF "Lucia di Lammer-
moor" before one of the most crowded, fashiona-
bic, elegant and enthusiastic audiences that we
ever saw assembled in New York. The protusion
of splendid women in most splendid dresses was
never surpassed. The troupe exerted themselves
with ordinary skill and success. All acquitted
themselves well-Valtellina, Perozz-but partlcu-
larly did the beautiful Borghese, bring down storms
OF applause, braves and bouquets. She never look
ed better, sang better or acted with finer spirit and
expression. Her costume was quite picturesque
and Scottish and said to have been invent
ed and prepared by new modistc fresh from
the Partisan world of fashion, whose name is
Madame LIE Brun. The audiences of the Opera
seem to increase in beauty, numbers and splendor,
every succeeding night. 1t is now said that such
is the rage for this refined amusement that private
balls and sorees are comparatively deserted by the
elite and fashionable
Mozart was sent from Pontius to Pilatus with
his incompatible Don Juan, and was at last
obliged to accept the offer of the proyinci theatre
at Prague. Belisario, and even the Puritana, did
not everywhere meet with the same enthusiastic
reception as In Paris, London, and Naples In
Vienna and Milan, tor instance, they were no
great favorltes da cap0, and have been received
not coldly, at least cooy, during their first season
Belisario, particularly, has perhaps made as many
faschi fi1ior, but Lucia walked everywhere
triumphantly before the footights During three
four years. it was the season Opera in Italy, and
has even now firm place in the London and Pa
risian theatres. This is one OF the anomalies
which are frequently to be found in all works Of
fashion, for the Puritani is much more superior to
Lucia than Lucia is to Belisaro, although the airs
| of the latter Opera are more insinuating. But
Lucia has more soul, and possesses the advantage
of careful, although not very original instrument
| tation. When Donizetti wrote Beisario he must
have been in extremely good spirits, to produce
work where one melody treads upon the heels OF
another; but he thought more when he. composed
Lucia, which is universally &C acknowledged to be
his best tragic Opera up to that time, not even Anna
Boena excepted. It was first produced in 1885,
at the Pergola, in Florence, by Tacchnardi, now
Madame Persian, Duprez, the present Tenor OF
the Partisan French Opera and If we are re- not , mis-
| teacher, or teaching lover OF Adelaide Kembie,
now Countess Of something.
| The beauties are very numerous, and all tell
we name the delicious Duet of the first act SisLl
| ton,ba di milo padre, the moderate movement OF
which is only surpassed by the enchanting sim.
plicity of the alcgretto
Ver,ano a ,e suH aura
| Imiei ardeni sospiri
Udrai IL mar che marmora &C."
is written in triple time, generally all the gems
of this opera are, and is embroidered upon very
|
mirably sung by Borghese and Perozzi, although
the second part was given little too loud. The
second act, and the sreto, which forms part of 1t,
| is one of the composers best inspirations; it il
long, bu, it has no onguews like the first finale oil
! the Puritan, and is written after the usual pattern
of modern ,norceauI denssmbk only that lied of
by the bass instead OF the soprano 1t can truly be-
called grand composition, with very brilliant but
not noisy Instrumentation, and oh mrac,sl0 ,niracu
| forum There is characteristic connexiOn be-
tween the words and the music. circumstance
Italian air upon which you could as easily sing
love you as hate you" as easily cry as laugh The
effective passage, (sung by Perozzi, in excellent
style,)
is alone worth ten other inales and it is no
wonder that it is as great favorte with the
| singer as with the public. 1t Is really OF an un.
| commonly thrilling and exciting complexion; and
nance set off by his dark cloak-the universal con
sternaon-the icy question, "Son tue ci6re? "-
| the heart-rendng ST OF Lucia-will move the most
apathique spectator. This scene was rapturously
applauded, and an encore demanded, but the per.
| formers appeared too fatigued to comply with the
| wishes of the audience.
Nor is the closing scane Of the third act less pow
erfn independent OF Its aording, even TO an !ndii-
ferent singer, opportunity OF shining. This air
| is beautifully introduced with an extremely touch
ing horn accompaniment, and its pathos is contlnu-
| ally processing from the glorious
Che a do spegasi Pai
Oh, bell, alma inmamorata,
| till it reaches its climax with the hero's death. In
| this combination OF excellent hnales we find
the principal, if not the only reason, OF the univer-
| sal success of the opera the less brilliant pieces
being very ngeniously hidden in the middle, and
serving as foil to the gems. The whole work is.
moreover, rendered accessible to provincial the
| aires, because it requires only one prma donna,
| tenor and bass singer, and each OF them has ONT
or two airs, besides the numerous duets. Ii 1t has
fault it consists in the absence OF trlos and quar-
tettos.
Il. IL. 80,
far-famed excellence, and Mr. Rapetti gathered
fresh laures with his admirable violin solo. The
chorusses were better than usual. There appears
to be some change in the tenors. The scenery ~
the last act, representing church-yard was much
and deservedly applauded.
| Apropos des boftes-Whie the subject OF
the Italian Opera, we may as well give the follow
| ing communication, sent us by Signor Antognini,
in reply to an attack upon his character as gen
tleman, which appeared in Sunday paper OF the
|" cheap and nasty" order. Here 1t is -
| New YoRK, Feb. 26, 1914.
J. G. BENNETT. ESQ.
take the liberty Of sending you copy of note just
written by me to the Editors Of the Sunday Times and
their next Sheet have been given to understand by
the person saw at their Office. AS that paper does
appear however until next Sunday, pray you to allow
my few lines to be laid before the public through the
columns of your Herald also enclose the article pub
lished in said paper which has forced me to make this
publicity. With much respect,
have the honor to be your obedent servant,
| ClRILLO ANTOGNINL
NEW YonK, Feb. %, 1914.
"MEssRs. EpIToRs:
among those who patronse the opera, speculation il
rife to the and propriey Of publishing Sgniof
Antognini primd in the bills when he has not
peared in the house Except in the capacity of doorkeep
cry since its opening Neither Messrs Editors is he like
ly to make his bow from those boards having lost his
entirely. am told he receives $50 each night from
Mr. Pamo for watching the entrances and promenading
through the Hobbies much to the annoy Of those who
pass in and out. Permit me, through your columns to
|
| and his person from the front of the house.
| "Yours respectfully,
| "CoNNonEuR.
"Our friend gConnoiseur' makes important thing Of
little II Mr. Palmo is disposed to pay this high
price to Sig. Antoguin for doing just-nohng, it is not
our province to find fault with him. We give the com
municaton place to please the writer, who is gentle
man of tact and discrimination"
| New YoRx, Feb &c, is4A
MysSPs. EpToRs.-