The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-04

OPENING OF THE ITALIAN OPERA LAST EVENING.
Curiosity, which has been on tiptoe tor some time
past with reference TO the Italian Opera, was graft
fed last evening by the Inauguration OF the season
The theatre had very eoquette appearance, and
its simple nut graceful style was very much set OIL
by the sparkling fire from the eyes Of very ele-
CANT and fashionable galaxy OF beautiful ladies,
who granted their patronage to the new opera
house, which can be compared to pair of snowy
gloves in gilded little nutshells The highest praise
is to be given to the architect for the accuracy with
which it is built, with respect to acoustic princl-
ples-the softest whisper being equally heard in all
parts OF the rheatre--a circumstance OF inestimabe
merit in music room.
The opera 81 Puritani," by Bellni, was chosen
for the evening, and was listened to with undivided
attention, from beginning to end The words bear
a strict resemblance to all libretti's of modern
operas, the essential condition of which is to give
the heroine an opportunity of turning mad and be-
wailing her misfortunes in amentable strains; the
only difference consists in the author being an
aristocratc Count instead of belonging to plebeian
poets There is not much invention in the plot, al
can be seen from the following short synopsis.
Elvira, (Borghese,) is the daughter Of Lord
Walton, a partizan of Cromwell, and is betrothed
to Sir Ricardo, (Majocchi,) but her father being
informed Of her love to arturo, (Perozzi0 breaks
off the match with the former, and gives his con-
sent TO marriage with the lartsr. Riccardo be-
walls his fate in the air
"Ah per ssmfere 10 te per del"
and permits Arturo to fly with the wife Of Charles
the First, considering this convenient way OF get
ting rid of his rival, who is really condemned to
death by the republicans. Elvira, thinking her
future husband faithless, loses her reason, which
is described by her uncle, Sir Georgia, Valtel-
lina,) IN the romanxa
"Cinta di rosee col bel erin dis ciolto."
In the meantime Arturo makes his escape, and by
his returning restores Elvira to her right senses,
whose love, which did not "run smooth, us crown
ed through Arturo's pardon, obtained by Riccardo
at the instigation of Sir George.
The music, which is Bellini's chant de cy gme, ="
is undoubtedly his most profound composition, al
though it lacks striking airs, as Norma has. There
is notwithstanding rich fund of melody in 1t. but
which will be better appreciated after second
hearing The style is not strictly Italian, but Is ra-
Their transition to the French school, which Bel
ini studied at that time, having had the Intention
of initiating Rossini by writing for the Partisan
French Opera, which is principally visible In the
opening chorus. The Puritani is Notwithstanding
very much liked in Italy, and was several years ago
the most popular opera in Europe, where IT has
stood the test of time, being still frequently per-
formed.
The execution was very praisewOrthy, consider
ing the limited number of the company. After a
short address, delivered in Palmo's name by Mr..
Wells soliciting the patronage of the public to en-
able him to carry on his enterprise, and which the
increasing musical taste of New York will, most
likely, not deny him) the overture Of 81 Momtec-
CHI was performed with much spirit and preci.
sion, by the very excellent orchestra. II would
have been better not to add piece belonging to a
different opera, written by Bellini, when he had
hardly made his appearance. The Puritan has
only short prelsdio but it was perhaps done to
afford the orchestra an opportunity of introducing
themselves to the audience in becoming manner.
They acquitted themselves most admirably, and
can claim precedence over every other institution
in the Union.
Mile Borghese made her first appearance on the
new boards, and proved herself very sweet singer
and superior actress. Her voice is pure mezzo-
soprano, possessing much mettle in the middle and
upper notes; what it lacks in power Is amply made
up by her graceful method and good taste In her
ornaments and forituri; she appeared little ner-
vous in her first duett but recovered herself in the
beautiful polacca "Son vergin ve<Sosa," which was
enthusiastically applauded, as well her scene di
folie of the second, after which she was called out
She must be quite "heavenly jewell In como
opera; as for instance in the 'Elizxe d'amors, OF
as Rosina. She produced decidedly favorable i'm.
preston, and there is no doubt that she will be a
great favorite with all.
Signora Majocch sung the part Of Gimg'o, which
was originally written for Tamburini she hac
therefore to contend with great difficulties, anc
although she sung very we'll, necessarily deprived
the celebrated finale of the second act "Snon
Ia tro,nba ,ntrepida of an encore, which it invaria
bly, receives in Europe. 1t shows the manager tha
another bass singer is as necessary as secone
prima donna. Her first air, which ought to have
been accompanied by the harp, was much ap
pauded.
Signor Vateina looked little too smart for q
Puritan, with his red trousers; he was in very
good voice, and gave to his part very energie ex
preston, which was frequently acknowledged with
braves He makes very good stage manager.
Mr. Perozz sung his sortita,
"a to- o cara, amor talosa
Mi gui do furtiro in pianto,"
with much feeling, although he forces his voice I
little too much This is very dangerous with al
singers who sing more from the throat than from
the chest,as they are rather inclined to distonare
In the romance and in the Duet Of the third act, h
elected much applause. and strengthened the geo.
opinion Of his talents which was formed OF then
| at Niblo's
The greatest encomium isdue to Mr.. Rapetti a
leader. He presided with great modesty, and lie
his army to the battle like second Napoleon
The tempt were all correct, and the ascompan
ments much better than was anticipated.
| We will not be too overhasty in giving an opir
ion as TO the ultimate success of the Italian Opert
Much depends on the management and the choc
of operas, as Don Pasquale, PElizire, Linda, Bel
sario, and some of Rossini's older operas. A
Opera Buffa is to be strongly recommended, as tn
| I:iI;ur J,,;oc and turning m, ad will in Nh