The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-06-28


which for three quarters Of century has kept fast
hold Of the public favor, through all the varying
changes Of fashion and popular caprice produ ,ed
last night at this house to Of the largest audiences
that has yet been assembled within its walls. The
theatre was literally crammed from top to bottom, and
hundreds went away disappointed Of seats. A more
brilliant and imposing coup doll than the scene pre-.
seDted 1t is impossible to conceive
There few regular opera goers who not &C.
quanted with the history, as well as with the music
Of this piece It composed for the Opera at Prague
and performed for the frst time in that city in
1857. The motive for its production there was,
curious 10 say, the notion entertained By the
composer that the refined and intellectual character
Of its music would not be appreciated at Vienna TIE
conclusion would seem to have bean warranted by the
fact that at Rome 1t dill not fully succeed. Pos
teriy has however rendered full justice to this master
y production In the whole rapge of the lyrical drams
there opera which has attained such universal and
enduring popularity It's repetition commanding, wher
fine music is appreciated, larger audiences than
can be drawn together by any other piece.
There are two recent circumstances connected
with the history Of this work, which enhance the in
tsIest attaching t, it. The first English version of it
that produced, from the pen Of poor Bishop,
wbo after long and eminent professional career late
y died in London In circumstances of absolute indulgence
His adaptation, though had Temporary success was,
from its worthlessness consigned to oblivion.
better version hn the last few years produced
At the Princess theatre, and this has since main
tanned its place on the English stage.
Lsst month the original piece revived with great
scfdt at Covent Garden theatre the veteran Tambura
who has been considered the best Don Juan that
has been within the memory Of the genera
ton, having been called from his retirement to sustain
the part The representation OF great interest,"
and caused small excitement Every curious
to how the old gallant would impersonate again his
youthful follies So far goody presence and high
spirts could CO. there the Giovanni Of former times;
but the voice, upon whose tones many delighted
listeners had dwet, longer to be heard. St the
loss in degree by the pleasure
which the audience felt in welcoming back again to the
stage old favorte and by the combined attraction
Of the splendid talents Of Bosio, Mario and Labache
cast for piece such So Is rarely witnessed.
Tie cas-. of the opera last night, although 1t did
include such world renowned regulations those
have just mentioned, was yet the most effective that
has ever been seen in this country. With Lagrange
Zerlina, Rosa Devries Donna Anna, Siedenberg as
Donna Elvirs, Moreli Don Juan, Nitrate Don Otta
VIC, and Revere Leporello we justified In saying
that opera could be put upon stage with stronger
elements Of That Lagrange should sing the
airs Of her role to perfection to be expected from
this accomplished artist but that she should act the
Iait WIN 90 mum nhtural BraCo anu eXpresbl0u We
were not repared for The impression which at first
prevailed that her histronic far below her vocal
talents has been gradually giving way before the
questionable ability which she has displayed in this way
in come of her later roles Her 'Batti, battp' and
"vedrsi Csrino' were beth beautifully given, and
crew down thupders of applause. Mrates DON Otavio
aboua it would not bear comparison with that of Ma
RIO yet very finely rendered. His IL milo esoro was
given with tenderness and exp ,sise finish that fell
little short OF the in which it suog by that
exest artist. or the other characters have only
space to say a few words. The Dona Anua OF Madame
Devries like every thing she does-sn extremely
eitabe performance. Sedenberg's Elvrs correct In
e1preesoD, but not effective. The Leporello of Ro
cspts,ly mpersonated, and kept the house In
continual merriment. or signor Guilios Masetto
have 10 report favorabIy for 6rst appearance.
Tie opera only be repeated once more as the en-.
gogemen Of the troupe is its close This is to be
regretted for the sake of the maDag well ~ OF
the public for feel assured that the piece would
probably for at least fortnight What can't be
died. however must be endured These specuationsrs-
quire experience aud foresight to indicate exactly when
and where TO hit the public taste. Had the Chevaer
WitoT had the management OF this admirable troupe
there would neither have been failures to time nor
Iniscacplations ~ % chances, such - have wit
messed this week.