The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-11-29

down either to the extreme good humour Of the audi
ence, to their implicit faith in the genuine nature
Of the parsonage thus for the first time presented to
their notice. Certain II is. whatever Signor Carone
did elected the heartiest laughter and this notwth
standing the fact that everything he did was wholly
unlike what we have hitherto been accustomed
to regard as funny Possibly true nationality
resistble, though it may be addressed to tribunal
that is not at all national. Signor Carrione,
nevertheless not the hero of the opera which beav
sonates. The story of il Ritorno di Columellau NAV
be traced in very few lines. Aurelo and Elisa are
mutually in love- and betrothed to each other I'M
porant business forces Aurelo to make journey to
Padua. In his absence Alberto, his brother who
also loves Elisa, FORCES letter. which il placed in
the hands Of the lady and informs her that some ir
revocable destiny has compelled Aureho the sup
posed writer, TO become the husband of another. In
despair Elisa listens to the suit of Alberto and Just as
the nuptials are about to be celebrated Aureo I'M
expectedy returns. The bereaved lover driven to dis
traction loses his senses, and is forthwith conveyed
to madh1use. Alberto, however. beholdng the
misery Of which he has been the instrument, con-
fesses the whole to Elisa, asking her forgiveness.
She will only pardon him on condition OF having
Aurelio restored to her, and this, through
Of which the Italian librcttist seems to pos
sess the secret well as the rest of the con-
fraternity is ultimately brought about Columella
("Pucinella, az bis master Familiarity calls him) s
the confidential domestic of Aurelio and is played
similar trick with regard to Serpina Elsas waiting
maid, to whom he is attached, his treacherous rival
being Stefianello the favorite servant of Alberto.
As is the case with the majority of Neapolitan ope-
ras belonging to this special class-the 'bufo" ele
ment is predominant, and gives the color to the
whole. The music Cor rather large part of it) is
by a son OF the once renowned but now forgotten
Floravant whose "Cantatrice' Villane and "Vrtuosi
Ambulanti sustained the fortunes of the Italian ope-
IA in Paris about half century since, and who
wrote about thirty operas besides to say nothing of
motes and masses for the church, very much in the
81 u M h1S dra moi In Ire Tn fJngan ctn1
work as the "Rtorno di Columella" would be to be-
stow serious attention on that which lays no claim
to it. II presents no distinguishing points to lay
hold OF, and has few If any pRtensions to be
considered as work of art. True, the nearer
is constantly reminded by snatches Of tune and
recitative Of materials that have been handled in
much more artistic manner by other composers but
these would seem to be Evolutionary phrases which
musicians of the Neapolitan school have regarded
common property, and made use OF whenever they
came conveniently TO hand. As a specimen of the
essentially popular "opera hufa, however, il is
titled to acceptance and will please from its entire
absence OF effort, and the hearty good will with
which it accomplishes its very unambtious purpose.
At any rate il is greatly superior to the kind OF
sic put forward at the Boutfes Parisiens which for
the most part does not rise above the level of ord
nary vaudeville" Moreover il is really national
and thus for the first time affords the English public
notion of the kind of entertainment that delights,
not the Neapoltan amateurs, but the Neapotan
people. The performance, on the whole very
spirited, although the performers are not all unex-
ceptionable.
PARIs.-Ffgaro says Mercadante has been at Les
1taliens, but his Giuramento' will not be perform
ed this season. Figaro also tells of a slight acct
cent TO Mile. Legran at academic, during the per-
Torrance of William Tell while dancing ia
Tyrolenne.' Her partner, NJ. Merante, carried off
Legrain, and Mile. Morande finished the dance
Rosati, the celebrated danseuse, who refused
go 600 for season al ST. Petersburg is, according
to Figaro, permanently engaged at | Academic, re-
celving 72OoO francs per annum, with congo. The
naxyyf H. AnaI lilo n,tn hoe
says Figaro, engaged for three years at $4,000
francs the first, 1000 the second and 80 900 the
third year. She is pupil of Nardot-Garcia. Figaro
also speaks Of the ravishing ballet, "Herod and
Acemer,' in connection with a benefit 10 Rosat
Cannot Sig. Cecchetti give Boston glimpse of this
exciting balletyl
Halevy's new opera, LA Magicenne" is in full
rehearsal at academic; Guyemard will be the
King; Madame Lauters, Blanche; Borgh Namo Me-
luspe. The great Bonnehee is the baritone, and
Beyal the bass, the latter accepting his part after
refusing II long time az beneath his dignity. Figa
says. too "Rossinis opera at Bouffe's Parsiens
really is not hoax, but partition entirely TO
Paris. young artist from the Conservatoire, NJ.
Duvernoy, is specially engaged for this work, he
says, and he also names those designated for the
other parts"
Figaro tells a story of celebrated lady singer
who closed very exciting discussion with a lady
musician in the orchestra during rehearsal by offering
him her fair hand, and when he bowed TO accept
that evidence OF reconciliation she gave the unfor
'unatc musician rousing blow upon the head
DEATH OF Mr.. MAcKAy-The greatest actor of
Scotland died the other day, at II years Of age in
Edinburg. MI. Mackay was famous for hts imperson-
alton Of the Scotch characters in the Waverey no
yes. particularly Of Baillie Nicol Jarvie in Rob
Roy" whom he presented To the entire satisfaction
81 sir Walter Scott, who said that lit the living
Nicol Jarvie; conceited, pragmatical cautious, ge-
nervous, proud Of his connection with Rob Roy,
frightened for him al the same time, and yet ex-
tremely DESTROYS to interfere with him an advi-
SER"