The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-05
Academy or Music.

The "Huguenots' was produced last night with all the
advantages of powerful cast fine scenery, splendid
costumes and choral and instrumental arrangements OF
the first magnitude This opera has been 20 rarely per.
formed in this country that few words regard to is
history and general characteristics may be unaccep<
able TO readers.
The "IIuguenots, like oRobert lie Dable,, deyclopel
a style of composition which, until Meycrbeer's time
bu, imperccty appreciated, for the simple that
no previous composer had achieved il. Both
works may be said to have owed their birth to the domcs
tic bereavements which cast gloom the
ment OF Meycrbocrs married life and which condemned
him TO several years OF melancholy and retire
ment. From the religious impulses which, springing
from the death Of his children, prompted him the
composition Of the "stabat Mater, the "Msercre,"
and the Tc Dcum be passed naturally 10 tho conccp
ton and elaboration OF the great works which
liked his place in the foremost rank Of modern
posers. In "Robert" he struck into entirely
new vein, and unconsciously satisfied a which
had been created in the public by the crude experiments
Of others in the direction for union the highest
order Of dramatic action with the finest efforts OF melody
and harmony The of the work confirmed him
the resolution TO cultivate the grand and terrible rather
than the lighter species OF compositions la which there
were numerous competitors all more less successful Il
was only after an interval Of four years however, that
"Robcrt was followed by the "Huguenots" Although by
the public generally the latter not considered equal
its predecessor, cutvatedudges did not fail TO recognise
In as happy an effort of genius Conceived the
plan, exhibits perhaps In more eminent degree all
the qualities and defects OF its author Is principal merit
COnflfts the iOrclble
ractcrs but IN addition TO this, the composer employs all
the resources OF art matter hos mercrcious and this
luxury Of means often produces the happiest effects,
has sometimes the Inconvenience Of fagung the attention
q The audience and Of not leaving them the enjoyment OF
quiet admiration. In spite OF this fault II supcrabun
dance Of musical wealth be 20 termed the sIurc-
nots" y work Of unquestionahe gcaIus Mounted
and cast as Il last night, would be impossible 10
ner, to mind prepared for by any degree Of
uluyaion, richer, more satisfactory, a intel
lec,uai treat.
Tho great feature Of the evening was the dsbm 81 Nile
fonso, OF the Grand Opera in Paris in tho rs % yaos
tina We have rarely witnessed more complete success
Prom the beginning ~ the end ~ tho opera she
ard secured the sympathy and admiration her audience
y me hgure expressive features and pure,
mn toned voice, she could not fail command certain
amount u favor When We state that 70 these qnalnca
tons she adds dramatic powers Of very high order 10
VII be readily understood why she much esteemed
n her own country. In the duct with Marcel the
second act the accuracy u her nopaton and the proc
sion AMI elegance 81 her gave infinite satac
ton but the between her and aou at the cosc OF
the third act developed 10 their Fun extent her qualities
actress From that time until tho curtain f. every
passage drew down ihunders OF applause and the
!. w ulfa al inaeci AFTER each act, she was called
demonstrations Of favor.
sienor Tamaro, who evidently SIN suffering from
the effects 81 Illness could not, Of course render 10 tho
part 81 Raoul the degree Of force which requires sup
port efficiently Valentino OF such marked powers a.
Mile Poinsot. SUI In the grand duct IN the third act
he surprised his auditors by his Efforts 70 overcome his
ply steal difficulties and rewarded by the applause
much advantage IN the Queen night have beoa expect
% from her snowy style of singing IN tie dec,m tory
Passages she was decidedly feeble, aud her f,rrc coult
not conceal her want u physique. Amongst The male
singers there good deaf carclessness Observable
hot more particularly IN the quart between RaouI
Marcel severs and saint Iris II II necessary h. point
ont these .angs for IN pity that negligence Should
al all mar the effect 81 piece got IN al such
expcnse. The choruscs well disciplined AMI
ensetyc with single exception, that Of the Huguc.
no' soldiers ~ the commencement 81 the second act rh
should be seen TO before the next representation order
that The work may be presented perfect in all lie details
These Deficiencies apart, are bound 81 admit that
have never seen this opera produced with greater effect
Than was last night The mise admitted
a hands 20 be liner than that OF the piece a. gwen
either IN London Paris and the orchestral arrange
ments were quite a. extensive ballet b. Mile Soto and
Herr cnnsaedt added greatly 70 the attractions of this
magnificent representation.
To morrow evening tho Huguenots' will be again re-
pcated, and on Tuesday evening Nile Pccolomln takes
her benefit On this occasion n IL said 10 be the intention
of The stockholders of the Academy present the fair
bsrsfcsairs with thousand dollar bracelet