The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-22

One Of the very best OF Mozarvs operas an the
svorte Of al OF them with the composer himself g. Tue
Magic Flute" given last evening" for the nrst time
here to crowded house. was the worry last operate
work Of tho great master, who for the Vienna
Opera House, but only able conduct tho orchestra
during the first nine ten representations He then
seized with the illness which terminated his life In the
morning Of glorious When the opera per-
formed and he unable 70 60 TO the theatre Mozart
would sit at home, with his watch in his hand marking
the progress Of his work-his latest and best beloved
child.
Az this opera is almost unknown in this country,
give tho argument from the bretto and also the full dis
Gibut,on, as performed at the Academy
This romantic effort Of the imagination Ia founded en-
circumstances attached 70 tho mysterious rites Of Isis,
which formed part Of the religion OF tho Egyptians,
constancy required their initiation into these
hgous ceremonies Tamina, Egyptian prince, becomes
snsmored o. famina Inc asagh:e, Of Astriaamonte the
mother by SATastTo High Priest OF Isis In doing this he
had bcen acuatcd Dy no ohcr motive than that Of pre-
serving her from tho evil example Of her parents Of
training her up in the paths Of virtue, and initiating her
into the study and pursuit OF truth In the temple or isis
Tanina also becomes novitiae in these mysteries,
himself from the object Of his affections, who, like
himself, 10 subjected 70 the most trying proofs Of
seeks 70 avenge herself upon Sarastro for The
loss OF her daughter, and endeavors TO withdraw Pamna
i.Om the pursuit upon which abe has entered p. her
lovers are brought ogether every object gives way
their courage and perseverance; the veil q doubt and
Perpexity is removed the srssgems Of Tho Queen Of
Night arc defective, ana tho two lovers are Justly ro
wnrded by an honorable and happy union. The magic
nut ss given 70 famine By bis protecting ssn IN order
tho wes OF his adversares and the Objects produced by
the agency arefo Of interest Parageno the bu Of the
more serious scenes Of the DRAMA no IS also put pos
session Of musical instrument the sound Of which, by
constantly turning anger into mirth, relieves him from
many whimsical difficulties, and forms striking contrast
TO tho graver operations OF the Zauberfiote.
The ''cast" last night foows:-
Astrfanmansc, Queen of Night, the emo.
pamns daughter Of ams %%s szan,Sa
An old woman, who afterwards becomes
1ampo an Egyptian Prince enamored Of ne s'rak0s'h
papascno bird catcher Sig .I FSrri
safastro, High Priest Of Isis. ........... Sig. Junca
Egle:...- Attendants -. Nine Won Bsrkol.
Iperethusa 80 Queen Of Night, Nine Mora.
The music OF this opera is Of the well known school Of
the composer, and we can give better and briefer
idea of it to the popular mind than say that it recalls
"Don Giovanni at every step. The devotees Of "cass
cali music find Of their strongest arguments against
Verdi in the fact that he often repeats himself Mozart
their exemplar not only repeats IDEAS but actual orrs
Of composition. is tooate in the day. however, to go
into minute analysis Of the "Magc Flute" We arc
only too thankful for novelty, and do no,
purpose to enter upon the question what aud what's
not classical and legitimate Ia music. The Magic Flute
has many choice mort0u its fantastical plot affords
excellent opportunity for the display Of fine scenery
handsome dresses its ch0ruses breathe the pure spirit
MASTER and its orchestral accompaniment isdintngush
cd by the elaborate symphonic richness INSTRUMENTATION
in which Mozart stands far above all the other COM
poserS.
The managers of the Academy have given this opera in
la Thno rfisfa fhaa Rf
were all in prime condition Junca was suffering from
ndsposon, but rather than disappont the public
he his role and, under the circumstances very
good.
Gazzaniga and Coson were very in their roles
the tenor Stgel improved upon the favorable impression
which he had already made here. All the small parts
were exceedingly we'll sung and for tho first time this
season chorus received the honor Of positive
The mise scene very fine, and the whole perform
ance an exceedingly satisfactory one
This evening the Poliuto' will be given at the AGA
deny, with Albertni and Beaucarde The stMngc Flute"
win De repcc-a ON Wednesday and Friday. On Thurs
day Miss A. Patti Sgnor Brgnoh and Ferri will sing in
Lncia there will be quito enough Of opera TO satisfy
the most ardent habttue.