The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-11-08

WNnOut comparing Academy cast that oil D-Cry
lane tho French Opera, still believe that in
respects artists we're quite equal to the expression Of
the composers thoughts The spectacle was probably
brilliant than that at Drury Lane but for various
reasons equal to that of the Ruo Iepeetere. Hero
the ballet, which especially successful in Paris
cessary omitted. except the lively Taranea of the first
act THO whole OPERA with the ballet, would occupy
much as FIVE hours in the performance 1t would be idle
assert also that tho administration Of the stage here
could be compared 10 the artistic way which every piece
is mounted in Paris.
Considering the Of the management here tho
mounting and distribution OF tho 'svcspers very
credtabe, and far beyond any previous attempt at
Academy.
As to the opera itself The story very interesting and
exceedingly dramatic. So far involved the incidents,
that the hbrets only escapes several antcmaxes by
the most remarkable dcxtcrity Tho very familiar
historical incident has been strengthened with
love passage between the tenor and the soprano,
and conflict between the affection Of the former
for the latter, and the Rlial love which he to
his father, who only succeeds in being ac1now-
enemy Of the state The dnoueaent is unsatisfactory,
for after the lovers have surmounted all sorts Of difficult
ties and are TO enjoy the fruion Of their hopes they are
French, and their wedding bells give the signal for hcr
death
The music OF the earlier part Of tho opera exceedingly
good II illustrates the grumblng discomfort of tho Sici
lans with marked contrast 70 the volatility and guyey Of
nifty for tho exercise q his genius and makes tho fullest
use OF it, nsw period in the drama Is marked By tho
arrival Of D Procida and his endeavor
throw the French rule This strner part OF the opera
relieved by the sympathetic music for the tenor and
prano both of whom have solos, which are in the best
The opera has been rearranged by Sgnor Muzo, and
what shortened All the salient points however,
hearing. s American rendering would be Satisfactory
TO the composer hmef who would BIO tho stcrncst
itc The music has not 50 many Of those strong points
which strike the public at the Trovatorop and
the sIraylata" but IN form and harmonic colorn is
far more deliberately constructed than either OF those
| works
In the first act there is fine aria for the soprano for the
ardante OF which Nine. Colson added cabaleta from
exqusteiy as TO be twice recalled There is also noble
bass ar In this act and well constructed finale wherein
the nuerings Of tie sc;ans arc contrastcd with lively
chorus after tho barcaroo fashion by the French who
in brilliantly illuminated barge, cross the back Of the
tase on The way TO M while in the foreground tho
soldiers Of the usper, who have Just broken up their
| Festivities.
in the econ! aot thcrc Is good duet FOR tho tenor a
baritone which was weS sung, and was very warmly ro
ccved by the audience. The second and final scene Of
ths act takes place IN brilliantly Illuminated hall,
ard very finely painted interior. The music of tho finale
very bc:sterous Blu, well written ard effectively
| dered
III the third act we find the chief nusical interest
Of the opera in the duct FOR the and soprano and
the vol marked finale which closes scene OF strong dra
matte interest The duet is most tendery aud syinpa.
moroccan OF the opera. Ii and repeated Tho
encore must have been tribute to the composer rather
than to tic artists for both Brgro and Coson sang only
moderately well, and cool as il they had been
eating post prandiai ice Tho interest the opera cu
inmates with the end Of the third Tho CHIEF feature
OF the last act is the well known Bolero sum- by the
soprano and already made familiar TO the public il scores
| u concert Tcouls.
The singing OF the opera was hardly equal TO the repi-
tation Of the principal artists engaged in H. Pehap the
natural nervousness almost nsoparabe from first rcr
| Torrance OF great work may have prevented the
singers from displaying their full powers but in any
event we eypec. better things from Nine Cuson and
Erignoh. Icrr and Jurca better than the others
indeed Ierti was exceedingly good. The orchestra and
chorus GonsGeraby strengthened, very good and
or Mnzo the conductor deserves much credit for tho
Hdety ard tact with which he bas discharged his duty
tho composer. TIL scenery very fine the costlnes
and general appointments OF the stage exceedingly rich
and elegant.
AZ o whether not this opera will have a ncrmaneat
there is wido difference of opinion It
is work which canno. DO judged properly unit; il has
boom performed several tines Ibs general opinion Of
the auGicrCe Inst nghtand easily pleased
highly favorable, and the house was more cordial
than Is usual the ilrst night of opera. Oar
people proyorbally slow Ia masrg Up tfeir minds
about art matters. II is quite certain, however that the
Vespers' is OF Verds very finest works. and that
i should, rs II probably WILL command fatering
cess.
Tho new ouera will DO gwen "Wednesday and friday
evenings OF THIS week