The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-28
THE OPERA.


In delineating the graver emotions of the mind
and the stronger and more tumultuous passions of
human nature, it is acknowledged by critics gem
orally that Donizetti excels. This is to be re-
marked in his Lucrezia Borga, his Lucia and other
operas of that class, among which we must rank
his IL Poliuto or the Martyrs. 1t is one of the Ia
test efforts of the composer, and the libretto, by
Scribe, is founded upon Comedies tragedy of Po-
tyeuee. The literary part of the work, therefore,
rises high above the ordinary efforts ofbretto wri-
tiers, and the music in the same proportion advan-
ces in dignity. The overture is elaborate
and reminds one of some of the best
models of Rossn The opening is good,
and was excellenty given last night. Next
followed duo between Poliuto and Nearchus, and
aria by the former of exquisite character, which
was artistically rendered by Stige After this
and Just before the introducing Paulina,
MADAME Colson,) there was delicious moroccan
for clarionet, which was really a feature of the
evening The succeeding aria for soprano, All Egli
Fira, was produced in Madame Colson's best style.
She threw into it all the wealth of her luscious
voice, and received at the close umuluous encore
from the gratified audience. The act ends with
the triumphal entry of the Proconsul Sereras,
(Amodio,) and cayatina of large style, which was
capitally given by Amodio.
The second act opened with duo which was sue
ceeded by the grand solo for tenor, which opens
in recitative and ends with a beautiful andante.-
dramatic of the most elaborate and ex-
pressive character followed, in which Madame
Colson had ample opportunity of fully displaying
her glorious voice and great hstrienc powers
The finale of this act is master piece, and will
compare favorably with the 'dagger chorus of
| the Hugnenots, or the "Caro Magno'' of Ernani
The third act is with great propriety the best,
and the climax is naturally reached. The dramat-
ic coloring is at once noble and brilliant, and in
the blending of Pagan cries with Christian prayers
one recognizes the hand of master.
Altogether the production of this Opera was at
| tended with great success. Madame Colson, Sti-
gelli and Amodio never appeared to better advan-
tage, and the orchestra and chorus were in unusual
| ly excellent training The mise was admi.
rabe, and the whole piece was as well presented as
| was possible under the circumstances We heard
| throughout the audience only expression of com.
pIete satisfaction and hope that Poliuto has not
been heard for the last time. The religious idea is
well preserved throughout the entire piece, and the
| most noble sacred themes are interviewer from the
overture to the grand finale
| Preceding the finale, Madame Colson sang an air
so magnifcently, that the audience could not be
satisfied until for the third time she repeated it.
This strain was then taken up by the chorus, and
with this the per formance ended. The enthusiasm
at the close unbounded, and the principal
singers were called before the curtain amid absolute
shouts of applause.
| For tonight Flotow's charming opera of Martha
is announced, with Miss Patti, Brignoli and Junca
|