Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-04-14
The New Opera by Prince Ponintowsli-

Did he, within his own heart, hear the tune
Played by the great musician OF the world.
The New Opera by Prince Poniatowski-
First Representation oil "Pierre de Me-
dicis.',
Ofthe new opera of Pierre de Medieis, we
have already spoken, but this detailed ac-
count of its first representation and its pro-
cess are translated from a French letter,
which runs in this wise:
At the Grand Opera took place the first
performance of Pierre de Mcdieis, an opera
in four acts and seven tbleaux, words by
Messrs. St. George and Emilien Pacini, music
by Prince Poniatowski. The house was splen-
did to look at, AS it had been announced
in the bills that every place was taken in ad-
vance, the box-otfices were not even open.
The Emperor and Empress Prince Ma
poleon and the Princess Clotilde, all the
great officers Of the Crown, all the ladies of
the Court, half of the Senate, all the aristoc-
racy of Paris all the diplomacy, in fact all
that Paris regards as celebrities in letters and
in the arts were present, making the most
brilliant public that can be imagined. The
ladies were in ball dress, very much decol-
leteeS and covered with diamonds. The
theater was illumined by them. The En-
press wore q simple dress OF lace, with dia-
dem of diamonds. m
Rossini, the master of Prince Poniatowski,
and who loves him much, was not present at
the performances but be had been at the
general dress rehearsal on Wednesday last
This was the first time he had consented to
set foot in the opera for twenty-five years.
After hearing the work, the master COM
plimented the Prince and said to him, "Ah.
my friend, was more excited than you, this
evening. ---.--
Pierre de Medicis, son of Lorenzo the
Magnificent, became sovereign of the States
of Florence, Pisa, &C., in 1892, on the death
of his father. He was young prince of
dissolute habits, very cruel, and yet of weak
character. His subjects revolted against him,
and his brother, Julien de Medicis, succeeded
him. g f.l
The scene opens at Pisa. Pierre has come
thither, attracted by his loye for the fair
Laura Salylatl, niece OF the Grand lnquisitor,
Fra Antonio. Laura is in love with, and is
loved by, Julien de Medicis, the dukes
brother. The scene represents the grand
saloon of the ducal palace, on the triumphal
arrival of Pierre de Medicis. After showing
himself to bis people, he remains alone with
the Grand Inquisitor and asks him for the
hand of his niece. He sings to him,
'D'ell9 'attends son occur, do vous jattends sa
main"
and for this reward he promises the ambi-
tious monk that he, shall share his power
with him.
The scene changes to the chamber of the
Countess Laura Salviati. Her ladies ofhonor
are preparing her evening toilette. Left
alone she sings love song. Soon Julien
arrives. He tells Laura that Pierre wishes to
marry her, and he urges her to fly with him
to seek happiness in another land. She re-
sists, and the act closes with this duo.
In the second act, we are in the gardens
of the palace of the Dukes of Medicis at Pisa.
Pierre is giving a fete to the people. In the
back ground is a fountain of real water,
which obtained success of enthusiasm,
The assembled people are present; soldiers
and peasants are playing at "a game which
turns into quarrel. Knives are drawn, but
the procession which appears stops the strug-
gle and the fets begins. This tete is my.
fholopical ballet--the Loves of Diana and
Endymion. Diana, the great huntress is in
turn hunted; Love pursues her and hurls O
dart at her. Diana, wounded in the heart
loves Endymion, and shows her love to him
in a lively, animated dance. The ballet
closes and the gardens Of the city of Pisa,
suddenly illuminated, are seen. The illu-
mination is made with gas, although it was
unknown in the days of the Medicis.
During the fete, the Grand lnquisitor in
forms Pierre that his brother is his rival and
Pierre, to rid himself of Julien, appoints hin
Grand Admiral and Commander of the flee
which is to go to fight against the intidel
Laura, who learns that all is lost, consents t
fly with Julien.
In the third act we are introduced TO &
6sherman's house on the banks of the Arno
1t is here that Laura is to meet Julien. She
comes, butshe has been followed. The GranC
Inuuisitor and Pierre de Medicis hasten t.
prevent her fight. Laura formally refusei
the hand of Pierre, who exclaims: "YOu re
fuse my hand? Then be the bride ofheayenI
Nuns enter, take possession of Laura, anC
lead her away. The scene changes TO tn,
Campo Santo at night. Julien is at prayer
before his mothers tomb, when news il
brought to him that Laura has been arrested
and thrown into cloister. Julien's friends
surround him and offer 10 restore the wo
man he loves. The conspirators swear Il
conquer or die, and they hasten. away to tn
combat.
The first tableau of the fourth act shows
tavern where some soldiers are drinking
while party of young girls are dancing thu
hescone Pierre de Medicis arrives alone
pale, wounded, holding in his hand hi
broken sword. He has been deserted by his
friends in the melee: he has repented wha
he has done, and wishes TO hasten and restort
Laura to her father. Will he arrive il
timer II. et.tE
The scene changes to cloister, A process
sion of inquisitors and nuns passes. Lauri
appears in the dress of bride-the bride o
heaven. The ceremony Of taking the vel
takes place. Laura's hair falls under the sa
cred steel. Suddenly great tumult outsid
is heard. The eloister door, broken dow
by blows of axes fall 10 pieces. Pierre
Medicis, dying, enters, supported by Julien
and cries astopP He advances and restore
Laura TO his brother but the Grand lnquii
itor, pointing to Laura stops them with
gesture, saying ''she belongs TO Heaven,
Pierre expires, Julien seems paralysed wit
grief; the nuns lead off Laura, and the cur
tain falls.
The third act is richer than the two pre-
aIos IL pGss pIsess 'ns III soatsi among otbe
beautiful things o Prayer to the Virgin sung
by Laura, a trio by Pierre, Laura and FRI
Antonio, in which 0bin makes great point