The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-20
TILE 0DERd

THE OPERA.
The last night of the Opera season was of the
whole six undoubtedly the best, both regards the
audience in attendance, and the quality of the
| tertainment furnished. The management, accept
| ing scrptural hint-reServed the best of their
wine for the close Of their feast The Siclian Yes
pers given that occasion as we'll as it could
| possibly be produced in so small theatre and
upon so contracted a stage. Verdi, in this opera
composed at the express instance of the French
Emperor-has initiate Meyerbeer in the great
chorus effects in the magnificent scenic display, and
in the powerful and intricate orchestration which
be has introduced. In the Holiday Street The
atre it was simply impossible to give these and the
dimensions of the coat were necessarily governed
by the extent of the cloth. Aside from these neces
sary mperfections, the Opera capitally given,
and with spirit throughout which redeemed the
slovenly rendering of The Barber the preceding
evening. The audience seemed also inspired with
an unwonted enthusiasm, and rewarded the artistes
for their efforts by demonstrations which at
times extrayagant.
The Opera itself is the most elaborate of Verdi's
works, and, to technical expression, the most
| logical. 1t has-whch many Italian Operas have
not-a beginning, a middle, and appropriate
climax. In massiveness and grandeur. it compares
favorably with "The Huguenot8," ''Lo Jaire' and
"Le Prophetic" In the first act the noticeable fea-
lures were the Alphabetically given by Madame
Colson-"O Caruaggio Coraggio," and the
Cantabile given by Junca, Procida-"O tu Pa
termo" The latter possesses voice of noble quail
ty in its middle register, but he is deficient in his
lower tones, which lack body. The Duet between
Helena and Henri (Madame Colson and Stigelli)
was full of the most agreeable combinations, and
was deiciously rendered by these two fine artists
The closing double chorus where the "Troppo gia
tarel'o of the conspirators presented in marked
contrast with the charming barcaroe of the Vice
roys party had fine effect, but here the need of a
| large stage was most obvious.
In the second act the magnificent duo between
tenor and baritone elected encore, and the finale,
| "COlpo Orrende," was truly grand and aestic.
In the third act the duet between the soprano
and tenor excited the widest enthusiasm, and Col
son and Stigelli were recalled amid absolute shouts
of approval. This is the piece de resistance of the
| opera.
In the 4th act Madame Colson gave the bolero
! with great brilliancy, and displayed astonishing
| execution. The terZetto, with which the opera
ends, is appropriate conclusion of a noble work.
Verdi has now struck upon new style, which, if
followed up, must lead him to still higher renown.
Tine management, at urgent solicitation, have
| resolved to give US another season of six nights
next week, when new and choice succession of
operas will be produced including Martha, Der
| Freischutz, II Potiuto, &c Brigno, we are assur-
ed, is entirely recovered, and will positively
sing in the parts for which he will be announced
| As The VesperS made so decided hit, we trust
| that the management will yield to what We believe
to be the universal desire and give the opportu
nifty of hearing it second time. We believe it
viii improve upon acquaintance.
The sale of seats for the season will commence at
Willig's and Stoddarts on tomorrow morning.
| A New GOVERNMENT MEDALL1oN.-Mr. Ellis, the
medallionst of the city of New York, has recently
finished modelling design furnished by Mr..
Leutze at the order of the State Department, for
medal to be used in recognition by our govern
ment of services rendered in saving the lives of
| shipwreeked mariners. The diverse of the medal
represents sailor bearing in his arms the body of
| another sailor; beacon overhangng cliff,
| the shattered topma st of wrecked ship, and the
| waves dashing against the rock on which the group
is placed, sufficiently indicate the purposes for
| which the medal is to be used. The reverse is a
plain surface designed for the presentation nscrp
| ton.
| THE PURCHASE OF CUBA.-The Washington cor
| respondent of the New York Tribune SAYS that
there is foundation for the statement in the New
York Courier and Enquirer that Spain has agreed
to sell Cuba to the United States, or that France
has been advised to that effect. Mr.. Preston has
! never made any overture, because, when the Pre-
sident recommended the purchase to- Congress- the
Spanish Government officially announced that any
such proposition would be regarded as an interna-
tional affront, after its decided refusals.
Mr.. Observation-Disclosures the Indictment
weather, Mr.. Murdoch was received, last night, at
the Holiday Street Theatre by quite good house.
and it is needless to say that he delighted all his
auditors. He played the part of Romeo in Romeo
and Juliet, and was well supported by Mrs. w. c.
Glad tame. Tonight, Beaumont and Fletcher's
| charming comedy entitled The Elder Brother, or,
Lore Makes the Nan, will be given