The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-11

PiKEs OPERA HoUsR-NoRxA -The second night OF
strakoschs opera season, although not so crowded as
on the opening night was no less interesting IN
musical point Of view. BelIins "Norm - Is too VOL
known TO need any extended comment here. The
greatest astes that have todden the boards OF the
lyric stage have their most distinguished trumphs
IN this roe and among them may be counted La Grange
Last night she was the same grand artistic that electrified
the good people Of Gotham many years ago. Her voice
clear, frosh and full OF dramatic fre in the
'Casta Diva" as in former days. and in the scene In
which she reproaohss the fahless Polio with his per-
dy her acting was superb beginning TO end her
rendering OF the dlftcu. role was something that
might expect from the recognized queen OF opera and
in every scene he displayed rare powers as an actress
and singer We have often heard the Casta Diva given
at the Academy but never before IN New York WIN
was siranlng after effect, and none OF the cold.
meshodical style of other Wanted singers La Grange
sang u with warmth. feeling and natural expression,
preserved the character Of tho Druid priestess in
In every measure. Next to La Grange we must speak
OF Miss McCuloch. who made decided success IN the
role Of Adagisa Her beautiful fresh aud sympathetic
soprano gave effect 20 tho part, and ner
acting showed considerable experience on the operate
stage Mnssmiliani's voice was rather shaky in tho
music Of Polio, and bis acting betrayed want OF are
and spirit susn made capital oroves o. ana tne
The acoustca properties OF the house were fully
tested and proved entirely satisfactory the o nrs I
Travatore" will be given. Travata Is announced for
Monday night
ACADEMY MUAc.-Thc English version OF Gounod's
"Faust' was given last night by the Rchng's opera
company to audience more apprecative than numo-
Miss Rchngs through the laborlous part Of
Marguerite admirably, and when consider that she
had to bear comparison with other prime in the
role and o favorable language must
accord her the merit Of In fact in this as in
all other parts which she assumes she hrev great
deal Of feeling into the character Castle as Faust had
an opportunity OF usng his pleasant voice 10 advantage
ana acted better perhaps than IN any o'her part wch
he has attempted this In the garden scene
he especially good. Campbelfs Mephistopheles
acceptable enough far voice is concerned but
he made preten ION 10 acting the part Mrs. Segun
sang and looked the pretty Sebel, any ina
gne sho would. The "Flower song was deliciousy
rendered and obtained we'll deserved encore. The
orchestra gave the famous 'Soidiers' Chorus" with
great orco, which is more than can be said for the
chorus ITSELF which altogether drowned and lost in
the clash OF Instrumentation so that whatever
there in this belonged 70 the orchestra,
which 10 to be regretted because the chorus was fair
enough and could have done better l! the orchestra
only gave them chance. We would suggest thu, II
Faust is produced again curailment would be an
advantage Tho graveyard scene might be left out with
out damaging the opera
MIR DicKESs' LAST READING AT SrE.SwAY HALL
evening Mr. Dickens his last reading a, steinway
Hall previous his tour through the States This tour
he viii begin By crossing tho East river TO Brooklyn.
In the State OF Long Island where no will open course
of four readings in Plymouth church, on Thursday
next Tho saints greatly edited and much
strengthened 10 tue LORD py eOuly OF
for single readings this tho aforesaid church
yesterday. The steinway Hall reading last night was
repetition OF Nicholas Nickeoy squeers' School and
Bob Sawyer's Party from the "Pickwck Papev" There
was, rs usual good house OF attentive listeners very
much resembling in its materials and department
Plymouth church Sabbath congregation on its good be-
havior. although among the passing remarks Of the
assemb!age while awaiting The reader nore were some
observations that had strong flavor OF Wall street
A few examples may not be out OF place
as illustrating the grand idea OF the "univer-
that matter, to wit:-'Wei. how much has he made
oat OF these readings in this house 2" WELL guess
not less, clear profit than thirty thousand dollars pul In
the bank" show dad he salt II down, wondern
6ve.tHentes ten-fortiesp s'Neither, my dear sir;
for though Mr. Dickens may like republican nsitu
securities He prefers his English three per cents
He a regular John Bull and regular London cockney
stand ton longer except the Bank Of Eng0nd
cSaSs s6sf ID the matter Of cash for he sway
after p without that reading Tor tnc beEsaf 81 Ile
| New York poor" 'yha!'s al nv eye ana Betty Mar
tin; but I. 10 possible that Beecher will fetch him "
"well, no knows people curious him. and
like a genliae Plymouth Rock philosopher he knows
how TO make 1t pay" 'But don't you notice at all
these readings that the people ,eem 70 Be hal! afraid
Tor English circaa.ions" .swel that's curious. for i
y @ l SCARED himself all the time
asked his opinion on nieger suffrage" OF the reading
OF Nckicby and Bob Sawyer, having described IL here.
ofore, need only say that carefully given
by Mr. Dickens and with satisfaction to his hearers ain
the dovnh OF ifen his voice is declining; but though
deficient in iexiby, cearncss and volume, he turns Il
10 the best account He does no In lacL read his
res, but tells them and acts the various characters
the telling; so that instead OF the drowsy nonolony OF
O sparkling comedy. lie has had what mas DO led
splendid at Stenway Hall, and parted with II
happy frame Of mind In truth. the three great
Of tho day In this metropolitan district the
world the nesn and the DEVIL" as represented by