The New York herald., 1869-12-16
A N u s e N E N T 8.

FRENCH THgATRE.-Our mercurial population,
whose diverse and inveterate love OF anything
novel and curious. and particularly in the way Of
amusements, are as strongly marked as they arc
indlssolube characteristics OF our American people,
turned out in large numbers last evening TO witness
the opening performance Of the Imperial Russian
Opera Company on their first appearance in this
country. IL was certainly novelty, and proved to
everybody most pleasing one, though not quite mp
to the expectations OF good many who, from the
transatlantic reputation or the renowned tenor,
DAgrenen Slavlansky. looked for singing from him
and also anticipated something OF more marvellous
character from the Prfma donna, Mile. LevltskaJa.
But It being . first night and IN strange city and
before strange faces may nave had something to do
with this, Az IL was as the opera advanced they
certainly grew more at ease, ana warming up with
Tue passionate glow Of the developing plot sang
with more charming vivacity, touching ten
derness and force. The opera was .Ascold's
II is a simple love story. with scarcely any
justifiabe reason for giving 1t such gloomy
music and interchanges OF lovers sentiments with
the usual touches oil sweet melancholy about them,
made up its burden, with happy wedding at the
close. 1t Is certainly strong company and the ap-
pointments and costumes all being Russian, as well
as the music, give 1t a unique character. When the
company begins to feel itself more at home will,
doubtless 40 better and prove great success. The
reception gwen the performance last evening was
certainly most cordial Slavansky was several times
encored. Mile. LevitskaIa has a Ane voice, but
lacks animation. The opera Will be repeated every
evening this week.
NEW YORK THEArRE.--The theatrical vault in
which many pieces have been silently buried-ln
which during the funeral ceremonies several appre
ciative audiences have caught consumpti0n-was
comparatively well filed last evening. II certainly
required something Of an enivening character tn
attract such respectable assemblage as that which
congregated in the New York theatre. There Ia o
peculiar draught attached to the concern which
actually prohibits the enjoyment OF any entertain
ment, however racy or original. Fortunately the
good-natured, polite and lively French people are
imperyious to atmosphercal nconveniences, and tho
performance last evening, credltable In Its way; was
heartily euloyed. After charming little comedy.
IN which buns and champagne were satisfactorily
disposed OF. 1e Sourdn was produced. The music,
by Adolphe Adams, Is not wanting IN the chafac-
teristc sparkle OF modern French compositions, DuL
there Is Of course prolongationo OF dialogue, which,
apart from rs clownish tendencies, rob5 the gems
OF the pleasure which otherwise might be attached
10 them. The artists did their utmost to please and
II Is satisfactory 10 know they succeeded In their
wei-inte;.deu efforts. AS the opera did not demand
In that respeet was displayed. Nine. Guerettl, one
OF the most clever artists in connection with
Mr.. Grau's French opera troupe and who cre-
ated no un.avorable impression during the
rage OF the famous "Geneveve de Brabant" SuS-
taIneu the part of Petroneie with great credit,
while Gerrebreuck lie Chevalier dOrbe acquitted
himself satisfactorily disclosing during the evening
good tenor voice. The otner artists taking part
! ini the opera were Messrs. Edgard, Genot, with
| Mme Dare, Mathilde and Brlot. Altogether the
production OF lie Sourd" was Iayorably received.