The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-04-22

di Ldmmermoor has the advantage of
well-cOnstructcd libretto In which the
essential features of the original are judciously
compressed into three brief acts. 1t presents q
series of picturesque stage effects and promi-
Dence IL given to the character OF the heroine
that does not belong to 1t in the novel, but
which adds greatly to the interest of the opera.
The mad" scene in the third act, especially, is
an important Interpolation, that has furnished
the composer with an opportunity which he has
made the most of. The subject of this opera
was eyidentlya congenial one, and Donizetti has
lavshed upon it all the resources of his genius.
1t contains some of the most fascinating airs
that ever proceeded from his pen, aud it is de-
servedly popular with all classes of opera.goers.
A few years ago it was given regularly several
times in each season, but for some
reason or other it has been neglected
of late, and its production last
evening had much of the charm of novelty. 1t
is well to let even works of decided merit have
rest sometimes, if only for the sake of variety,
and Lucia was undoubtedly listened to with
more attention last evening from the fact that it
has been in retirement for several years; but
now that it has been brought before the public
again IL might be given by our operate man
ayers with advantage as q substitute for some of
the operas that are beginning to have an air of
tiresOine familiarity about them. One of the
reasons why some Of the Italian troupes that
visit this city are not better patronlzed is that
they take no pains to vary their repertoire, but
they treat us to a regular round of some dozen
operas season after season until The public begin
TO lose interest in them. With little tact and
good taste agreeable variety conld be pre-
seDted without going outside of the list of
works that have been marked most decidedly
with the public approval.
There was a good audience in attendance at
the Academy of Music last evening, and the APP
plausc was hearty and discriminating. The per-
formance passed off with spirit, and taking all
its deficiencies into consideration, it was much
better and more satisfactory than has frequently
been given by combinations of much greater
pretensions. 'Edgardo" is one of Signor Brig
neli's best roles, and although he does not act
O bit better than he did ten years ago, he sings
the beautiful and passionate music In style that
no other tenor upon the stage can approach.
Brignoli was in excellent voice last evening.
and, although some of the hute-like tones of the
days of yore are wanting yet he maintains his
old pre-eminence above all his rivals, and his
admirers are fain to recognize him still as the
greatest tenor of the day.
Miss McCulloch, who appeared as Lucia"
this city, and although she is scarcely equal to
all the requirements of the role, she gave most
acceptable performance, the decided merits of
which were cordially recognized by the audi
ence. Miss McCulloch has sweet and SYM
pathetic voice. and considerable ability as an
actress. She is evidently an enthusiast in her
profession, and although she may not reach the
topmost round of the ladder of fame, she will
always be a reliable and popular artist who will
achieve and deserve the favor of her audiences.
Many of the faults of Miss McCulloch's style
have been corrected and her singing and acting
last evening both presented many points worthy
of commendation. In the "'mad" scene espe-
cially she achieved a decided success, and
elected rouHd of hearty applause.
Signor Petrilli made very favorable impress
sion as ''Sir Henry Ashton" and the remaining
parts we're creditably rendered. The orchestra
tion under the direction of Signor GLORIA, was
satisfactory and the performance altogetherwas
most enjoyable.