The New York herald., 1870-03-30
A III U S z NJ E N rs.

ACADEMY OF MUSIC" -"OBERON,-T Parepa.
Rosa English Opera Troupe last night surprised
every musician acquainted with their vocal
resources by successful rendering OF one
or Weber'S most difficult works-tne spectacui
Aar and romantic "Oberon.' 1t Is now nearly
rortyfour years since thus, the last OF the great
composers labors, was produced for the first
time under his direction at Covent Garden, and
we cannot give reason for the comparatively
small number OF Its representations everywhere
unless on account OF the difficult and COM
Dlcated nature OF the music and the mise
en- scene required to place 1t ON the
stage in fitting manner. Weber wrote 1t at the
request OF Charles Kembe, then manager OF Co.
vent Garden, from lDretto by Mr.. Planche The
plot Is from one OF Wielands poems. ana comprises
the adventures of Sir Huon OF Bordeaux, the favor.
ite OF the King Of the Fairies. The hero rescues
the fair keiza from the covert OF AL Raschid, mar
ries her and again comes TO her aid after she had
doubt Weber Bestowed so 500 much care and study
on "obNpn.n lie conducted it himself on
the first night alter months or incessant
labor the renearsals which afterwards prost rated
him and laId him on his deathbed. We are aston
shed that Nine. Rosa did not select 1t for the open
Ing OF tue season at the Academy II would have
been then unnecessary TO change the bill. The
the paraues and dress circle, the boxes being Ia bart
untenanted. The success OF the opera was complete
and eiciled enthusiasm even from the Icy naoitues
OF this opera house. Nine. ParepaRosa appeared
as Reza. an Oriental princess the role in
which Mrs. Wood, nee Mary Anne Patton,
made such Juror thirty years ago, and Sir Huon,
the part written originally Tor Braham was sung
BY Mr.. Castle. Mrs. Segun appeared as Fatrna.
the companion OF the princess and Mr. Law
renee as Sherasmln attendant OF the knight.
10 Mme. Parepa-Rosa, whose peerless rem
dering Of the grandest air that probably any
opera could boast 0f-'Dcean, thou mighty
monster"-aone would have MADE the opera sue
cess, the first praise Is due. She sang the trying
music OF her part without flaw and with all the
fire, richness OF tone and breadth or style 1t de-
manded. Mrs. Seguin made charming little
the failure OF last week. He sang beautiful air
introduced in the opera adapted from one OF Wcber's
piano sonatas by Mr.. Howard Glover, in a truly
artistic manner. He seemed to be entirely at home
IN such music, more so than with Verdi Mr.. Castle
acted and sang the heros part with great deal OF
passion ana energy and with thorough aDpre-
citation or the ideas OF the composer. The battle
the German edition OF the opera When Weber
was rehearsing the opera Braham, with the usual
dsagreeaDencSS OF tenor5 refused TO sing the OPEN
the last moment, TO write grand battle song, much
ing air written for him. and obliged the composer at
against Webers incnati0ns. 1t was little too
much for the calibre OF Castles voice. but there was
mistaking his earnestness In the execution or It,
their parts, and Miss Geraldine Warren made
very favorable impression Puck. Much
OF the success or the opera Is due to the
admirable leadership OF Mr.. Carl Rosa under whose
baton both chorus, orchestra and soOlsts moved
perfect order, and to the clever stage management
Of Mr.. Harry Jackson who managed TO make quite
respectable spectacle at very short notice. Miss
Rose Hersee takes q benefit tonight In "The Black
Domino" She is q highly deserving artist and
merits the utmost appreciation of the public.