The New York herald., 1871-05-02
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.

MUSIC AbbOcauOu OF FullnArmOuc OaSi6s tuc musi-
cal public at length have found their Moses IN
signor Albites; and last night the promised land
was reached BY the first real bona fde representa-
tion Of italian opera in this city. We cannot take
into account that horrible affair at the Theatre
Francois, which proved q mirage to the hungry |
patrons Of lyric art and left them more desolate
than ever. Long before the curtain went mp last
evening the haM monde Of the metropolis deco
rated parquet dress circle and boxes and the |
huge chandelier wnked down on many a gay and |
winsome tpilet IN wRicR guys, Rralds diamonds
opera cloak and sheeny silk were combined 10 the
best style Of the modiste. The lrrepresslble
Albites glanced around the circles and
boxes end his face grew more luminous
and philanthroplc as he encountered batteries
Of mother Pearl lorgnettes sweeping the different
approaches to the sacred precincts Of the Temple OF
Apollo and all NEARLY ally upheld by ewelled fingers
and directed by sparkling seen" Of all the coors Of
the rainbow. 1t was truly fine house, and pow
dered or damond-dusted feminine heads, trailing
robes, decolete corsages, ivory FANS Immaculate
Cravats, and dramatically speaking "claw-ham-
mer, coats, were in the majority. The stockholders
were there in strong force, and testified
by their enthusiasm their firm resolve TO
continue In the good path on when
they nave entered and to uphold Italian opera In the
future, Altogether Albltes' season was favorable
one and bore evidence OF the intense desire on the
part OF the metropolitan public to give Italian
opera, that is the real genuine article, every possi
BILE chance for resuscitation and permanent life.
The opera Of "Poliuto" s, we conceive, Of Doni
zettti's best works. Strange to say 1t and II Mar.
tiri,n which are thought to constitute tho
same opera, differ In many respects in the
libretto. This is particularly noticeable In
the beginning of the second act. The duet
between Pauline ana Seyerus, very long and
olo hor n w n
commenced with Polluto's scena and aria. The
overture which is very often left out was given, and
petuous style, over an orchestra Of fair proportions
The cast was the neutrality-suspicious., Miss Clara
sianor l Reyna; Gasthenes. signor BaceIli The en-.
tire success OF the opera depends on the soprano
tone. % Kellogg ecipsed herself on this occasion.
She has sung the r0te frequently before In this city,
but never with such dramatic hie and spirit. Her
voice not Of that large, resonant quality OF tone
| which seems TO have died out long ago with the
Malibrans Crisis and Pastas and which gave to our
foreiathers an idea Of dramatic singing which we
ore doomed, as far as appearances now CO. never to
enjoy But at the present day we have warblers Of
vocaism such as woull make the gray
ss Reoas the Pauline Win fer
vor and earnestness and, above all entire correct
ness, whcn Is characteristic OF her, ana on these
qualities Is her reputation surely founded She pos
Sier' utter reliability eli NJ matter what she sings there
other pySme dome, with host Of European tcsti-
6niais attached to their names, VINO cam N az opera
sat aae t oas % waG on %
| or taking breath between notice where the COM
Sa ss Ee KeSaa y pSs sy pSs Soe nss
feet In music that no false notes can ever escape her
| lips. She sings ON opera through IN manner that
o"sn s sne Ssn msy T secsI A
never fails TO please the audience, In her
nopt0 hQct
sentiment IN 1928 time, she gave each
beautiful ps~sagc all the expression OF which her
sSrsc, @ the there ' was rapturous tone and joyous
spirit conveyed which drew from rather cold au-
liant and inspiring Il son de1 arpa in the last oct,
which Is sung by the soprano and tenor, Kellogg
snor and her Voice rang out IN trumpet tones Her
acting was also triumph and far superior 10 what
y 70 see see on the psac stage
Sn nHs Te ' and T
tenor voice bnt It Is hard to compare his singing q
"Poliuto'' with his predecessors His voice has
and in every note the true artist Is revealed.
The upper. register IS the best, remind.
few phenomenal tones. The lower register
partakes somewhat Of the baritone quality
@ ns was m Of
OF his best numbers, Sog0rdto dtUso ydg0to, In the
o a0 the ws Ss
Whatever may be the directions in the score, the
Of the melody m and the words would tss
the loveest theme in the opera: vianiis fine
actor and n other parts Of the opera he
The severus was Sgnor Reyna, q baritone with an
extraordinary kind OF voice, partaking Of the quail
| the high priest, acquitted himself admirably. The
management mounted the opera handsomely and
and De corps of supernumerares on W. WeSnes
day "Travlata'' will be given, with Miss Kellogg as
voletta Caroselli tthe new tea0re al grdza as AL
fredo and Orlandlni as Germont. change Of opera
Will take place each evening.
| WALLACK's THEATRr.-Foote's "Liar" was again
| played ut Walacks last evening before a full and
enthusiastic house. Mr.. Lester Wallack seems to
grow more perfect In his part-to be more and more
an accomplished liar-each evening. Indeed, his
| rendering OF the character OF Young Widing is
beyond all praise. 1t effective and striking and
yet degencrates into overactlng, but sparkles
throughout with the natural brlllIance Of real
] life. There are a finish and grace and
| ease about 1t that are perfectly delightful
| and fully account for the unbounded popularity
1 which has greeted IL, and which will probably ulti
maey associate 1t for the next two three theatre
cal generations with Mr. WallacK's name The
other parts also seem to improve by repetition. Mr.
Gilherrs Old wllcing is admirable-not too highly
eccentricy OF an English gentleman OF the last CEN
tury. Mr.. Marlowe has perhaps scarcely SO
most Of it. Mrs jennings, as Miss Grammar, was
perfect she did ample justice to the llveness, wit
and goodness OF Foote'S conception. The "Lari
was followed by Mr.. William H. Hurbuts
comedv Which might Be played i much more 'Sse irs.
| quenty than II has been, and yet only gain
| IN popularity. Mr.. Fisher took the leading role Of
Arthur Morris, and was to the life the part-good-
natured, fond OF pleasure easily led into einpta-
ton, but, ut bottom, sound and loyal. Mr. Gilbert
played Dr. Botners with great deal Of spirit and
| care WELL Mrs. Thomas Barry as Mrs. Morris,
| was charming, natural and interesting, as she
always is, and Miss Enle Germons Annie deserves u
wOrd Of praise.
NIBLo's-DAvENPoRT AS SIR GILES OvERREAcu.-
Massinger's sterling play, "A New Way to Pay Old
Debts" drew q crowded house at this theatre last
evening. After the thin houses which attended the
magnificent revival OF Richard III. 1t was comfort
10 the legitimate drama honored by full benches
The character OF Sir Giles s strongly sketchcd
| and almost on the verge of being Oyertlrawn Such