The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-19
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA

Close of the English Opera Season.
The second season OF the Parepa-Rosa troupe
closed on Saturday night In the same brlhiant
manner as that which characterized the first season,
in october. The Academy OF Music was crowded
by at least as many people on this occasion as on
that memorable night when Parepa and wachtel
sang in 'n Trovatore.n Orchestra parquet
dress circle, boxes. and even the abode OF the
gods above, were crowded to suIocaton,
and before evening came it was impossible
to purchase q seat. The cause Of this unwonted
spectacle In Lent was the announcement OF the
close OF the most brilliant season OF English opera
ever given In New York, and the appearance OF Mr..
Santley as Fra Diavol0. The celebrated baritone
achieved another success SURPRISING that which at
tended mis- impersonation Of Tampa. He exceeded
even the high expectations formed OF him, and IN
singing and acting displayed talents such as are
very rare with artists nowadays. First as to MS
voice. We have spoken before OF its quality
There Is not weak point in all its registers, If we
can use such distinctive expression In relation to
an organ so perfectly even ana homogeneous
in Its compass, from the lowest to the
highest note. Every note Is clear, rounded
distinct and bellike IN It's sweetness OF tone
and has that penetrating quality which only sIcn
voice and an artsGc appreciation Of the role make
the singing Of Mr. santley rare treat and leaves
great art is not likely to De appreciated a. It's full
value at first hearing. for he never INDUCES IN
tied effects. Those who 60 with the expectation OF
hearing Santley as sensational singer will find
themselves very much disappointed In concerted
music he Is careful not to disturb Inc harmony
which should exist between him and the other
resources, and In solos he makes his voice subser-
Went to the sentiment and the situation. AS was
necessary for baritone voice singing the roe OF
Fra Dlavola there were numerous ranspositlons
in the score tine most notable one BENZ the sere-
made in the second act-"Young Agnes'-whIch
1nxunr from A tn Anf IN vualt In
scena which opens the third act was delivered with
an effect and briiliancy chat brought down the
that score at rest on Saturday night Ease, grace
fulness. with moderate degree OF IRE, were the
suca consammate artist should not be
heard IN some OF MS other other great roles, but
VIII appear conJointly with Wachtel. Parepa and
Phillips The rest OF me cast was as iollows;-zer
lima. Mrs. Jenny Van Zandt; Lord and Lady Allcasn,
Mr.. and Mrs. Seguin; Beppo and Giacomo Messrs.
Campbell and Hall; Lorenzo, Mr.. Whnen. Mrs.
Segun made the roles OF the English tourist and his
vile .droll and charming Campbell anu Hall are
the two best bandits that have appeared IN this
opera at the Academy for many years.
>, The season commenced on February with Gun
SS en- aaaa Un ss sx S h9
and on Wednesday "The MARRIAGE OF Figaro" the
same opera being repeated on Thursday night in
Saturday matinee 1.-The Bohemian Glr" was
drought out, WIFI MLuc. fdrep8 Rosa a0u MIS-
Seguin in the cast. On the same evening a
novelty was offered IN the shape OF Cherubinrs
water Carrier" coles Deux Journees' The past
week opened with the debut Of Santley In
Tampa" which opera was repeated on Wednesday
and again on Thursday In Brooklyn before one or
the largest audiences That the CITY OF Churches
could set forth. "Don Giovanni" drew well on
Tuesday and ar the Saturday matinee, and the
favOrite OF the troupe Mrs. Seguin, had a benent
on Friday evening, the opera being Martha" This
IS proud record for an operate troupe alter sec
Ond engagement In this city during the same season.
When Is considered that English opera hardly
be said 10 exist in England, and that former ven
lures here have been only successful when at
eliminated on Saturday appears marvellous The
only cause to be assigned for 1t Is the admirable
management that secured such an assemblage OF
recognized artists even the most tastdious puD-
lie could not ignore. With an ensemble OI the
strongest kind there was no difficulty In arranging
the programmes so as to combine novelty with va
riety. the troupe commence two weeks engage.
ment tonight at the Philadelphia Academy OF
Music, and proceed thence to Baltimore and Wash
1ngtOn.