The New York herald., 1873-11-22
A MU S E NJ Z N + S.
Italian opera-.Rigoletto.o

may be the conflicting opinions concerning sUn
Ballo en- Masehera," ssrrovatore," "Traviata,n
s.Ernani," &c.-"Rigoletto" occupies the very
nrst position among the maestros works, was pro-
auced for the first time this season, last night at
the Academy of Music. Until we have an opportu-
nifty OF passing judgment on "Aida." and COM
pairing the effect OF the change Of the great
composers style which has taken place within
q decade or two with his efforts when in the
mil lush OF mental power and originality, we must
accord the first place to the magnificent opera
which he constructed out Of "Le Roi S'Amusem Of
Victor Hugo, which forty-two years ago frs; star
tied Paris. In this opera Verdi for the first time
united his wonderful iecundity OF melody with
grand dramatic design, and endeavored success
fully to indivdualize character in strong and
distinct colors. 1t is, as 1t were, the bridge be-
tween the early and later styles OF the composer,
and shows well defined dramatic purpose as well
as richness Of musical thought. The intensity OF
Paternal love- the egotism and heartessness OF the
nbertine the purity, naipete and afterwards shame,
despair and selfsacrincing adection OF the maiden,
and the coquetry and eSpiegte71e OF the
iereTspea IN nmsc wS IeSa power AKIN 10 GENUS
But Notwithstanding the fact that "Rigoletto" Is
acknowledged by all musicians as the cnty a a,dmrre
dramatic power than any OF his other works, it is
toe often regarded by our operate managers as
worthy only Of the efforts OF the lesser members
OF troupe This was the cast last night In
stead OF Nilsson, Cary, Campanini and Maurel. We
had TOrrian, Cary, Capoul and Del Puente. The
performance cannot be considered success. Mile.
T0rrani was Ill at ease III the trying music OF her
role of Giida, and her voice became SO iatigued IN
the end that in the glorious quartet OF
the last act she failed 10 give the CULVER.
ing accents and hopeless plaint OF the outraged
daughter that emotional power that the music de-
manded. The grand aria, ''Caro Nome" the most
delightful apostr0phe 10 love to be found IN any
preston % and deiicacy Of sentiment by the prima
donna but the lack OF power TO develop its rich
treasures o. feeling was plainly perceptiole: MISS MISS
10 give the ringing laugh the coquettsh sister OF
tne bravo that staccato effect in the quartet, that
1t required. M. Capoul's fame as a model stage
love maker is well known, and in the roles OF Faust,
Lionel and Alfred Germont, he is unrivalled. But
Verdi wrote the music OF the Duke OF Mantua for
very different voice from that Of NJ. Capoul and
consequently he was overweghted in the role
The music lies In most part beyond the reach or
his natural voice, and he could only reach it at
times with painful effort. Sgnor Del Puente sang
the role OF the jester with commendable spirit and
intelligence, but he evidently mstook the charac-
ter in dramatic sense, and dressed and acted 1t
q la cirque. Although the performance was notin
traits OF merit~the duo in the second act between
Gilda and the Duke, "Addiop aud the ''La Donna
Mobile" OF Capoul as instances The chorus and
orchestra were not up to the high standard we
have hitherto accorded to the exertons oil Signor
Muzio. Probably the incessant renearsals Of
'Aida,n which Will be produced on Wednesday
next, interered with the proper representation OF
Verdi's chez dduure. Yet there have been few
companies in this city for years past that could
work without the aid OF the principal artists.
matinee Of Lies Hhguenotsn WIN be given to-day.
Musical and Dramat Notes.
Mr.. Augustin Daily win rehnquish the manage
ment Of the Broadway Theatre at the close OF Miss
Leciercq's engagement This course has been rem
dered necessary in order to afford him sufficient
time for his other theatres.
Saturday, instead Of Monday, evening has been
substituted for the production OF the pieces COM
posing the present comedy season at Wallack's
Theatre, and Mr.. Lester walack appears tonight
as Young Wilding in Foote'S comedy OF "The Liarn
The new pantomime at the Grand Opera House
viii be composed OF a cast stronger than was ever
seen before in this country. Mr.. G. L. Fox is to be
clown, Mr.. G. f. Fox pantaloon, Herr Lind. the
wonderful acrobat harlequin, and Miss Emily
Rigl columbine.
The second performance OF classical drama at
the Germania Theatre Will take place this evening,
November 2l, when Schier's drama "Kabale und
Iieben will be given. Miss Marie Wolf, from the
Grand Theatre In Amsterdam, will appear on this
occasion as Louise, this being the first grand role
allotted to her this season.
The seventh season OF Mr.. Theodore Thomas
symphony concerts begins at Steinway Han this
evening. This series Is classic as the music
which is interpreted during the SIX concerts which
annually comprise It, Schubert's symphony In G
~ on the programme for this evening, another fea-
sure OF which is to be the first appearance In this
country Of Louis LubecK, violoncelst OF distinc.
tion.
Ine brooklyn Theatre was crowded on the occa-
sion OF the debut OF Miss Lillian Conway. Miss
Lillian Is the second daughter OF Mrs Conway who
mas CHOSEN the dramatic profession. She
essayed for her introduction 10 the pub.
hc the difficult Character OF Virginia, in
Sheridan Knowles tragedy OF ''virginius.n II il
part in which mere good reading VIII not suf,lce
acting Is required as well. Miss Lillian CONWAY
showed that she only needs cultivation to become
. good actress, and the ability or her mother as a
tutor certifies that she will receive 1t.
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