The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-12-23
The Opera-Faust.

The lowering clouds yesterday morning
gave promise Of an unpropitious evening fol
tne rendition of Faust. But long before
nightfall the sky wss as clear as that of 9
summers night, and the fears Of unpleasant
weather were dispelled. The Theatre was not
crowded. but the audience was composed
OF the beauty and fashion Of Richmond,
among whomswere many Of the most cu!ti.
waited musicians. Z:
The opera of Faust Is scarcely one to be
greatly admired, but the music throughout
Is exceedingly attractive to all cultivated
tastes. In the cast last night Miss Van Zandt
Lappeared as Marguerite, Miss Beaumont IS
Siebell, Mr. Carleton as Valentine, and Mr..
Peaks as Mephisto. If, however, It is posi-
BILE for any company to render Faust us
pleasing and as attractive as Miss Kellogg,s
troupe presented Martha on Monday night,
she English Opera Company were emf.
'nently successful last night! =
Miss Van Zandt is remarkably fine song.
stress, and possesses full, rich meZao soprano
or contralto voice, of wonderful fexibility
and compass. She controlled it with great
ease, and was enabled in her notes to take
the widest range. The exquisite singing of
this faVorite American prima donna, COM
bined with her emotional acting, which was
indeed superb, created decidedly favora.
BILE impression, and she was frequently
compelled to pause and acknowledge the
hearty applause which was so lavishly,
yet deservedly, accorded her. Her recep-
tion upon this, her first appearance before
Richmond audience, was such as to give her
just cause for feelings Of pride and self-con-
graduation. Even the most critical of the au-
dience could scarcely have failed to have been
charmed with her acting and the undeniable
sweetness of her voice. Miss Van Zant has
a great future in store for her as musician.
Miss Beaumont is an attractive little lady,
who sings we'll and acts with easy grace.
She won many hearts III the audience, and
her speedy return to Richmond will be hailed
with pleasure.
|! Mr.. Carleton's Valentine was unexcep-
tionab!e. His fine, rich baritone added no
little to the charm Of the occasion, and be
received from his admiring hearers several
testimonials of their warm appreciation Of
bis merits as an actor and singer. I
Mr.. Henry Peaks-Mephisto- : requires
no Introductory compliment from us. He
will ever be remembered in Richmond. No
artist ever came to this city who has teen
more appreciated, or who more richly de-
full voice, as it filled the Theatre, brought
back many pleasant memories of his visits
TO our city when he had filled q most re.
sponsible position in the Richings troupe.
His singing was very fine, and he was most
cordially greeted as he entered upon the
stage.
Mr.. and Miss Howard-Wagner and Mar
tha-did well, and sang their parts with
spirit and ease.
We see no reason to retract one word that
has already been said Of Mr.. Maas's fine
tenor voice, but sustaining roe which, in
our opinion, requires the most expressive
acting-facial as we'll as in gesture-he con-
fined himself last night entirely too closely
to giving utterance to his love in melody
without exhibiting the passionate fervor of
a youthful and ardent lover.
A more complete and powerful ensemble
than that which is presented in the Grand
English Opera Company can scarcely be
Imagined, md we feei confident that under
the banner of the great Kellogg this splen-
did company will continue to achieve during
the remainder Of the engagement success
still more marked than that of its brilliant
predecessor. "
We renew our suggestion shat the piano
passes of the orchestra should be more
moderate. There are many persons attend
ing the opera who would most gladly wei
come change of the kind we have suggest
ed. Tonight Fra Diayolo will be presented,
with Miss Kellogg as Zerlina, and MIR. Will
liam Castle as Fra Diavolo.
Mr.. Castle, who was one of the greatest
favortes in the Richings Company, will no
doubt be welcomed by full house.