New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-02-08
AMUSE MENXS.
Tho Opera.

1m0 VUC10S
The event of the past week has been the
production OF the grand opera Faust
contemporary has remarked that Meyer
beer had refrained from attempting 90
subtle theme, but that GOunOd, I'M
daunted, had essayed the task. Occasion
is then taken to state that the differ
ence between genius and talent was therein
strongly exemplifed. Now, without enter
ing into any discussion as to the compare
tive merits of Meyerbeer and Gounod, we
must say that, while listening to the magic
strains as developed in Gounod's opera. we
thought it somewhat constrained to COM
pare his glorious achievement with the pos
sible or probable production of another
composer. Be it understood that VIC do net
rank Gouuod, by any means, with the
great Meverbeer; but we are forced to con-
clude, with Robert }e Diable" before us,
as sample, that Meyerbeer would have
been too much prone to the mystic, the
weird, the fantastic, the unreal, and would
have given us much less popular illustra-
ton of Goethe's sublime theme.
We do not question that Meyer beer
would have produced grander and sweeter
music, more elaborate and more classic.
Yet we doubt if it would have been 80 pop
ular or so readily understood. The trans
mission of the ideas of one genius by au-
other, even through the medium of music,
has rarely been attempted, and never, we
believe, with assured success. Take. for
example, Romeo and juliet" or Hamlet"
Can any one say that the operas are in any
way commensurate with the dramas! Even
"Traviata" is decidedly inferior to Ca
MILE 1t would seem that genius must be
untrammeled. Even the aid of another as
great only retards. 1t is the one case where
two heads are not better than one.
OF the performances of Faust" by Mr..
Canonge's troupe we have already alluded
in terms of general praise. Nine. Furcsh-
Nader personated the guileless, beauti-
full but love-wrecked Marguerite, with
truth to nature and due regard to art.
NJ. Devoyod of the subordinate char
acter of Vdlentin, made central figure
and demonstrated what real genius can do
with even bare outline.
LA File du Regiment" will be performed.
Tomorrow night, the benefit l of NJ.
Momas takes place.
lie Prophate" is the SOpera announced
an opera rarely seen here on account of the
difficulty attending its production. Nine.
Devoyod, most charming artistic, has
kindly consented to appear on this occasion
take the part of Jean de Lsyde and Nine.
Fursch-Madier that of Bertha. Messrs.
Magyar, Gadilhe, Feitlinger and Dupin are
also in the cast.
Varieties Theatre.
Mr. Lawrence Barrett and the combina-
ton supporting him closed at the Varieties
last night with the performance of liking
Lear" During the two weeks successful
| engagement of this star and troupe, they
have performed "Richelieu," "Marble
Heart" Hamlet Romeo and Juliet"
''The Dukes Motto" King Lear" "Rich.
ard Ill. .".'Lady of Lyons, ""Julius Caesar
o,,I Iol. y rr,o tu Gof
factory to the public, and our playgoers are
duly grateful to Messrs. +. G. De Leon and
| T. w. Davey, and to Mr.. Barrett himself.
| for giving us season, even though short, OF
| that legitimate and classic drama.
J ST. Charles Theatre.
| Lolita repeated her PRESERVATION of Nay
| Uiidrose IN the drama of ''Heart's Ease, y
| last night, and to a very fair audience.
With the aid of Lotta's speciality business
| of singing and dancing, and banjo solos. and
| Mr.. f. A. Locke, who plays sort OF Asa
Irenchara character, the play in lively and
! quite acceptable to the public. 1t is well
| put upon the stage and shows some fine
costumes worn by the ladies, particularly
| the new dresses Of Lolita and Miss Minnie
| DOYLE. "Heart's Ease" will be repeated to.
| night and on Monday evening Lolita will
| appear in "Old London" for the benefit OF
the Newsboys' Home IN this city.
| Salvini.
During the coming week we shall have
an opportunity of seeing and hearing
| Sgnor Tommaso Salvini, the Italian TRACE
dian. who comes strongly indorsed by the
| best judges of art and acting, Robert
Browning, W. w. Story and Charlotte
| Cushman. His career IN our own country
has been one of continued triumph, and hi
is to-day the most lavishly praised, if not
| the greatest actor known to the world. Tie
| will make in New Orleans his last appear
ance in America, previous to his departure
for Havana and Mexico. and it will bt
! something to remember that we have seer
him at least once in one OF his great cbarac
tiers.
Saivini will appear at the Varieties Thea
tire tomorrow evenn. as Iug0mar. ''Civi
! Death" will he performed Tuesday night
| "OthellO" Wednesday,. "Francesca ia
Rmiui' Friday. and 'Samson' Sunday
night.
The simple story of '.1ngomar" Is soor
told. It is one OF pure and noble CIR
| who offers herself slave to the barbarou'
captors OF her father. that he may have
freedom. Lgomar, the barbarian chief
| first admire. and then loves P,u4hcnis
| With the rudest ideas of womanhood, will
curses and rough speech. he commands hel
love. Then comes picture of a weak ant
defenselcss girl standing before strong
barbaric chief in his forest home, inviting
death or respect. and vindicating the power
Of purity and wolnanly graces to subdut
! the savage Massilian. 1t ends in the captol
becoming slave, sitting at the feet and wor
! shipino his captive. He learns from her
lessons OF civilization, follows her t" he
Grecian home. trims his uncouth hair ant
beard. and in al respects becomes as othe
[ men.
AL: the changes necessary 20 work gu
! the character Of Lgo"ar Salvini is said Il
! manage with cohsummats skill. We shall
see and Judge 0; this great artist !os our
selves.