The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-04-16
The Opera-StradeiEa.

| lie amateur operate season opened al the
Theatre last night with the production o
FotoW's romantic opera OF StradeIIa by the
Gesangverein Vfrgini1; and its reception is
wen calculated 10 fi the belrts of all who
took part in its rendition with emotions ol
gratihcation and pride-gratifieaion at the
evident pleasure afforded the immense audi.
ence present, which was plainly evincef by
the frequent outbursts or applause and de-
mands for encores and Ju>,i6abe pride at
| tbe reward bestowed ON them for their sac-
cess, to insure which they had labored 80
assiduously for months past and been at such
heavy expense.
The audience was one of the largest and
most brilliant ever gathered together within
| the walls Of the Theatre, aad was composed
of our. very best people, both native and
foreign. The orchestrachsirs, dress.circle,
and parquet were filed with fair ladies
and their escorts, while manv,. unable to OBJ.
tain other seats, were forced to occupy the
amilycrcle.
OF the principal characters m the opera il
is not saying too much when we accord them
sbe highest praise for the excellent manner
in which they acquitted themselves whether
in rendering the charming drtdsS with which
the play abounds or in the concerted pas
sages. Miss ReiShardt sustained the part of
Leonora, and By her exquisite singing and
artistic acting hos fairly earned the right
Of being ranked as one of Riehmsnd's anna
teur pr,nad doanas. She sang beautifully
and with great expression, while the total
absence of all stagness and her pleasing mai.
yete throughout gained -fof her the enthusi-
astie plaudits Of the audience and numerous
floral tributes. Nr. Emile Fischer's reputa.
ton as lyric tenor Of the first order
did not suffer last night in his rendition Of
the part of StrddpI(d. His hearers were not
disappointed in him. Although evidently
suffering from rheumatism, which caused
him to limp painfully, be acquitted himself
in manner that would have done honor to
professional. He was in fine voice, and
sang elegantly; and his movements were,
on the whole, easy and graceful. The GesanS-
verein are fortunate in having such valuable
member as Mr.. FISCHER. Messrs. Perrot and
Steinen as BnTbdrino and Mnlcolto, pre-
iessioua aSsas>ins. acted and sang their re-
spectiye parts eXcellently, as also did MIR.
Jeurgens as B0Ssi. the guardian Of LeOnora
The chorus throughout the opera gave
evidence Of the most careful training. With
nearly eighty voices singing in wonderful
accord the effect was grand indeed, espe-
several times during the first act, the pea
SAINTS chorus in tie second, and the finale,
| when the full chorus aud orchestra concen-
trate all their efforts in giving their final and
most effective ouf burst of harmonr, and serd
the audience forth with sounds OF glorious
melody ringing in their ears.
The orchestra. composed of Professor
keSsnich's band rri1f)rced 10y several inStril-
mentS. together with the piano, presided
over by Professor Thiow, contributed in 4
great degree to the successful rendition Of
the opera.
But 10 Mr.. Charles L. Seigel, the musical
director Of the GeSaDgyercn, should be ac-
corded the need OF urqualIted cncomium
for bis unlirng efforts and assiduOus a ten
ton to the direction and management of
| the opera-a herculean task, that but few
would ever undertake. but which he has not
only undertaken but mastered, and with
what success our people can best judge for
| themselves.
One of the most striking features If the
opera was the magnificent costumiDg of the
| masqueraders and prominent characters in
! the first act, as we'll as that Of the peasants.
| The Richmond stage has scarcely ever pre-
sented such q scene as that which we wit
uessed last night !; and those who were un.
able to be present may be assured that they
have missed treat which is not often en-.
Joyed in this city.
The scenery in Stradell is very fine, seye-
raj new scenes besg painted expressly for
the opera. Prominent among them are the
Illuminated bridge and gondola scene In
Venice in the first act, and the suburban
scene near Rome in the second act.
| Tonight the opera OF Der Frci>chutz will
he presented with an improved incarnation
scene-one which has never been surpassed
in Richmond. Reserved seats are still to be
had at Wyatl's muse store.