National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-24
ADJUSTMENTS.
The National Theatre-1talian Opera.

Mozart's opera based upon the legend, popular
to great extent, of the wicked Don is character
lied throughout by the grandest and most intel
lectual combinations. 1t is somewhat severe and
cold in parts, but every measure bears the I'm
press Of the great masters hand, and to the ap-
preciative ear It abounds with the viylfyIng
touches Of his fiery spirit. 1t is an opera which
demands for its perfect rendition generous gifts
on the part Of artists and something Of the musI-
cal perspicacIty of "hne ear" ung by artists
Indifferent to the peculiar spirit Of the various
parts the notes fall with restricted meanings and
halErsbbed richness. It has never been favorlte
musician and the true artist are sure to do honor
to the noble composition Of "Don Giovanni"
1t was sung at the National last night by the
Mile nonadio as Donna Elvira, Miss A. L. Gary
as Zerlina, Signor Di Bassini as Don OttaVio,
signor Del Puente as Don Giovanni, Slgnor
and Mr.. G. 7. Hall as Commendatore.
The principal interest Of the performance Was
centred in the appearance and singing Of MILE lie
mai qUeI barbara dor'el" to her final entreaties
to Don Juan and the tender Of her last
proofs Of love, she was finished correct and pleas
Ing. Her voice, not yet remarkable for its power,
Is, nevertheless, pure, sweet and expressive, and
equal to q charming rendition Of the role. Del
Puente both sung and acted with great SPIRIT and
in the closing interview with the statue Of Don
Pedro he was really superb. Fiorini gave US an
excellent and most comical Interpretation Of the
won enthusiastic applause in her aria, "VedrGi,
cdrfno, sci bu0ntn0," and an encore was de-
mrnded. She was the life and light of the opera.
Tonight "Mignon," which, by the way, is one Of
the most universally affected Of modern operas.
The sweetest and most romantic OF music, the
loveliest of bucolic atmospheres and the most
familiar and admired Of Goethe's compositions
are associated in the opera to render It delightful
to all, especially when such artists as those to
whom the drdmGtiS persona Will be submitted to-
night Interpret the musical beauties of the entire
opera with equal power and fnsSse Of expression.
Prices Of Admission.
WASHINGTON, February q, 1875.
To the Editor Of the National Republican:
SIR: While managers of theatres and ether
places Of amusement have an unquestionable
right to establish such rates for admission they
deem proper, yet maintain that they should do
so in o straightforward manner, and not in q way
that is liable to be misconstrued. Take, for in
stance the case at the National this week. The
prices regard (sll things consIdered) as quite
reasonable, and as low probably as italian opera
could be given in this city, owing to the compare
tive smalness Of the theatre; Dut instead Of say
ing general admission sl"-'reserYei seats q
extra, why not state Il thus: "Admission, tnclud-
ing seat, g. standing room, III you can get IT,
81" as this is literally what It means; for on occs
sions Of this kind almost the entire "house," ex.
cept the gods gallery" is marked "taken,"
whether the seats are actually engaged or not.
1 also hold that the system now in vogue Of
performances can only be justihed on the ground
that the imposition has apparently the acquies-
cence Of the public. In obtaining ticket In ad-
vance the purchaser assumes all risk, and Is viz
tually insuring the manager against pecuniary
loss in case Of unusual inclemency Of the weather.
indispostion on the part Of the principal artist,
las Is very frequently the case on opera nights
or from any other unforeseen circumstance that
might have o tendency to cause "slim house."
1t Is therefore, think, obvious that the custom
is in direct violation Of all business principles,
and instead Of charging premium on seats sold
in advance, 1t would appear that discount
rather should be allowed, If any difference is TO
be made. q.
Ford's Opera House-Furbish.
The Fifth Avenue company played "DIvorce"
for the second time last evening to q brilliant
and fashionable house. The characters are evenly
balanced in the hands Of the ladies and gentle
men composing this organization. Mr.. Kurdish
has been extremely fortunate in collecting, or
gsnizing and keeping together corps Of artists
who are so admirably adapted to the roles they
arc called upon to enact. They are we'll edu-
Gated, we'll dressed and refined. This is the
grand secret OF their success in depicting society
plays, for which they have become SO famous
Plays cannot be represented otherwise than
through q pure channel at the hands OF such
artists; therefore when we witnessed the perform
ance of divorce" last night It was with feelings
Of unalloyed delight and pleasure. The ease and
were reached showed eonclusiVely the labors of
the artists. Alike" another Of Mr.. Furbtsh's
successes, will be produced tonight. 1t is like
divorce strictly o society play, appealing to
the sympathies. The ample resources OF the
opera house will be called Into requisiton for its
proper stage effects.
Madame lie Vert.
The soiree to be given by Madame LIE Vert, on
the evening of the 18th, gives promise Of much
enjoyment. The lady herself will read several
pieces. Miss Story will render in her thrilling
STYLE "Curfew Shall Not Ring To night, !" and Mr..
Underwood will give his humorous parody der
Rafen." Mrs Daniels, Miss Goodall, Mr.. hay
and others will favor the audience with musical
selections, both vocal and instrumental.
Cough.
new temperance lecture from JohI B. Cough
is an eventIespecialy at this time wien the move
ment Is gaining ground. He VIII command 3
tremendous audience, and seats 3hould be secured
during the day at Parker's. We expect to see
the largest audience ofthe sesson In Lincoln hall
tonight. Those who have never heard Cough
will hardly miss this opportunity.
Avenue Theatre.
Johnny and Minnie Loveland have made an i'm
mense hit at the Avenue. They come on at half
past nine. Murtz and De King in their Rrial
flights are excellent. The audiences at the Az
enue are entirely respectable.
Oratorio Of the Creation.
The wOratorio Of the Creation" will be given
by the Philharmonic Society, at the Oongrega
tionaI church tonight, assisted BY Miss Lasar,
the soprano Of Plymouth church, Brooklyn. 1t
will be rare treat to all lovers Of sacred music.
Theatre Comique.
Annie Hindle Is creating furore at the
Comioue. She is undoubtedly the best artist in
her line Of business in the variety profession. The
entire programme iagood.