The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-11-25

The OPERA-LA FAvoRITA.- Donizetti's
beautiful opera, "The Favorite," was pre-.
sentea by Miss Adelaide Phillipps's splendid
Italian Opera Company at the Theatre last
night in the presence OF large and FASH
ionable audience. 1t was the event of the
season, and the most enjoyable musical feast
our people have had for long time. The
music OF the opera is beautiful throughout,
and most of it is extremely difficult.
The drdndtis persong were Alphonso,
King of CASTLE, Signor Tagliapietra; Fer.
nando, young novice of the Convent of st.
James, Mr.. Tom Karl; Don Gaspqre, the
Kings minister, Signor Barberi; Balthaz-
gar, superior of the Convent Of St. James !;
Signor Bsccelli; Leonora, the Kings favorite,
Miss Adelaide Phillips; Inez. her conf
dante, Signora Intropidi.
The story goes that Fernando, whilst
tending the high altar. has seen and secretly
loves, without knowing her name or quality,
Leonord, the favorite Of Atphonso. The In
tensity of bis passion induces him to reveal
the secret of his love to Balthdzzds-, and at
the same time to claim release from his no-
yitiate vows. which he no longer feels able
to fulfil. Balthozsar tells him he will re-.
eret the act he is about to commit, and re-
peaceful cloisters he has left.
Tn the first act the audience was introduced
TO MIR. Karl as Fernando and Signor Bac-
celli as Balthazzar. Mr.. Karl was welcomed
very cordially. He is not UNKNOWN Ia Rich
mond and his splendid tenor voice rang
out with q rich sweetness throughout the
entire opera that captivated every one before
him. Especially so 10 the duet In the hrse
act with Miss Phillips; when he first ap-
peared in the third act; in the trio in that
act With Miss Phillips and Tagliapletra
and in the whole Of the fourth act. He was
frequently encored during the evening. and
received q handsome bouquet from fair oc.
cupant of one OF the boxes. His reputation
is now thoroughly established in Richmond,
and be will ever be warmly received here.
Miss Phillips exceeded herself as Leo.
nora. Her yoice-full, rich, and deep-tbrill.
ed her audience, and her acting was posi-
tiyely grand In the last act, when she re-
coguizes Fernaudo's voice as he sings IN the
choir, her performance was; sublime. her
singing was warm and spirited, and the deep
tones Of her. wonderfully cultivated voice
came out with pathos and expression
which astoaished her Warnaest admirers.
Siguor Tagliapietra, who assumed the
character of Alphonso, appeared for the nrst
time 10 Richmond. He has 8 pure baritone
voice OF unusual power and cultivation. 1t
is unlike any voice in the company, aud is
controlled with great ease and effect. Hts
actisg, too, is good, but he is not graceful,
bis manner is original and striking.
His Gfb4t WAS looked forward TO With much
interess, aud 1t may be safely said that not
one Of: the audience was disappointed IN
him. H i5,t,. .z,t
fSiguora Ia.ropidi, as tnez. and slgnor Bar.
beris rs Don Gaspare. also sang web.
md added not l,.le TO the evening enter
aiument. - rs
: The chorus was much better than on the
wo preceding nights Of the engagement,
md everything passed OF smoo'hiy, Ice. LOG
rhestre was, delightfully."- warm and COM
ortsble, which at this season renders it realty
ttr8etive.
Tonight the .Basber OF Seville will be pre-.
ented, and on Saturday, at the msiII es, Hlnn'
|erelis, i1s:ead of L'0mbre.
( 49, q. !. gte. =