The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-10-27

THE OPERA-MAR Wal
lace's beautiful opera of mariana was pre-
sented last night at the Theatre by Mrs.
Bernard's company, with the following
cast: Mariana, Mrs. Caroline Riehings-
Bernard; Charles IL, King Of Spain, Frank
Howard; Don Caesar de Bazan, Harry
Gates; Don Jose de Santarem, John J..
BenitZ; Lazarillo, Miss Hattie Moore;
Marquis de Montifori, G. j. Marson !;
Marchioness de Montifori, Mrs. Henri
Drayton; Captain OF the Guard, Joseph
Dauphin.
The opera is written for three acts, but
Mrs. Bernard has adapted it very nicely for
four, and it was given in four acts last night.
There was not full house, but very fash
ionable audience was present to enjoy the
rich musical drama.
It is a pleasure to say this morning that
Maritana was played most acceptably. Mr..
Bernard resumed his place as director and
presided at the piano-which, by the way,
was a considerable addition to the orchestra.
Everything passed off smoothly, and the
company regained what had been lost on
the two previous evenings.
mariana abounds in rich choruseS and
popular airs, and 1t was natural that the
opera should be we'll put upon the stage.
Mrs. Bernard's spirit and perseverance
deserves success, and we may be pardoned
for saying that her personatlon OF mariana,
in view Of all the circumstances, was really
poetical, and the perfection well-nlgh OF
dramatic fervor and force. Mariana is not
an arduous opera, yet it requires the pre-
sence of the artist upon the stage during
the greater part of the performance.
Mrs. Bernard was hoarse, and she sang
lal x1,p,,, anS,f III q
with which she rendered her part was
greatly to be admired. In the hrst act sne
sanp the RomanZa "'Tis the Harp in the
Air,, with fine effect; in the duo with
Don Jose she won new laureIs, and through
out the entire performance charmed every
one. Without, however, enumeraJing all
OF the beauties OF the Characterization or
charming vocaliZation, we cannot refrain
making special reference to her solo IN
the fourth act, q Scenes that are Brightest"
1t was heartily enjoyed and received an en-
core, to which she responded, very grace
fully receiving at the conclusion OF her song
several choice bouquets.
Mr.. Gates really astonished his most ar
dent admirers. lie was perfectly at home
in the opera rs Don Caesar, and sang with
spirit, and pleasure to all present. His cava-
tina in the second act, 60 Yes, Let Me Like a
Soldier FALL" brought down the house. He
took high C, and held the note with appa-
rent ease until the sound Of his voice was
drowned by the encore which quickly fol-
lowed, and which forced him to respond.
In the third act, too, he acquitted himself
most credtably IN the solo chorus "What
Mystery" which was one OF the gems of
the evening.
Mr.. Benitz sang better than on any pre-
vious evening. He, too, seemed to be well
up in the opera, and was deservedly ap-
piauded for his capital rendition OF the bal
lad "In Happy Moments, Day by Day."
Miss Hattie Moore, Us we predicted, I'M
proved upon acquaintance, and she was
quite successful in her solo "Alas those
G Chimesv--a piece of music which has lat
terly been used not unfrequently in one OF
our city churches. ;,
The rest OF the company did pretty well,
and altogether the opera was success; IL
was evident that it had been rehearsed re
One OF the baritone voices Of the COM
pany, who was sick in New York, having
recovered. will join the company to-day.
Tn consequence OF his arrival "The Mar
rage of Figaro" will be presented to-night
(one day earlier than was expected), ana on
Saturday there will be considerable re,
duction In prices oil over the house, ana
Maritana will be repeated.
Martha will be presented at the matinee.