The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-10-28
THE OrERA-aIARR1AGE toP FIGARO

| 1t is to be regretted that the pleasure which
would otherwise have been derived from
Mrs. Bernard's artistic singing and acting
during two evenings OF her performance
were marred by mistakes and shortcomings
| of some of herstroupe. 1t was not her
fault, however, and she will leave the city
bearing the kindly regards OF many friends
and admirers whose good opinion and
esteem are well worth preserving. From
Richmond they will visit Petersburg, Nor
! folk, and the South. IS,
Last night Mozart's comic opera, "The
Marriage OF Figaro" J" in three acts, was pre-
sentcd. The following were the dramatis
persong: Susanna, Mrs. C. Richings-Ber-
nard; Count Almaviva, John J. Benitz !;
| Figaro (his eeryantl. c., j. Marson Don
| Basilio, Pierre Bernard; Antonio, Frank
Reuss; Cherubim, Miss Hattie Moore;
Countess Almaviva, Mrs. 81. Drayton; Mar
cellina, Miss Amy Phillips; Barbarina, Miss
Fanny Gonzales; Bartolo, Joseph Dau-
phin; Don Curzio, Waiter Birch.
The scene Of this opera Is laid at the cas-
tie Of Aguas Frescas, three leagues from
Seville. The principal characters in the
opera are the same as those that figure in
Rossini's celebrated Barber Of Seville,'
but the action takes place at subsequent
period. Though nine decades have passed
since the first performance Of the Marriage
OF Figaro at the Austrian capital, the
opera is still as popular as it was on
the day OF its initial performance. The
music is OF a character that cannot pail
on the taste, and for this reason Figaro must
prove an enduring favorite. But as to that
none OF Mozart's music is insipid, and not
one OF his operas could fail to charm Ricll-
mond audience. All Of his compositions
within the knowledge OF the writer possess
popularity which distinguish them from
the productions OF many composers who
have achieved an ephemeral fame.
Figaro is a splendid illustration Of the
great care bestowed by the careful writer in
rounding each sentence so as to make every
word flow smoothly; and it has its counter
part, too, in the unbroken melody of the
opera. II may be said really to be musi-
cal poem.
The overture last night was well render
Ell. Mr.. Bernard, however, was forced to
leave the orchestra again in order to take
part as Basilio. But the opera as q whole
was very creditably presented, and seemed
to give satisfaction.
Mr.. Marson's Figaro was too stiff. He
did not seem to be up in his part, and con-
sequently could not render the lively by
plays and spirited action incident to the
character Of the barber. He omitted in the
very first act the solo-a little gem, by the
way-beginning "Happy your lordship."'
His tones, however, were good, and with
proper action he will make good Figaro.
Mrs. Bernard, who personated Susanna,
was as charming as ever. Indeed, she sur.
passed her former efforts, and, as usual, was
the life Of the opera. Her acting was capi-
tai, and her singing better than on any pre-
yious evening-and this is saying good
deal.
Mr.. Benitz Count Almavisa) was success
full during the evening until his solo with
Mrs. Bernard, in the third act" Unkind,
why then Endeavor"--whe he took one OF
his high notes little fat
Mr.. Bernard received the only encore of
the evening as Don Basilio, and seemed to
be in the character that suited him.
Miss Hattie Moore, the naughty Cheru-
BIN, sang her solo acceptably ('' Thought
Cannot Reach Thee ~ in the second act.
The rest of her performances were credit
able.
Mrs. Drayton, who acted the part OF the
| Countess, surprised many persons, and
although she hasn't good voice, she added
not q little to the interest Of the opera.
Miss Fanny Gonzales sang her part as
Barbarina very well. Indeed, her solo in
the last act was excellent. The rest of the
company did pretty well.
In conclusion, we may say that striking
feature OF the company is their excellent
costumery. Mrs. Bernard's dresses are all
of the most costly and elegant character,
while the costumes OF Miss Moore, Mr..
Gates, and the rest are very handsome and
tasteful. We have rarely seen greater
variety Of attire in any opera company.
This afternoon Martha will be presented
at the matinee, and tonight Maritana will
be repeated.