The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-10-24

THE OpERA-MARTHA.-A Richmgpd au-
'aience never welcomed more cordially the
return of any favorite than it did last night
that of Mrs. Caroline Richiags Bernard and
her new company. Years ago, when Miss
:Richings first came to Richmondwith her
splendid company, possessing lire voices,
expressive execution, and excellent acting
in the leading characters, they We're prompt
ly recognized and duly appreciated by her
audiences, who never fail ITO discern and
honor true talent and genius. Especially
to the prima donna did they become at
tached. They have always had o respect
and a kindness for her AKIN to affec-
ton, and Caroline Richings, as soon
as she appeared enscenced herself In the
very hearts Of our discriminating yet gen.
erous opera-goers. While in .the respect OF
her merit she thus won her way to the
hearts of our people by her accomplish
ments, her great facility an her art and her
force of expression, she stood before them
as an artist Of a very high order. Now she
comes back again as Mrs. Bernard, and II
the feeling entertained towards her is q lit
tie less sentimental, it has lost none of its
interest in her welfare; ii SO tenderly
gallant, it is equally valiant equally ready to
stand by, to admire, and defend her. She
was indeed most ordiaAy'received, and this
visit will doubtless long Ginger in her mem
ory as one OF the brightest spots in her life.
Her voice is still rich and strong, and II
some of it's sweetness has passed aWay'Wlth
age, she still sings with IAN accuracy and
ferYor that reminds one Of her palmiest
days. l
The opera season opened brilliantly last
night, Notwithstanding the stormy weather.
Nearly every seat was 6lled in the dress
circle and parquet. The opera presented
was FlotoW's tsMartha,v and was received
with much enthusiasm and pleasure. The
cast was: Lady Harriet Durham, maid OF
honor to the Queen, Mrs. Bernard; Nancy,
Miss Hattie Moore; Lionel ME-. Harry
Gates; Plunket, Mr.. John j. Benltz; LORD
Tristan, Mr.. Frank Howard; High-Sheriff,
Mr.. Joseph Dauphin.
Mrs. Bernard sang throughout the opera
with an evident determination to sheW ner
friends before her how fully she appreciated
their presence, and how much pleasure 1t
gave her to visit Richmond again. One OF
her chief attractions, aside from her hlghiy-
cultivated voice, is her charming, lady-hke
manner and refinement In the quartette
with Lionel, Nancy, and Plunkett, towards
the end Of the first act, the quartette IN
Plupkett's farmhouse, and the duo between
Lionel and herself, when she sang the Last
Rose Of Summer were particularly strlk
inc. The ssLast Rose Of Summer" one OF
the most popular pieces OF music ever VIII
ten, fairly brought down the house.
INDEED, she was rapturously eracored, and
repeated one verse of her romance very
sWeetly, while rich and fragrant bouquets
and baskets filled with rare flowers fell
thick and fast at her feet. She was eem-
pletely overcome at this evidence OF appre-
ciation. ..re-
Mr.. Gates, the tenor, came in for a share
OF the fayors Of the evening. He has very
good voice, and struck fiat with muen
ease. His remarkably clear and distinct
enunciation while singing was particularly
noticeable.
Mr.. Benitz, who sang the part OF Plum
kett, is not graceful, and labored under,
severe hearseness, which detracted from his
singing. Somehow we always associate
poor Campbell with Mrs. Richings and her
company, and we missed his harmonious,
identified. and well-trained voice. Mr..
Remit has q good voice within its compass,
and will doubtless be more at home to-
night as Count Arnheim.
Miss Hattie Moore is coquettiSh and at
tractiye, and has q sweet parlor voice. lt
is not strong enough, however, ior some OF
the difficult mnsic required OF Nancy IN
Martha, yet she pleased every body iast nlgl NJ,
and was fully rewarded.
Mr. Howard as Tristan did very well IN
deed, and sang his part with precision and
: ~ AR Dauphin, High-sheriff, was only tole-
rabIe. His voice Is not strong enough LOT
the Part. .,tho,,oh
sroaH a Ia very well trained, and sang well
and T viii much force and volume; and alto
eether I Ehe opera passed off very nicely.
We hope Mrs. Bernard VIII repeat ~ 1or .'o Tue
matinee. It will be Just the thing;
Tonight tue Bohemian Girl will be pre-
sented. 80.
Cray WARD AcTIyEs.-An important
business meeting Of the Clay Ward Actiyes
viii ill be held this lTuesday} evening at the
residence Of Colonel B. 3. Berkeley, Mo; No;
718 west Grace street. Arrangements WIN
he ne made for q public Conser yatiye demon
stration in the West-End.
ELECTION OF AssIsTANT SUPERINTENDENT.
IL, r,kxy yoy. oyzyat eOll-