The Portland daily press., 1878-04-30
Cupid.

Mr.. Walter Goold is to be congratulated upon
opera bouffe, "Capd,' go far at least as its
music is concerned, is of unusual merit: and
and better by far in many passages than
"Evsngeline." 1t is we'll sustained through
out, there not being weak passage in it, The
music is all bright and sparkling, and much of
it brilliant. Not few Of the solos have great
dramatic vigor, and some Of them considerable
dignity, while the choruses are rich and strik-
ing. The opera too is admirably contrived for
the exhibition of scenic and dramatic effects,
and the libretto is bright and attractive, aud in
the hands of professional" the "business''
can be worked up very attractively. The COM
position is if anything too good for its avowed
purpose. The theme is dignifed, and its treat
ment rather melodramatic than humorous. It
is not to be doubted that Mr.. Goold has achiev.
ed work which will win for him high praise if
not more substantial reward. Very warm praise
is called for by the orchestration, which is rich
and superb. Mr.. Goold has proved himself a
fine conductor, and to see him at the baton is
one of the pleasantest features of the perfor-
nance.
The presentation of the opera last evening
was as good an amateur performance as one
often sees. The actors entered heartily into the
spirit of the work. and they had the advantage
of playing to an audience thoroughly in sympa-
thy with them; that of course gave them conf
dence, aud they acquitted themselves with
credit. For first night the opera ran very
smoothly and there were few of those bitches
and awkwardnesses usually seen at the first
bringing'out of muscal or dramatic work.
Many of the numbers were given we'll and eff
fectively. The choruses were especially well
rendered. The finale of the first act "Death to
Zamiel,' by Raphael and his following, the
"Happy Little Fairies" by the Fairy Queen
and her subjects, and the "Laughing Song"
were particularly worthy of mention. Some of
the solos are very effective, and capable, if cor
rectly interpreted, of giving great pleasure. The
romanza by "Genevieve" at the beginning of
the third act, "Why is my heart fondly beat
ing," was given with much dramatic express
sion, and the rectative by the Fairy Queen in
abe second act was we'll done
Of course the fact that all the female parts
were taken by men gives the dramatic part of
the work rather the appearance of burlesque
on burlesque, travesty on an opera bouffe;
but proper allowance being made for that there
was little to complain of, and much commenda.
ton to be given. The "Rlphael' was
handsome and spirited, and his efforts were
rewarded with bouquet. His faithful
servant Conrad was very funny. "Genevieve,"
the Fairy Queen, won all hearts by her
witching ways, and "Cupid" who never told
his loves was sprightly and mischievous.
"Zamiel,'' the boss devil, was an uncommonly
fine fiend, doing his wicked work with great
spirit and heartiness, and was ably seconded by
his retinue of demons. The fairies if not of
the traditional sweetness were tricksy sprites
aud excellent in their dances and choruses,
while the "canines" with their clogs achieved
one of the greatest successes of the evening.
The piece was admirably mounted, and the
scenes, the forest lake, fairy grotto and
banquet hail. very fine. The costumes were
rich and appropriate. The actors have certain
ly reason to be highly pleased with the repre-
sentation. The audience certainly was.
The opera will receive three more represen-
tations, and there is every prospect of three
large houses.