Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-02-28
INAUGURATION OF THE HOWARD
OPERA HOUSE.
A BRILLIANT OPENING.
Grand Opera for the First Time
In Vermont.

course nobody has undertaken 10 lay
down any rules of fashion or taste as re-
CARDS matter of dress for opera audiences in
these parts Our people sensibly con-
suited their various wishes aud taste:
in that matter. A considerable proportion
of tho ladies and gentlemen present
however, saw fit to grace tho occasion
by appearing in fall evening dress, and
the appearance OF the handsome hall
filed With nice-looking and handsomely
dressed people, was very brilliant and stEik-
ing.
For the opening performancs-withe excel
lent judgment-Mr. Strakosch selected
Donezetti's beautiful opera of Lucia DE
Lammermo0r. This. Us most Of our music
loving readers know, is standard favorite
on both sides of the Atlantic. In it, in past
years, such artists az Benedict, Trufi,
Grisi, Mario. Patti, and others of the best
singers that ever came across the Atlantic,
have found favorite roles, and won ample
laurels and it retains its popularity IN
abated. The grace of tho music, and the
general effectiveness of the opera, as a
whole, will ever keep it general fayorite.
The representation last night, though
| showing some inequalities, was on the whole
a notably successful one.
Miss Maria Litts, who took the part of
Lucia, has bright, pure and delicate So
prsno voice, of wide compass and we'll
developed in volume. Her execution is re-
markedly brilliant. In expression and
sentiment, she was simple and winning
rising at times to intensity. and giving the
impression that with maturer years-for she
is youag-sbe may add much of power and
passionate expression. She acts gracefully
aud in good taste; and her representation
of Lucia was excellent and admirable in all
its parts. She was received with extraor-
binary favor and called before the curtain
at the close of every act.
Signor Pantaleoni is one Of the best
baritones that has sung in this country in
the last fifteen years. lie has fine, full
voice, which hardly showed Its dull rover,
last evening, for he was evidently little
hoarse, but which yet filed the hall with a
rich volume Of tohe lie has excellent
method, noticeable vig0r aai good taste in
expression. q handsome physique. and all
in all is much more than ordinarily salts
factory baritone singer.
Signor Lszarinl has a sweet and sympalh-
etic tenor voice, and everywhere fairly filled
the demands Of his parts. With few inches
moro of stature, and some addition Of vocal
power, he would mako an admirable Ed
gardo.
Mr.. Conly filled the part Of Raimondo ex-
cellently we'll, and Mr.. Barberis is much
better than average Arturo. Miss Lancaster
did excelently what little she has to do.
The chorus was very good, and the orches-
ira fair.
As for the representation a. whole, We
have heard this and other operas much
worse given ct the New York Academy of
Music. The scenery was remarkably good.
and there was not particle of the delay or
"hitchng" in the arrangements which it is
commonly safe to expect in a first rspres;n-
tation in a new house. All went eff prompt
ly and smoothly, and to the great enjoy
plauded were the splendid soprano and
bass duett, "Sofrira mel pidntO, in the sec
oud act. and the magnificent sextet and
chorus near the close of the same act. This
ha1 ttstSI nd
solo singers were called before the curtain
at the close of the act
The incidental ballet" was introduced
in the second act. OF course all understand
that this is no part OF the opera but an ey-
traneous affair, thrust in to please some
who are best suited By something besides
good music. 1t was-ballet. Opera at best
is not the height Of everyd day common sense;
but certainly nothing could be more incOn-
gruous than tho introduction, in the story |
Of Lucia, and in Scottish scene, of a"leg'
by three "coryphees" in hori- |
zontal fri.ls (fOr skirts) and heshiEgs. Ii |
was short, however, almost as the dresses |
Of the dancers, and did not long interrupt |
the opera.
The main fault to be found was with the |
way the opera was cut, some of the best
things in the opera being omitted, including
the effective scene and Duet a: the opening
Of the third act There was no apparent
necessity for this mutilation, for the singers
were there, the audience was appreciative
and enthusiastic, and there was plenty Of
time, the osera being finished. as it was. By
ten o'clock.
All i'll ALL it was fine success, and
brilliant opening for the new Opera House.
Ii demonstrated amply also the admirable
q qualities Of the house a. hall for music.
Miss Litta pronounced it one Of the easiest
rooms to sing in that she has met with, and
both the vocal and instrumental music
appeared to remarkable advantage in it.
As a music hall. our Opera House is all
that can be asked for and in all other res
poets, it is needless to say, it greatly de-
Zig hted all beholders. Its fine proportions,
beautiful coloring. elegant appointments.
rich drapings, the full soft light which
filled the house, all won enthusiastic ad-
JIE sErnSp NIGHT