The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-05-20


Sonnei, than Richmond.
THE MOZART LAST EvENING.-As is
usually the case on opera nights Mozart Hall
was filled TO overfowing last evening.
Every seat was occupied, not even except
Ing those In the gallery, and all available
standipg'room was packed with an eager
throng.
EIcbberg's bright little comic opera was
presented for the first time in this city, and
the spirited manner in which it was ren.
dered was highly creditable alike TO those
taking part and The Association.
The opera is written in two acts, and be-
yond being bright and pleasing, with good
orchestration, there Is nothing particularly
striking in the music; though on the whole
the work, while unpretentious, is one OF the
most thoroughly enjoyable that has yet been
given before the Association.
The scene Is laid in Rome on a carnival
day and night. A crowd OF merry masque-
raiders are ENJOYING themselves on the Grand
square, when PietrO, the favorIte gondelier,
appears among them and informs them that
he is perplexed and annoyed by the arrival
OF Moccollni to fulfil marriage contract
with Ninetta, whose father has made a will
commanding her to marry the aforesaid
Moccollni within the space OF one year, or
forfeit her fortune of 500 ducats, unless
Moccolini himself shall Of his free will and
consent sign paper releasing her from the
contract. Pietro's companions enlist them.
selves under his command, and they proceed
TO lay their plans TO frighen the barber into
compliance with Ninetta's desire, and 1t be-
ing carnival time. they are enabled TO per.
form sundry tricks upon him. They dis
gtllse themselves as Sbirri and read pro.
clanallon Offering a reward OF 1000 scudi
Tor the capture OF a celebrated bandit, fix
the description on Moccolni, arrest aud
throw him into an empty wine-vauit, which
ne supposes to be dungeon OF the lnquisi-
ton. Ninetta then disguises herself as Te-
resina, the bandits wife, and with her COM
panions so terriies him that he gladly signs
the release, and OF course Is thoroughly dis
gusted at finding himself so ceverly duped.
The curtain falls on the general rejoicing at
the retiniOn OF the lovers.
Mrs. Bernard as Ninetta was charming
both as TO her singing and acting. Indeed,
we think this talented lady overworks her.
self in her zeal for the success OF these en-
tertanments. She Is here, there, and every
where, and gives life and animation TO her
pupils that Is not often observed amongst
amateurs. At the conclusion Of the very
finished rendition she gave OF her opening
solo in the second act she was the recipient Of
a large, handsome, and appropriate floral de-
sign. Mr.. Bernard made capital Pietro,
and In the yeiy funny croaklng duet be-
tween himself and "Pierot" (Mr. II. Il.
Cardozo), in which they terrifv the poor
barber with their mysterious business, won
an enthusiastic and deserved encore.
Mr. H0f was out OF his element IN the
role Of Moccolin. 1t afforded him not the
least opportunity for the display OF his
pretty voice, and required phase OF comic
acting that was utterly foreign 10 his eX-
perience and temperament. With these
disadvantages be is to be complimented
for the manner in which he acquitted him
self. Messrs. Samuel WaggOner and Monte
Walker, as the :" Grand Judge" and "Co-
Co." respectively did their parts very well
indeed, while the singing Of the chorus
was an effective auxiliary to the success of
the evenings entertainment.
Between the first and second acts of the
opera Mr.. A. NJ. Kelley, by special invita-
ton, addressed the Association upon the
propliety, feasibility, and importance OF
building a grand hall or opera-hOuse for
the Mozart; and notwithstanding his theme
was that uninviting topic OF raising money,
it is a debatabe question which gave
the more pleasure, the "first musical
solo performance OF this gentleman, or the
opera ITSELF" Mr.. Kelley demonstrated very
clearly and strikingly the good work that
has been done by the Mozart, their great
need for more extensive hall to accommo.
date their members, and the practical plan
which had been adopted by the committee
for so doing. He said the proposed build
ing would be erected at a cost OF S50,0
that the amount, though seemingly
large, could be easily raised. Stock was
to be issued at S2j per share, payable in
monthly instalments OF one dollar and bear
ing per cent interest, and it was greatly
desired to dispose OF the whole amount
within the membership OF the Association.
The ediice would be credit TO the AssOcia-
tion and the city, and might by its graceful
and fine proportions awaken in the breasts
of our councllmen taste for architectural
so long lying dormant, that
might expend itself in fashioning City
Hall that would at least be becoming. Mr.
Keiley's remarks were happy, well timed,
and made fine impression.