Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-04-01
METROPOLITAN FHEArER.

The announced italian opera troupe opened
its season last night. From the fact that it
had not been heralded with blare Of
trumpets the audience was not large snd re-
ceived it at first with cold suspicion. Before
the second act closed, however, the merit Of
the singers was recognized, and warm ex-
pressions of approval were given. These
deepened into enthusiasm in the third act to-
ward at least two of the company, and with
the close of the opera the troupe had wruug
from its auditors a verdict of approval in the
face of very discouraging circumstances. the
unforeseen absence of the director-who will
arrive to-dsy-a very suspicious audience,
and an orchestra lacking in strength. As to
this last two pieces will, be added tomorrow.
II Irovstore was sung by the company,
which embraces eighteen voices. The prima
donna, Signorita Antionetti, is a mezzo
soprano Of strong tones and with trained
voice, but lacking in magnetism in synpa-
thetic quality. The contralto, Signorita
Cepilli, won the chief honors of the evening.
The lady has dramatic fire, is conscientious
and earnest, and her voice is rich, resonant.
of broad compass and full of feeling. She
was recalled again and again, and received
the Warmest commendation. 1t is admitted
that the great company of Mapleson has no
such superb contrslto as this. The tenor,
Signor Baldsnza, was quite as emphatically
Endorsed. He strongly reminds old opera
goers of their favorite Bisnchi. His tones
are clear, strong and sweet, and his voice
thoroughly skilled one. 1t was the verdict ef
those who have heard both, that his voice is
superior to the tenor in the Patti troupe. The
upper register of his voice-which has "stsy-
ing power contains his best notes, which
are Of a very effective quality, and uttered
with taste, sweetness and feeling. The bari
tone, VILLAIN, has not heavy voice, but it is
of good quality, and the tones are pure and
are of dramatic character. 1t is a musical
voice of limited powers and handled with
much skill. The basso, SigDor Bologna, was
of even quality without especial prominence.
Miss Thorne had an uncomfortable part, and
was not heard so frequently as to permit of
Judgment as to her value in the support. The
chorus of six male and six female voices
lacked only numerically. 1t is composed
mainly of prscticed voices familiar in many
an opera season on this coast. We estimate
the company as a whole as good without be-
ing pre-eminent. But it has at least two
splendid voices that compensate very largely
for other shortcomings. The troupe is very
faithful. costumes richly, manifests thorough
stage knowledge, musical training and
unquestionably severe operate expert
encs. On two of the acts and four of
the scenes the audience demanded the
temperance of the four leading singers, and
this may be taken as a measure of the ap-
proval manifested. A heavy chorus and full
orchestra would be very desirable, but can
scarcely be expected. The troupe rests to.
night, and tomorrow evening produce " Err
mani" and there is every reason to expect it TO
be az immense success in the hands of this
company, and worthy a full and critical
hOuse