The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-05-11
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
sIGNoR BRocoLINI.


sion. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y,
where he gained considerable reputation
while youth as member of a church choir,
and in concert events AT a later period he
wrote the musical criticisms for the Brook
Ign Eagle with much skill. AT the conclu-
sion of his musical education III Italy, he
made his debut in opera at Milan: At that
place he was presently engaged by an agent
of Her Majesty's Italian Opera to go to Lon
don where he made an instantaneous success
in leading baritone parts. One of the condi-
tions of his London engagement was that he
should assume an Italian name for his stage
appearance, in the same manner that Miss
Smith of Albany NOW Mrs. Gye) took the
name of Albani. Accordingly Mr.. Clarke
became Sig. Brocolini, the italian name for
his native city of Brooklyn. Like most ar
lists of spirit and merit, he soon had the us
ual disagreement with Colonel Mapleson,
the arbitrary manager of Her Majesty's OPP
era, which resulted in his accepting an en-
gagement to sing in CRATIC and other music
with Slime Reeves Adelina Patti, Christine
Nilsson in tour of the larger cities OF Eng
land and Scotland When Messrs Gilbert
and Sullivan were writing the Pirates OF
Penzance," they invited Mr.. Brocollni to as
sumo the role of the Pirate King in the Eng
fish company then being formed to come
with D'Oyley Carte to this country. He ac-
cepted the proffered position and the part
was largely written for him by the distin-
guished author and composer. As will be
remembered he created the role in New York
with great success and also in Portland
Subsequently he came to Boston to sing
Strephon in "Iolanthe," which was first pro-
duced at the Bijou Theatre in that city some
three years ago. An amusing incident
somewhat illustrative of the value of news
paper criticisms at times, is told of Broccoli
mis- appearance there. Mr.. Arthur Leach,
the accomplished critic and Boston cores
pondent of the New York Dramatic Times,
occupied his usual front seats at the BlJou
on the occasion, and wrote, in substance,
that the famous baritone fell far short of his
reputation, and would not do for BoS-
ton;" that his voice was small one COM
pared with his robust physique, and that he
ought to be ashamed to allow woman Miss
Janet Edmondson, as Phyllis to overpower
him in the duet, Il the tree; Thou the flow
err" etc. The truth was that Mr.. Brocolini
having had no rehearsals in the new theatre,
which was smaller than any in which he had
ever before sung, was endeavoring to guage
his voice, and was especially singing so as
not to overpower the lady in the duet mem
toned Later on, personal friend know
ing his voice, told him he sang too piano"
in the duet, and advised him to make more
of his portion of the number. He according
ly began to let his voice out to its natural
volnme and Of course to better advantage
Within the week, Mr.. Leach again wrote, in
substance, that the opera was running with
great success, but that Mr. Brocolini ought
like Miss Edmondson with his ::"bull of Bor-
han voice." Mutual friends called Mr..
LeachS attention to his two criticisms, and
there was supper at Kramer's after the
show" at MIR. Leach'S expense. Mr.. Broccoli
nj went to Australia in 1884, where he played
most successful engagements at the Mel
bourne and Sidney opera houses, under the
management of the Williamsons. He re-
turned to America last fall, however, in time
to take the role of Pooh Bah in the 'sMika-
do presentation at the Hollis street Theatre
in Boston. From there he was transferred
to the company at the Globe Theatre, and
which has recently appeared in New York.
The critics OF both cities pronounce his Pooh
thus far seen in either place. Mr.. Brocolini
is a composer of considerable merit, having
written several songs and other music of
more than usual character as well as grace
full melody. His latest compositions are the
operate numbers for a libretto by Mr.. Hor-
ace NJ. Jordan, and a mass for church ser
vice.
THE MIKADo.
The tickets for the performances of the
''Mikado,' at City Hall next Friday and
Saturday are meeting with -c1eellent- sSle-
as Stockbridge's The strength of the cast
is indicated at glance, and the large Choir
US and orchestra will give the opera with all
the effects Sir Arthur Sullivan intended. The
souvenirs to be given to the ladies are very
handsome. fne people from out OF town
will have the advantage of late trains and
half fares
THE RAG BABY.
There will be great desire to see that
lawfully funny" play, the "Rag Baby" at
Portland Theatre, next Friday and Satur-
day. The piece is well known:here and is
sure to draw great house.
HAyERLY's MINsTRELs.
This very popular company again returns
to us on the 18th, at Portland Theatre, and
we are promised an entire change of pro-
gramme. It's needless to eulogize this Or
ganization as they are so well and thorough
ly known. 1t has been their aim to present
to the public novelties and placing them be-
fore their patrons in that clean and refined
manner that not only pleases the masses but
appeals to the cultivated and elite. The bur-
lesque Mikado, entitled Ci-gar-do, will be
presented with all its gorgeous costumes,
stage and scene effects. The famous Cragg
Family who created such furore are still
with this company and promise to introduce
new and startling feats.
NOTES.
Mr.. E. f. Thorne, the actor has brought
out a point regarding Shakespeare which, as
it had escaped the notice of Edwin Booth,
must also have been unnoted by many other
Shakspsarian scholars. Mr.. Thorne called
Mr.. Booths attention to the fact that though
America had been discovered years before
Shakspeare's time, yet the great author has
never alluded to the New World anywhere
in his plays.
Nine Modjeska intends bringing out in
the autumn a new play written jointly by
Lathrop and called "Tactics." 1t is com
edy based on story entitled Pauline, -
which Mr.. Hawthorne published in Cornhill
some years ago.
One of the New York Tribune staff writ
ers says: "Mr. Silas Quincy, proprietor of the
fremont House, Boston, told me the other
ey with which he bought his first stage
clothes: Now Dixey is making $4,000
year. This leap from poverty to affiuence
has been within few years"
Two, veteran actors are on the Boston
stage this week. Mr.. G. W: Couldock, with
the Booth -Salvini combination is II years of
age and has been on the stage 40 years. Mr..
William Davidge, of the Madison Square
Company, is Y years old and will celebrate
his 50th year on the stage next month. The
latter has played 1904 characters during his
professional career