The Sun. — 1862-04-09 (London, England)

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.  Mr. Gye commenced his season last evening, and the " opening" was inaugurated by an audience that filled every seat in the immense theatre. The opera was " Guillaume Tell," with Tamberlik as Arnold ; Faure, as William Tel. ; Madame Carvalho, Mathilde ; Zelger, Walter Furst; and Madame Rudersdorff, as Tell's son. On the appearance of Costa in the orchestra, he was very warmly welcomed, and in a few moments after the house became silent for the performance of Rossini's magnificent overture ; never has it been given with better effect than last evening, and the fact was testified by the loud applause that followed its termination.  The manner in which the opera is always performed at this theatre is so well known, that it is needless to go into any very lengthy particulars. In the second aet no single scene more calculated to create a sensation of the liveliest kind than the mEeting of the Cantons and the swearing of the oath of liberty, preceded by the superlative trio in which Tell and Walter disclose to Arnold the news of his father's murder. The trio in question was superbly given by Signor Tamberlik, M. Faure, and M. Zelger, the pathetic tones of Signor Tamberlik, and his truly impassioned delivery, in Arnold's famous apostrophe to his murdered parent, moving the sympathies of the whole audience, who applauded him with rapture. The opening of the act—with the alternate chorus of Austrian chasseurs and Swiss shepherds, on the distant shores of the Lake in which the representatives of the Cantons meet, and after, one by one, declaring the motives that incite them to revolt, unite, under the auspices of the three leaders, Tell, Arnold, and Walter, in taking the oath—were alike in every cease perfect; and the curtain fell on the patriotic exclamation, " All' armi ! All' armi," amid applause as uproarious as it was legitimately earned. Of course, it was raised again, that not merely the principal singers, but every one engaged in the performance, might be included in the unanimous verdict of approval. The remaining gems of the opera were all given with great effect, as every one concerned was in capital voice. During the recess the theatre has been entirely re-decorated, and it now presents a most gorgeous appearance.  The Duke of Somerset will hold his third levee to-morrow afternoon at the Admiralty, Whitehall.  The Marquis Camden and the Ladies Pratt have left Grosvenor-square for Wilderness Park, Sevenoaks, for the holidays.  The Earl of Derby continues to improve in health. _  The Earl Cowper and the Hon. Henry Cowper have arrived in town from a tour on the Continent.  The Earl and Countess of Erne arrived at their residence in Eaton-square a few days since, from their seat in Ireland.  The Earl of Verulam has arrived at Thomas's Hotel, Berkeley-square, from Bournemouth.  The Earl and Countess of Bective have left Grafton-street for Underley Hall, Westmoreland. The Earl and Countess Russell will leave town to-morrow for Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, for the Easter recess.  The Countess Dowager of Mexborough is expected in town in a few days from visiting Lady Stuart de Rothsay at Higheliffe, Hants. The Earl and Countess of Stamford and Warrington have arrived at Hill-street from his lordship's seat, Biadgate Park.  Lord and Lady Camoys and the Hon. Misses Stonor will leave town on Saturday for Stonor Park, Oxfordshire, for a few weeks.  Lord and Lady Chesham have arrived at their residence in Grosvenor-square, from Latimers, Bucks, for  the season.  Lord and Lady Rendlesham have arrived at the Clarendon Hotel.  Lord and Lady Norreys have arrived in town. Lady Caroline Townley remains at Brighton. _ _ _  Lady F. Fitzroy and family have arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Norwood.