THE OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3553, 28 December 1881, Page 3

THE OPERA.

"MARITANA.1

"MAEITANA," ths most popular of English operas, and perhaps the most tuneful and melodious of all, was produced at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening to a capital house, and performed with unqualified Buccess. The cast was a strong one, the piece had evidently been well rehearsed, and the principals being in good voice a representation wus given of the opera which for merit has certainly never been excelled in Auckland. Miss Montague, of course, assumed the title idle. She entered con amorc into the spirit of the part, went through the opening scenes with charming abandon and vivacious gaiety, caught very happily the soft oncd feeling running through the subsequent episodes, and sung the captivating music allotted her with great taate and a ready perception of its capacity for emotional expression. The beautiful aria "'lis the Harp in the Air," was given with an effect which prepared the audience for a finished interpretation of the solo passages that were to follow, and the execution of the duet with Don Jose " Of Fairy Wand," served to strengthen the anticipation. The well-known song, " Scenes that are brightest," was exquisitely sung, while in both of the following ducts, viz., "Oh Maritana," with Don Ctesar, and " Sainted Mother," with LaKatillo, the resources of the lady's voice, and her talent as a professional cautatricc were exhibited to great advantage. Mr Chas. Turner was equally successful in the part of Don Ciesar, his action being studied and generally appropriate, and his Ringing being admirable. The rollicking song, "All the World Over," with which he signalised bis entrance upon the stage, proved one of the vocal triumphs ot the evening. It was splendidly sung, aud fairly brought down "the house. The sarcastic romance, " Hither as I Came," was capitally rendered; while tko ensuing trio, "Turn on Old Time" {Don Ctesar, Don Josi", and Lazafillo), was sung with .a spirit and fervour of feeling that entitles us to designate it the best porformed of tl.fe concerted selections. The duet with ttao King, "I am the King of Spain," and that with Maritana, to which reference has already been made, were also surpassingly good. The inspiring son:;, "Let me like a Soldier Fall," with its martial ring and well marked rhythm, was splendidly delivered, and the singing of the graceful and pensive ballad, "There is a Flower that Bloombth" was quite as effective Both numbers were given iv a manner and with a power that admit of no disparagement. Mr Turner, however, must plead guilty to the introduction of some gag, which neither improved tliu libretto, nor was called for by the circumstances. With this exception, aud perhaps a slight tendency to exaggeration of manner in one pr two situatioDß.his portraiture wasreally excellent. Mr Farley never appears to a disadvantagc,and though the part of Don Jos6 with the music written to it is hardly the most suitable tor hini,hin performance fully sustained his operatic repute. He contributed veiy appreciably to the success of all tho concerted passages in which he was engaged, and his solo numbers also received lair treatment from him. The introduction of a cadenza here and there is a liberty whicn professional singers frequently take with the music that they render, aud Mr Farley would appear to favour tho privilege. It is one, however, more honoured in tho breach than in the observance, and, thorefore, the flourish with which the ballad "In Happy Moments " was finished off, though weU executed, wouldhave been better omitted. The crentlemanwas heard to decided advantage in tho cavatina, '|This heart by woe o'ertaksn," and in the splendid bravura, to which it leads, viz., "No! My Courage," In this style of muaic Mr Farloy is never at fault. M r Gordon, a bass of great power, depth, and resonance, took the part of the King; and if a little constrained in his acting fully atonsd for it by his singing. He produced a very favourable impression. Miss Carry Godfrey made a fascinating Lazarillo, while her singing fully deserved the plaudits which it evoked from time to time. For her rendering of " Alas ! Those Chimes," the lady was encored. Mr Benham made the most of the Marquis, and the other subsidiary lOlcs were satisfactorily filled. The orchestration was remarkably good, the first violin and clarionet especially meriting recognition, while M. Ctrou conducted with unerring judgment, The choruses, barring a few trifling defects, were well given, the attack being usually prompt and decisive, and the time creditably observed.