OPERA HOUSE. -"Boccaccio."

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4416, 9 July 1884, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE. -"Boccaccio."

Yon Suite's comic opera " Boccaccio" was produced at the Opera Houso on Monday evening for tlio first timo during the present season by tlio Dunning Opera Company. Its first representation was certainly most successful, and tho only wonder concorning it is that tho management did not lead oil' with what is evidently their trump card on the opening night. Tho lower part of the house was crowded, but a noticeable fact in connection with the dress circle was that while there was a fairly good attendance there, it was not patronised to such an extent as might have been expected on the occasion of a lirst performance. Only one reason presents itself to our mind in explanation of this apparent want of appreciation, and that is that the opera cannot stand high in tlio estimation of the music-loving people of Auckland. This, wo may add, is scarcely to be wondered at. It is now scarcely a year ago since the Simonsen Company produced an Americanised version of the libretto, and a very moderate degree of success attended that venture. The dialogue possessed nothing of brilliancy, the interpretation of the music did not sustain the encomiums which had been passed upon tho opera in England, and, in a word, tho production was a comparative failure. Tho Dunning Opera Company consnquently made its first appearance in "Boccaccio" at an immense disadvantage, but the unanimous verdict of those who were fortunate enough to be present on Monday evening was that the opera would have a lengthy and successful run here. Thero is really nothing in common between the version presented last night and the former production. Even apart from the music, the libretto is entirely different. While tho dialogue of the one is witty, sparkling, and vivacious, that of the other was tame and spiritless. Most of tho situations of the former possess an irresistible drollery that is entirely absent in the other, and of these the utmost advantage is taken. Again, it appeared to us that the music finds an abler interpretation by the present company, and many beauties of composition which were wholly omitted from tho version previously represented have been brought into extreme prominence, and an attractiveness imparted to tho wholo opera that won for it a high place in tho estimation of tho audience. The mos. noticeable feature in connection with tho change of programme on Monday evening was tho appearance of Mr Knight Aston, the first tenor of tho Company. He was cast as Leonotta, a studont and Boccaccio's chum. Possessed of a splendid tenor voice, clear as a boll in tho upper notes, and of remarkable compass, Mr Aston speedily established himself in popular favour. His rendition of the song, "Thee do I Love," in tho second part, won for him an enthusiastic encore, to which ho responded. He was also heard to considerable advantage in the concorted music and in other morcca-ux. Misa Ivanova appeared as Boccaccio, and the music of the part gave her a better opportunity of displaying tho good qualities of her voice than she was afforded ia " Manola." Sho sang the charming ballad, "Forget not to Forgot," with wonderful taste and expression, displaying culture and power over her voice in the higher notes. She was encored in this number, and also in the Country Yokel's song. Miss Leaf, as Fiametta, was heard to much better advantage than in the previous performance, and in every instance gave a satisfactory interpretation to tho music allotted to her. Her rendering of the volklicd "Young Love" was marked with artistic finish, and was deservedly encored, whilo her singing in other selections proved most acceptable. Mons. Loredan found a congenial role in the part of Pietro. lie was not called upon to undertake any solo music, but acted exceedingly woll, and ably sang his share, of the conceited music. Much of the success of the performance was due to Messrs Appleby and Dean, as Lambertucchio and f.otteringhi respectively. Their parts er - brace much of the comic element wi fa which the opera abounds, and as hullo artistes tl.ey wero successful in tho highest degree. Tho cooper's song by Lotteringhi, with a rattling chorus, was ono of tho most enthusiastically received numbers, and was loudly encored, whilo a similar compliment was paid to both artistes and Scalza (Mr F, Wentworth) in the serenade bouffe, "Fnm Thy Placid Slumber." The rippling laugh of the couple was one of the amusing features of the performance. Miss A. Stanley deserves favourable mention for her imjiersonation of Peronella, the ancient vixen, and for her singing in several concerted pieces. Isabella (Miss Kelly), who possesses a good voice, was also successful in her part, and gave an agreeable rendering of the flirtation song. Credit is also due to Miss O'Neill, who appeared to advantage as Beatrice, the daughter of Scalza, and ably sustained the part allotted to her. A capital divertissement by the sisters Martin was introduced in the third act. The opera will bo repeated to-night, and there is every probability that it will have a most successful run.

The opera was repeated last night before a " bumper house" both below and above stairs, and the performance throughout was marked by a spirit and ease begotten of ample rehearsal. Mr Knight Aston, the leading tenor, confirmed the highly favourable impressions which he produced on the previous evening. Every number told with decided effect. Ho has a voice of exceptional range, full and resonant in the lower register, clear and strong in the upper register, of fair quality, and flexible withal. He is undoubtedly far the best singer in the Company. Both Miss Ivanova and Miss Leaf appeared to great advantage, and were encored, While Miss O'Neil and Miss Kelly also secured a warm recognition of their abilities. Messrs Appleby and Dean, as the drunken olivegrower and crapulous cooper respectively, kept the audience in a constant titter of merriment, while chorus and orchestra contributed their fair quota to tho general success. Tho opera is a pronounced success both musically and dramatically, and may with the utmost confidence be recommended to tho patronage of the playgoing public.