GRAND OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 238, 7 October 1932, Page 12

GRAND OPERA.

"LUCIA Dl LAMMERMOOR." WONDERFUL YOUNG SINGER. LINA PALIUGHI'S TRIUMPH. Much had been heard beforehand of the wonderful singing and acting of Lina Paliughi in the title role of "Lucia di Lammermoor," and Australian critics have been unanimous in describing her as the finest coloratura soprano who had visited tlieir shores. Her singing last night at His Majesty's fully justified this glowing opinion. In the "mad scene" this wonderful young singer simply electrified the audience by the brilliance and flexibility of her voice, and by her ability to portray with dramatic intensity the varying moods of this great aria. To this it might be added that both her singing and her acting throughout the opera were marked by delightful simplicity and much charm.

- The presentation of "Lucia di Lammermoor" by the Williamson Imperial Grand Opera Company has additional interest from the fact that this year marks the centenary of Sir Walter Scott, the author of "The Bride of Lammermoor," from, which novel the plot I)LS been adapted. There are many melodious airs in this familiar work, all expressing the tragedy of the story. Primo Montanari was entirely at home in the melodramatic role of "Ravenswood," and sang with great facility and appropriate expression, excelling in the final scene, when he sang the aria, "Tu che a Dia spiegasti," one of the most ravishing melodies that Donizetti ever penned. Franco Izal, a Spanish baritone of great experience, who has a particularly pleasing voice, of beautiful timbre, sang and acted the part of "Ashtou" in the typical grand opera manner. The part of "Bucklaw," the unwanted bridegroom, wa« taken by Roy Glasheen. Michele Fiore gave a fine characterisation of "Raimondo Bidebcnt," and Miss Evelyn Hall made a most attractivelooking "Alisa." One of the outstanding events of the night was the singing of the famous "Sextet." This was a splendid performance. The climax comes with the despairing voice of Lucia heard soaring high above the ensemble. This, combined with the crash of brass and tympani—an irresistible combination for any audience —had to be repeated in response to clamorous demands from the enthusiastic house.

The chorus, which sang with great virility, includes a number of very fine voices, a\icl was most effective throughout. The orchestra was particularly good, Signor Rossi, who again conducted last night, obtaining some remarkable effects from his players. Mention should be made of the line work of the wood wind in the "mad scene." The production was adequately staged, the costuming being both tasteful and effective. The whole performance aroused great enthusiasm in the audience, and the principals were recalled a great many times. To-night, Verdi's "II Trovatore" will be presented with a strong cast, which will include four artists who have not yet appeared this season—-Apollo Granforte, Pedro Mirassou, Bruna Castagna and Mollj' de Gunst, the young Australian soprano.