AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume XX, Issue 2303, 18 December 1872, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

■ '■ — »'■■■.- •■■■ . ■■~ ■ . THE OPEBA. Verdi's grand opera, " Un Ballo in Maschera," was presented last evening, and attracted an unusually brilliant and numerous audience. The highly dramatic nature of the plot, the brilliant florid character of the music, interspersed as it is with gems of the most delicious melody, have, since . its original production, rendered this opera a general favorite with the music loving public. Differing in treatment from Verdi's opera upon the same subject, the " Ballo " has eclipsed in popularity the older version which, under the title of " Gustavus 3rd," has jjstly for many years been regarded as one of the masterpieces of the French school of operatic music. From a musical point of view there is very little difference in point of merit between the two operas, but Verdi's compositions have, since the production of " II Trovatore," obtained a firm hold in the cpinion of musical critics who, a few years ago, would not concede that there was either melody or harmony in them to relieve their overpowering heaviness. The cast of last evening differed in some respects from that of last year, inasmuch as Signora Bosisio sustained the part of the Countess Adelia in place of Signora Zenoni. The sorceress Ulrica, sustained by Signora Polli on the last representation of the opera, on this occasion found an admirable exponent in Signora Riboldi; while the minor character of Tomaaso, which was filled by Signor Grandi, was respectably sustained by Signor Favas, pne of the most useful members of the company

Sicnora Tambourini Coy sustaiued her old part of the Page, and sang the brilliant mor,%. ceaux vrith which it is enriched,.- with greaf' brilliancy, while he acting was distinguished by that archness and piquancy that from her first appearance madcTier a favorite with the public of Christchtt'vh." As the English Governor Riccardo, Signor Rosnati fully sustained the opinion we have boforo expressed as to the improvement in his voic«\ and SiiTiiof Coliva as Keuato, sang aud arted with the admirable taste and expression which ha« distinguished all his impersonations. Siguor Dondi had another opportunity of showing how much cau be made of a small part when placed in the hands of a -jeiniine artist. In a prrformanao where the tout snsemhle was so admirable, it is almost invidious to particularise, but the gems of the opera were undoubtedly Sijrnoras Bosisio aud Coy. Signora Kiboldi at the same time confirming the favorable impressiou she created by hor finr , rendering ofthe {dpsy in " II Trovatore." The first ovation was earned by Signora Coy by the manner in which she sang the ballad "Volta la terre;t," v. here as the page Edgardo she chivalrously defends the sorceress Ulrica against the accusation of the judge. ■ : The grand invocation which commences the second act was maguificently sung by Signora Riboldi (Ulrica) her facial expression aud by play being equally dramatic. This was followed by the fine terzetto '•< Delia citta all' occuso," by Signoras Bosisio, Riboldi and Signor Rosnati, which evoked hearty applause. Signor Rosnati sang the canzone " Di tn se fedele " superbly, fairly making the building vibrate with his magnificent chest notes. The duet at the end of the second act was sang in exquisite harmony by Signora Coy and Signor Rosnati, the unaccompanied portion allowing the delicious harmony in which the voices blended to be heard to the greatest advantage. The third act opened with a fine descriptive scena by Signora Bosisio, "Ma dall 'arido," in which she displayed high histrionic merit, culminating in the duet which followed with Riccardo, " Nou sai tv che cc l'anima." The scene in which Adelia pleads to be allowed to kiss her child, when her husband, inflamed with jealousy, is about to sacrifice her to his rage, again gave Signora Bosisio an opportunity of displaying her pre-eminence in lyrical, tragedy, and tfa e grand aria " Moria maprima lagrazia" brought down a storm of applause, which had hardly subsided when they again burst forth in recognition of Signor Coliva's masterly rendering of the aria seria. " Eri tv che Mechiavi."

The invitation to the ball was the gem of Signora Coy's performance, and her acting and singing were alike charming and piquant in the highest degree. Singular enough this particular incident in the, theme of the assassination of the King of Sweden furnished the undoubted masterpiece of each composer's opera. Different in conception they are each equally characteristic, and neither Auber or Verdi ever surpassed in sparkling melody the celebrated "Invitation to the ball." Quickly succeed' ing came Edgardo's laughing descriptive aria, which narrowly escaped an encore. The opera was concluded by the great duett, "|Amo si tamo c lagrima," by Signora Bosisio and SigDor Rosnati, the latter artiste rising in the fervor of his acting and einging till he created quite a furore by the dramatic intensity of his dying scena "Ella c pure." T?he choruses were very well rendered throughout, as were likewise the orchestral accompaniments, and the mige en scene was picturesque and characteristic. : Altogether " The Ballo in Maschero " was perhaps the most successful opera produced this season. ' i. .