THE OPERA,

Evening Post, Volume XXI, Issue 47, 26 February 1881, Page 2

THE OPERA,

The Simonsen Company achieved a marked success last night in the production of Uoieldieu's opera "La Danie Blanche." This opera has the double advantage of a very interesting and intelligible plot (founded on Sir Walter Scott's novel, " iheMonastry,") and delightful music, every note of which is charming, while much is decidedly original in character. The work abounds in beautiful airs, duets, trios, and choruses. Particular mention may be made of the famous " Soldier's Song" in the Ist act ("All quel plaiair"), of the other tenor solo in the 2nd act (" Viens gentille dame"), of the soprano ballad with chorus in tho Ist act, and the fine trio for soprano and two tenors (a canon, or rather " round " on a subject in tho overture) in the same act ; another trio for two soprani and bass in the 2nd act, and the magnificent finale to that act. TII9 opera was put on the stage in capital style, the scenery and appointments being particularly good. The performance was an exoellent one in nearly every respect, the sole defects being in the last act, when both the soloists and chorus were occasionally flat. Madame Simonsen, although evidently somewhat indisposed, was an admirable Anna, alike vopally and dramatically, tho sole regret being that slie omitted the splendid aria which introduces the 3rd act. Miss Simonsen was very happy iv her impersonation of Jenny, singing and acting with spirit aud taste. Signor Bianchi was very successful as George, a part which suited him exactly ; he acted extremely well, and sang artistically, especially in the first two acts, falling off somewhat towards the end of the opera. He was deservedly applauded for his three solos, but he greatly curtailed tho second one, its second and very curious movement in 5-4 time being excised. Mr. Cram was thoroughly in his element as Dibson, his representation of which part was one of the best features of the evening. His acting and singing were equally meritorious, and elicited frequent hearty applause. Mr. St. Clair, aa Gaveston, and Mr. Wentworth, as Mac Titon, were very efficient; and Miss Frances Simonsen was a fair Margaret. The chorus and band were generally excellent. The principals were recalled after each act, and the ladies recoived a perfect shower of bouquets at the conclusion. "La Dame Blanche " will be repeated to-night for the last time, when those who have not yet seen and heard, it should not miss this opportunity of doing so^