THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 5229, 8 December 1879, Page 2

THE OPERA.

The Lyster Opera Company gave their first performance at the Princess Theatre on Saturday evening to a more numerous audience than might have been expected, considering the unpleasantness of the weather, and its being Saturday. Although "Maritana" has been played so frequently lately in Duuedin, and in some instances so well, its music is always welcome, and the incidents lose none of their attractions by repetition. In this instance interest was ieH in the performance because of its introducing to a Dunedin audience Mdllo. Rose Hersee, whose vocal and histrionic talents have been so highly spoken of in Melbourne. The character of Maritana was allotted to this lady : Miss Lambert, who has before visited us, appealed as Lnzarillo, Mr Annes Moaumont, Hon <_V-3ar ; Mr Teinplotou, Dm ..)o.«e; Mr Levi son, the King of Spain: and the Marquis and Marchioness were represented by Mr A. JJovveil and Miss Bessie "Royal respectively. As a matter of course chief iutercat was felt in AldDft. Horace, whoao arch and piquant repe .'sentatinn in the first ant at once at-.-. :.l'::\i .--d hrv n iT,\<u-itt\ fiei w.i.r, i-j a <:{■:.■:: . lii'lil yopranu ot flexibility and ontri ;i.t: n. Slit; niaga wquiajtely in time, and, witlu tin, excfiption of a. far too frequent use of '.he cloisa .shake, with ;;reafc taste and expression. Where .special intensity i:i required, the close shake may bo inhudueed. occasionally with effect, but otherwise in mar; the freedom of tone and interferes sadly with the rhythm of music. Tne difference of effect was manifest when she took part in duets or trios. Then thq clear, pure tone was brought out with great advantage. Throughout, herftotingwasgraosfularul appropriate. Mr Amies Baaumont as Don Owr played the p*rt with tho spirit d ad dash i which the recklgis darc»dovil chnUtofcur ro I quipi*. En hi* ppaiking wh thought ha oi* I Ijibited symptoms of wifwing from a slight (

attack of influenza, which, however, interfered but little with his .singing. We need not enter into mirmtiie with regard to his effortß. His voice has lost none :»f its sweetness and power of expression. Miss Lambert in our estimation hay improved most astonishingly since we last heard her. She played the part of Lazarilio with great judgment, and gave th»; music incident to it with excellent taste. She has a fine pure quality of voice, and though in one or two instances slightly inclined to flatness of intonation these were not sufficiently apparent to mar the general effect. Mr Templeton, though rather light ns a baritone, has a most excellent voice, and sings with taste and judgment. His representation of Don Jose" was careful and true to the character. Mr Levison acquitted himself fairly as King of Sain, and the little that fell to the lot of Miss Bessie Royal and Mr Hoivell was well gone through. The chorus acquitted themselves exceedingly well, but we have become critical in these latter days in Dunedin since our local choristers have shown us what caii be done. The orchestra is powerful, and, with the exception of one slight hitch, played the overture and accompaniments with great precision and taste. It cannot, perhaps, bo expected that the costume of tho chorus can be too expensively attended to. The leading performers were well and appropriately dressed, and the piece was fairly put on tho stage. These are but minor matters, though not beneath notice as accessories to success, but from the talent evinced on Saturday evening we anticipate and hope that Mr Lystor will have a successful season. To-night •' II Trovatore" will be given, when Signora Coy will appear as Leonora, aud Signor Coy as Manrico.