THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 5230, 9 December 1879, Page 2

THE OPERA.

- A rich treat was afforded the music-loving portion of the community last night by tho representation of “II Trovatore ” given by the Lyater Opera Troupe. To show the strength of the company itmay be mentioned thatnoneof the leading characters were sustained by members who had appeared on Saturday evening in “ Maritana,” and yet the cast was an exceptionally strong one, as will be seen on perusing the names:—Leonora, Signora Tsmburini Coy; Azucena, Signora Margherita Venosfca; Manrico, Signor Leandro Coy ; Count di Luna, Mr G. Verdi. Tho opera is too well known to require any details to begone into concerning e'ther the music or the plot, to that we need only comment on the manner in which the performers acquitted themselves. With four artistes, every one of whom is far above tho average ability of vocalists who visit these Colonies, it is a difficult task to select one as giving the most satisfaction, but we incline to the opinion that Mr Verdi last evening showed to the greatest advantage. This gentleman, who appeared before a Dunedin audience for the first time, is well qualified to sustain the part of the Count, for he possesses a magnificent baritone voice of great power and exceptionally pleasing quality, is a thorough actor, and has a most manly appearance. We are told by those who have heard him in Melbourne that Mr Verdi was not at his best last night, owing to a slight cold, but whether that is the case or not, the fact remains that his part has never been filled here so grandly. He gave “II balen” with such exquisite taste and expression as to earn an enthusiastic encore, but ho had previously rendered infinite service in > the terzetto “Di geloso amor ” with Leonora and Manrico, In the aria “Per me ora” he was equally successful, and in fact the progress of the opera only served to confirm the great impression which Mr Verdi had created in the early part. The duet “Vivra, contende,” with Leonora, was a masterly piece of vocalisation, and both singers were loudly applauded for their rendering of it. In Azucena, Signora Venosta was well suited, for she also has histrionic ability of the highest class in addition to a voice of singular power and clearness. Her conception of the part was good, and it was finely carried out. Signora Venosta’s efforts were repeatedly greeted with bursts of applamc, but she was particularly effective in “Stride la vampa” and the remainder of the long scena with Manrico, including the duct “ Perigliarti angor;” in the pathetic aria “Giorni poveri; ” and in the prison duet “Si, la stanchezza” with Manrico. In speaking of Signora Coy, we have to deal with a lady who, when here about seven years ago, established herself as a particular favorite, and in the interim she has if anything improved in both singing and acting. Her voice is fully as sweet and flexible as ever, though still a little spoiled by the old want of perfect clearness; while she displays more finish than was aparent on her previous visit. lu the first act, “ Di tale amor ” was sufficiently well given to prove that there was no falling off in her powers ; and in the many concerted pieces in which she had to assist, her part was most efficiently performed. “ D’amor Bull ali” was rendered by her very expressively, and if the “ Miserere ” scena had been given all round as well as Signora Coy’s was it would have been a perfect success. Signor Coy has undoubtedly improved considerably since his first visit to Dunedin, his voice having gained in power, and we shall look forward with interest to seeing him in the characters which he then filled—such as Edgardo, in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” for instance. His dress last evening was perhaps a little too rich for that of a troubadour, but that is a very unimportant matter. His rendering of the music falling to the lot of Manrico was most satisfactory, and he received a full share of the applause that was so liberally bestowed on the principal singers. The serenade “ Deserto sulla terra ” was well given, and the descriptive aria “Mai reggendo” with fine discrimination. “Ah si, ben mio” was perhaps his best effort, his delivery of “ Ah ! che la morte ” suffering from excessive loudness. Tho remaining parts wore well filled, as follows: Ferrando. by Mr Templeton; Ruiz, by Mr G. A. Johnson; and Inez, by Miss Bessie Royal. The chorus were not perfect throughout, taking some of their pieces unsteadily at the outset; but on the whole little fault could be found with them. Of the orchestra we can speak only in praise, their arduous part of the work being efficiently gone through. This evening the “ Bohemian Girl” will be produced, with Mdme, Rose Hcrsee as Arline; Air Verdi aa Count Arnheim; and Mr Beaumont as Thaddous.