THE OPERA

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1841, 16 January 1880, Page 3

THE OPERA

Tho opera of “ Lucia,” as produced last night, cannot be considered as anything short ■of a grand success. Founded on Sir Walter Scott’s novel “The Bride of Lammermoor,” it usually creates an intense interest on that account alone, although in detail the text of the plot considerably deviates from the original. Whatever may be the opinion of that section of the musical public whose inclinations and taste do not aspire to anything beyond a craving after well known airs, which have become threadbare, this work contains endless beauties of construction, and is an immense advance upon those of this season which have preceded it. Witness the sestette and chorus “ Qual fragor,” which is _as fine a piece of operatic vocal writing as anything to be met with short of the highly classical school. Throughout the work there may be found a great refinement in the treatment of the instrumentation, which, when not allowed to preponderate over the voice, produces exquisite coloring. Madame Hereee, in the character of Lucia, displayed her voice upon this occasion to advantage in her wonderful execution in the florid passages, and her representation in the mad scene was such as to elicit a warm demonstration j but she has a tendency, which was strongly evinced last evening, to elaborate her part. Any description of Signor Coy’s Edgardo of last night, cannot but fall far short of the praise he is entitled to. From first to last his impersonation of the character was a masterly display. His rendering in tho mad scene, the effect produced by his pathetic singing in the duet with Lucia, “ Sulla tomba,” in the air, “ Fra pooo,” and in the finale, will not easily be forgotten. As Enrico Signor Verdi as far as intonation is concerned was not faultless, but with Lucia in the duet “ Se tradirmi ”he achieved complete success. Mr Johnson as “Arturo ” served his part well, but with an evidence of occasional weakness. As Bide the Bent, which, though not set out in the bill, is a prominent character in the work, Mr Templeton is deserving of praise, especially for his singing in the concerted •music and in the air “Dalle Sfanze.” What little Miss Royal had to do as Alice was done well, and deserves mention. Altogether the management deserves the highest praise for the manner in which last evening's performance was given. With the exception of a slight hesitation at the commencement, it was admirably rendered “ Maritana” is announced for to-night, and such a favorite is sure to meet with its reward in a packed house. The Christchurch public should bs reminded that unless their sympathies and encouragement are given to these who make hazardous ventures in catering for their enjoyment, they must not expect that they will receive the gratification of these occasional visits, and that, although the tout ensemble of an opera as given here cannot be expected to equal the production of the Italian opera in England, they are made acquainted with artists of undoubted talent and ability.