AMUSEMENTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17396, 6 February 1917, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

GONSALEZ OPERA COMPANY.

"LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR."

"Lucia di Lammemoor," though it still finds a place in the repertory 0? Continental opera companies, has not been heard in New Zealand for many years, and its presentation by the Gon"salea Opera Company last night was a thrice Avelcome revival of the delights that have always been the fruits of Donizetti's masterwork. Of his sixty odd operas but three remain really popular, "Lucia di Lammermoor," "Lucrezia Borgia" and "La i'iglia del Regimento," and of these the tragedy based on Sir Walter Scott's work is the favourite. Though the music is sombre, without any suggestion of joyousness to relieve it, it is full of contrast, and some of the composer's most melodious work is to be found in " Lucia di Lammermoor ? " The opera, too, reveals Donizetti's powers in concerted music, and one realises that in orchestral work, which is here more effective than in any other of his operas, Donizetti had a skill that deserved even more credit than he has received. "Lucia di Lammermoor" contains Donizetti's greatest tenor aria, "The Tomb Song"; probably his most dramatic sccna for a soprano, Lucia's mad scene j and his greatest accomplishment in concerted song writing, the famous sextet, " Why do I my Arm Restrain." Some of his most interesting choruses, too, are to bo found in this opera.

Last night 4 the undoubted success scored by tho revival was due very largely to the fine performance of Edgardo given by Signor Oappelli. The fine romantic figure of Edgardo, though, of course, it contains little of Sir Walter Scott's character, was fully realised, and the fine music which falls to his lot was done full justice. The powerful " Sulla Tombo cbe rinserra," in which Edgardo tells Lucia of his vow to be avenged on Arturo and Enrico, and his relaxation of his oath because of his love for her, was handled with fine skill, and the following love duet, which concludes the first act, was delightful. In the beautiful sextet Signor Cappelli dominated the whole number. In saying so one does no injustice to the excellent work of the other principals. Signor B'uloni here was at his best, and Signorina Gonsalez, too, gave some of her most effective work, but the figure of Siguor Cappelli and his fine dramatic singing was always promincnti. In the iutgnifie?nt aria that finishes the play, '"Tu Che a Dio," Signor Cappelli probably surprised even those who had been prepared by his achievements oaiiier in the season. The restraint with which the scene was sung did much to increase its effect, and probably long 'after <he company has gone the Tcmb scene from "Lucia" will be remembered nS one of the delights of the season. Signorina Gonsalez was nut so wtll suited to the part of Lucia as to the roles in which she has been heard. The two arias in the first act, especially the " Regnava nil silenzio,"' made iv,ther too exacting demands on her powers. She was mtich better in ihe duet with Edgardo, where her lyric soprano was heard to greater advantage. The "Mad Scene" was a fine performance, „in which the singer scored an undoubted success through taking the scene more quietly than is usual, ltl was remarkably effective without pretentious, and Signorina GonsaW, has to be praised for the excellence of her acting, whtcL did so much to achieve fuccdss for her in this as well as in her oxher scenes. In the quarrel scene, "' Se tradirmi tu poriirai, she was also excellent. Signor Belloni as Enrico displayed considerable ability as an actor, but Lis singing was rather lacking in interest. He was not at all satisfying in any of bis music except the sextet. As Raymond, Signor Cacialli gave another performance, and his singing of his cne aria, " Delle Stanze ove Lucia," was a feature of the performance. The cliorus work throughout was vigorous.. 'lhe orchestra at times was inclined to overpower the singers, but otherwise its performance was highly creditable. The harp solo in tMie introduction to the second scene of the first iwt was .artistically done, and fully merited the applause that secured its repetition. Signor Giovanni Gonsalez conducted xho production. To-night "Faust." which "'as presented last week, will be repeated.

OPERA HOUSE. The programme presented at the Opera House for the first time last evening was a well varied one, consisting of vaudeville items, a revue and a dancing competition. There was a large audience, which showed its appreciation of the excellent programme by continual applause. The principal artists on the programme were Bareon and Rosotti, the famous Belgian duo. Among their items "was a song, "Dear Heart," by Miss Rossetti, with a 'cello obligate by Arthur Bareon. The singer possesses a rich soprano voice, whicli she uses to advantage. The 'cello solos by Arthur Bareon wore finely executed, the numbers .including the Barcarolle from "The Tales of Hoffman" and Moskowski's serenade. The beautiful Barcarolle, which is always popular, caught tho attention of audience and held it throughout, and the charming serenade was no less successful. Both performers had to respond to repeated encores. Another star artist was Reg. Newberry, a talented boy soprano. His numbers included " The Swallows," "Macushla" and " Heart of the City." The songs were well interpreted and tlio young artist gave evidence of undoubted ability. Scott Gibson, a Scottisli comedian, in song and patter was productive of much merriment. Leeds and Lemar, an eccentric comedy duo. appeared in a patter, song and dancing turn, and Dura and Judge, comedians and acrobats, wore very successful. Victor Prince's Comedy Company presented a. new revue, entitled " Here We Are Again." Much interest centred m tho first heat for the Fox Trot Coin petition, which was won by Mr A. Stroud and Miss Ford, who will take part in the final competition to be held on Friday. The programme will be repeated to-night, anct another heat of the Fox Trot Competition will be decided.

PICTURE SHOWS. Now picture programmes were shown yesterday at Starland, Everybody's. Globe, His Majesty's, Queen's and Sydenham Theatres.