SIMONSEN'S.. ROYAL ENGLISH AND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY: "DER FREISCHUTZ."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6066, 27 April 1881, Page 5

SIMONSEN'S.. ROYAL ENGLISH AND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY: "DER FREISCHUTZ."

This weird-coloured opera was produced to a fair house, and was very-successful. The cast was the following :—Prince of Bohemia (Mr. J. Crain), Chief .Ranger (Mr. E. St. Clair), Caspar (Signor Riccardi), Dodolph (Sifnor Bianchi), , Zamiel (Mr. Bellair), Killian (Mr. Wentworth). The Hermit (Mr. Henry), First Bridesmaid, Annie (Miss Martina Simonsen), Agues (Miss Leonora Simonsen). • This work has a rather instructive bearing upon the question, of the progress .of; testhetic culture when. compared with Faust. The present is notthe occasion to.inquire liow far musical taste in these days finds its- gratification in diablerie. But apart from any such consideration, it is one of the most beautiful compositions in the. repertoire of operatic music. The music itself is not difficult. Weber, the composer, was a man who appeared to live among forest scenery. Some one has compared his music to the alternate singing of birds or the moaning of forest trees when the wind is high. " Der Freischutz" is too well known to require any detailed statement of the plot. The great scene is the incantation scene. This was done last night in a manner that has never been approached in Auckland until now. Fiery serpents, dragons, fiery rain and alarming glare quite astonished the spectators. A few people really madea move towards the doors with apparent fright. But they soon enjoyed this astonishing scene as much as their neighbours, and applauded it as loudly. The audience called loudly for the scenic artificer, and would have him on the stage. The opera was in English, and very well sung. Signor Riccardi obtained great applause. The three Misses Siraonsen sang charmingly. The opera will be repeated this evening.