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

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6067, 28 April 1881, Page 5

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

This opera was repeated last night to a I large house, with the same cast as on the \ previous evening. The music, the singling, the stage accessories, and the mise en scene, were as complete as on the first representation. Of course, the great " effect" was the incantation sicene. This is certainly a very renarkable piece of pyrotechnic skill. It consists of the old forms of grey coloured skulls and skeletons, with illuminated eyesockets, to which are added the new forms of fireworks — "rain of fire," travelling rockets ricochetting, and hissing on horizontal lines, illuminated owls, bats, vampires, and other hideously fiery things, and of course the magic circle in which the incantation is spoken. The whole of this is very cleverly managed. The stage was for some seconds enveloped as it were in a torrent of fire. The audience applauded enthusiastically, and insisted on Mr. Briggs, the scenic artist, being called before them. He appeared much begrimed, and was loudly cheered. Signor Riccardi had the rdle of Caspar. It is a strong part, and he played it with excellent effect. Miss Leonora Simonsen played and sung the part of Agnes. Her fine contralto voice was displayed to gnat advantage. It was a very graceful performance. Miss Martina Simonsen played the part of Cousin Annie with much vivacity, and Miss Frances Simonsen acted the bridesmaid very prettily. Signor Bianchi had the part of Rodolph, and Mr. Bellair was Zamiel. The curtain fell upon very unanimous and emphatic signs of satisfaction given by the audience. " Faust" is the opera underlined for this evening. This is one of those grand compositions which appeal to profounder instincts than music usually provides expression for. It should command a crowded house.