MUSICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6424, 20 June 1882, Page 6

MUSICAL NOTES.

"Mose in Ecitto," sacred:opera in four acts, by Rossini,' which the Auckland Choral Society have now in rehearsal, was, performed for the first time on , March 26," 1827, at Paris, and met with brilliant success. This work has been expressly arranged as an oratorio by A. Matthison for the performance of tho Sacred Harmonic Society, London. The society here not being able to procure the orchestral parts* Judge Fenton undertook this laborious task, and from good authority we understand that he has done this difficult work most artistically. Donizetti's opera, "The Duke of Alba," achieved an immense success.in Italy. This work, which was lost sight of, was discovered in the possession of some poor relations of the late composer. Musical critics

from all parts of Europe attended the first performance, and there is but one verdict— viz., that the opera is one of the best Donizetti ever wrote. The celebrated composer F. von Flotow, composer of " Martha " and "Stradella," celebrated his 70fch birthday.on the 27th April. Great demonstrations took place in Vienna. • . Mr. G. Grove, formerly secretary to the Crysial Palace, Sydenham, has been appoiuted director of the new Royal College of Music in London. ' •■ . Ambroise Thomas' Opera " Mignon," had its 600 th performance in Paris. The.New York Oratorio Society performed lately, for the first time in America, Handel's "Israel in Egypt." .. London counts thirty-five largo theatres now. ■••.•.■. Johann Strauss commenced his Orchestral Concert tour in America on the 15th.May. The celebrated tenor,. Signor Mario; sang from 1839tb~ 1870 in'TOOO operas. Besides ' this, he. sang in. 2000.various concerts, the J receipts ot which amount to about 4,000,000 marks (£200,000). He lived until his death ' recently on the interest of an amouut col- ' lected by his friends. |