ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7467, 24 October 1885, Page 5

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"BOBADIL." The Majeroni and Wilson Opera Company gave their Initial performance at the Opera House last evening, when Mr. Luscombe Searelle's opera bouffo "Bobadil" was presented for the first time in New Zealand. There was a capital house, the lower parts of the house being well filled. The composer conducted in person. The music of " Bobadil" partakes largely of the charaoter of the French school, though perhaps not quite so tuneful, and somewhat more dramatic. Speaking generally, it is bright and sparkling, though not strikingly original, and some of the songs and melodies are of a character to be readily taken up and remembered. One of the most successful numbers in this respect is Bobadil's song, "A Monarch I," the melody of whioh is of a bold martial character ; it is also introduced into the overture, and occurs more than once in tho course of the opera. Another taking melody is sung by Zoraida to the words, " To Thee I Give a Daughter's Right;" and special mention must be made of another song of Zoraida's, " When Love Flow Down from Heaven's Span," wherein the horn has a delightful obligato. 'There is some harmonious part writing in places. As tho most successful instances might bo mentioned the sextott with chorus, unaccompanied, in the last number of the first act, where Bobadil, yielding to the effects of the potion administered to him by tho Sultan, falls, overpowered by sleop, on his couch. An admirable effect is producod here by the gradual dying away of the voices, to a whisper, on the words " Good night." Tho serenade with which the second act opens is also a favourable specimen of part writing, as is also the unaccompanied quartette in the second act, " Am I sleeping ? am I waking?" A Chinese dance in the second act is quaint and characteristic, and is a very successful representation of the grotesque semi-barbaric style of music which prevails in the Flowery Land. It was well executed, therythm boingfixcellenty marked, and tho three performers being entirely at one both in their singing and posturing. The orchestration is somewhat difficult, the mnsic being for tho most part florid. Tho general effect is, however, good. There is an efficient orchestra of 13 performers, comprising two first violins, one second violin, viola, 'cello, bass, flute, two clarionottes, French horu, cornet, trombone, and drums. Three only, viz., tho French horn, 'cello, and trombone, belong to the company. The horn-player Is Mr. Ruhr, the game who was here with Dunning'* Opera Company, when ho excited general admiration by his exquisite playing. He is equally efficient now, and is decidedly the chief feature in the orchestra. The other members of the orchestra are local performers. Mr. Arthur Eady occupying the position of leader. The chorus is large, comprising 11 female and 15 male voices, and is, generally speaking, satisfactory, though the singing is not always in perfect tune. The plot has already appeared in these columns, and it is therefore unnecessary to give any detailed description. The cast was as follows :—Princess Zoraida, Miss Gracie Plaisted ; Lulu, Miss Fannie Liddiard; Prince Harouu, Miss Ella Fenton ; Piccalil, Miss Stanhope ; Sultan, Mr. Lithgow James; Bobadil, Mr. Charles Harding ; Armenian Money-lender, Mr. J. A. South; Schacabac, Mr. Edwin Lester; Widow Hannifer, Miss Harris ; Officer of the Guard, Mr. W. P. Morrison. Miss Gracie Flaisted, the prima doiiiut of the troupe, has a soprano voice of considerable power and range, though not of very foil quality. Her singing is, too, very much marred by a persistent nso of the tremolo, a manner of singing which seems nowadays to be thought charming, but which it is to be regretted should ever have come into vogue, a clear, pure tone being much preferable. She sings, however, with much animation and spirit, and evidently made a favourable impression on tho audience, the sprightliness and vivacity of the acting being specially commendable. Altogether she was the chief life and soul of the performance. She was especially successful in the song, " When love flew down from heaven's span," which was sung with much taste and expression. Of Mr. Charles Harding it is to be said that his voice has lost none of its power and brilliancy since he was last in Auckland, while his singing has much improved both in taste and style. In the loading role of Bobadil he appeared to good advantage, and sang with spirit and vigour, his upper notes being dolivered with telling effect. He was encored in the song, " A Monarch, I," which was given in capital style. He was also very successful in the duet with Zoraida in the second act, "There is a love," in which Miss Gracie Plaisted also shone, the two voices blending very harmoniously. ; Miss Fannie Liddiard will be remembered as having played the part of Griolet iu " Tambour Major," and will be welcomed b'ack with pleasure. She was suffering last night from a severe cold, and consequently did not do herself justice, but her clear, mellow voice and sympathetic singing, and her graceful acting, were fully appreciated. Mr. Lithgow James has a good baritone voice of somo culture, though not very powerful, but he sings with verve and spirit, and his intonation is true. His fine, commanding presence well suited the part of the Sultan. Mr. Edwin Lester as Schacabac was funny and amusing, and Mr. South as the Armenian Money-lender, gave a suitable representation of the part, though neither have strong voices, while Miss Harris was satisfactory as the Widow Hannifer. The unaccompanied quartette "Good Night" was very well sung and was deservedly oncored, and the chorus "The sun of love hath set," which effectively scored, must also be mentioned. The laughing chorns was also effective. Toward the close of the opera, signs were visible of want of rehearsal, but as a whole the performance went very smoothly. Just before the end of the second act Signora Pasta executed a grand pas soul, and showed herself possessed of great ability as a ilanneute. A pretty effect was produced by the Grand Amazonian March at the close of the opera. The opera was very well mounted and dressed, the scenery being appropriate, and the costumes rich and varied. The opera is a long one, and was not over till past eleven o'clock. It will be repeated this evening.