THE ENGLISH OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4234, 15 October 1874, Page 3

THE ENGLISH OPERA.

IL TROVATORE. When it was announced that this fine opera, by Verdi, would be performed by the Opera Company, and when it was further known that the night of representation was to be that of Miss May’s benefit, the demand for reserved seats became greater than on any previous occasion, and before the doors opened last night every seat in the Theatre, with the exception of places In the pit, was reserved. Many who were familiar with the opera, and knew the seriousness of the undertaking, and that this was the first time of the company’s performance of “11 Trovatore,” were naturally anxious as to the result. That anxiety, however, was much modified by the reflection that from past experience of Miss May's taste and Mr. Allen’s judgment neither were likely to be in fault on so important an occasion. The responsibility was threat, and gave evidence of the confidence which the management justly placed in the abilities and resources of the company. Out of the; numerous operas which have been played during the past and present seasons in Wellington none have been more thoroughly successful in securing the individual interest, genuine admiration and approval of the audience than “II Trovatore.” It is unnecessary to descant on the beauties of Verdi’s grand production; but on the manner in which it was given last night a writer might! linger with pleasure, in offering congratulations to the leading artists and the company generally; and in recording his sense of iheir very successful and wellappreciated efforts. The scenery was excellent, the properties most judiciously and advantageously used ; the orchestra in its best form; the chorus far better than it has been this season; and the leading artists, united in spirit, and fortunately in capital voice, all assisted a happy effort to achieve the very marked success which attended the talented Prima Donna’s benefit. Miss May tendered a very graceful compliment to the public by wearing the jewelry with which she was lately presented in this city, and a suitable acknowledgment was given by the audience. In the role of Leonora, Miss May had another opportunity of displaying the great ability she possesses in thoroughly mastering and so ably rendering difficult and heavy music, and giving it with most intelligent and telling dramatic effect. In the trio with Messrs. Hallam and Templeton her splendid voice and acting were m6st effective, and the able manner in which those gentlemen assisted greatly aided the effect. This was one of the finest tilings that has been heard on the Wellington stage, Mr. Templeton, as the Count di Luna, nevpr appeared to better advantage, and his spirited acting and capital singing contributed in a very great measure to the success of the opera. He received a richly deserved encore for his singing of “ The tempest of the heart,” which was given in a very masterly manner ; his rich baritone voice was also well used in the duets and trios. As Manrico, Mr. Hallam was more than usually successful. It is a very difficult part to play, but he played it well. His upper notes were better and more clearly sung than on any previous occasion. In the ft Miserere ” scene he achieved one of the greatest successes which has attended his efforts, and few who heard his sweet and feeling rendering of the beautiful iC Ah, che la mox*te,” will easily forget the effect it produced. In this scene Miss May’s acting was grand, and the “Miserere” chorus at the back, with the harmonium accompaniment, was excellently modulated and efficiently sung. On its completion, Mr. Hallam was loudly called for, and as he accompanied Miss May to the front of the stage bouquets rained upon them, and for seyeral minutes they were occupied, amidst deafening applause, in gathering them up and conveying them by armfuls to the wings of the stage. Of course the scene had to be repeated, and again the applause was vociferous. Miss Lambert, as she always do'es, bestowed great care on her part, and she has to be congratulated upon being so successful in playing a part in which neither the music nor the character are suited to her. The -part of the passionate gipsy Azucena cannot be fully conveyed by a lady of Hiss Lambert's * physique and vocal power, and in its she was not afforded an opportunity of doing herself justice, a . fact which reflects aU the more credit on her for the satisfactory manner in which she did play it. Her singing with Mr. in “ Home to our mountains ” was very pretty, and she took advantage of the chance-to use her nice contralto voice with effect. The other parts were creditably played andwellaung,particularlythat of Ferrando by Mr. Rainford. Altogether the difficult work of “II Trovatore” was performed last night in a manner which even the most sanguine admirers of the company could scarcely have ventured to expect, and with as complete success as their most earnest wellwishers and supporters could desire. To-night “Martha”, will be played for the. benefit of the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade, on which occasion Miss May will present the Brigade with a banner as a souvenir of her visit to Wellington. We may take this opportunity of expressing regret that Mr. Rainford’s name has not been underlined for a benefit. That compliment was not paid to him on the first visit of the company, and it was hoped that he would be accorded a benefit this season. He has many friends, and has always been thoroughly up to the' mark. We hope it is not yet too late to permit his friends the opportunity of paying Mr. Hainford the deserved compliment of a genuine benefit.