THE ENGLISH OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4238, 20 October 1874, Page 3

THE ENGLISH OPERA.

CLOSE OF THE SEASON. The last night of a most successful, and in every way highly satisfactory season by the English Opera Company, under Mr. Allen’s able control, was marked by a crowded house in every part on Saturday. Of the performance itself, we shall not have much to say. It was creditable to the company; and judging from the continued applause, completely satisfactory to the audience. Notwithstanding this, the opera on the whole was not performed so successfully as on its first representation. Allowance must be made, however, as the company had to start on the following morning at an early hour for Wanganui, where they are to play for six nights ; and, in addition to the unpleasant feeling which the prospect of a sea trip usually occasions, packing-np was proceeding. The leading artists were quite as efficient as formerly, and two of the best parts of tlie opera were really splendidly rendered, viz., the trio in the first act between Miss May and Messrs. Templeton and Hallam, and the beautiful “Miserere" scene in the last act, in which the latter sings the celebrated “All! die la morte.” Both pieces were encored, and in the last scene Miss May and Mr. Hallam were twice recalled. This brief notice of the opera must not be closed without mentioning that Miss Lambert showed considerable improvement in her part of Azucena, and sang “Home to our mountains ” very sweetly. ■A glance at the past season shows that in twenty-four nights no less than fifteen operas have been produced, which does not admit of an average of two nights to each work ; in fact, only seven operas have been more than once played, viz., “II Trovatore,” given twice; “The Bose of Castile,” twice; “Martha,” three times; “Faust,” three times ; “The Lily of Kiliarney,” twice; “ Der Friesehutz,” twice; and “Maritana,” twice. In addition to these, there have been played:—“The Daughter: of the Eegiment,” “Cinderella,” “Genevieve de Brabant,” “The Grand Duchess,” “Fra: Diavold,” “Sonnambula,” “The Bohemian Girl,” and the opera which opened the season —“ Satanella.” Of all these representations, those which were moat successfully performed proved as a rule to be the heaviest and most difficult—a fact which reflects much to the credit of the company, as it can be easily understood there was very little time for rehearsal during a season in which so many differentworkawereproduced. Theprideof place must be given to the first representation of the heaviest opera, “II Trovatore,” which occasion was the first time that any of the leading artists had attempted it in public ; another proof of their industry, energy, and ability. Those which rank next may be classed together as “The Bose of Castile,” “Martha,” “Faust,” “The Lily of Kiliarney,” and “Maritana.” To say that those particularised were the happiest efforts of the company does not in the least reflect on the representation of the other operas, for they have all been admirably performed ; but those mentioned have afforded better opportunities for the display of the company’s abilities. For scenic effect, of course “ Der Friesehutz ” ranks foremost, and for the manner in which that work was produced great credit is due to Mr. Willis and his assistants.

As conductor, Mr. Allen has shown that he is possessed of great capacity ; and he has been very materially assisted by M. Fleury and the other instrumentalists. The general control of the company and its movements have also necessarily devolved upon him, and in that difficult and anxious position he has given evidence of excellent judgment and much business tact. The, details and general agency have been well and industriously worked out by Mr. M. L. Raphael. The members of the chorus have, with few' exceptions, sang very well; in good time ; and! have on all occasions made very judicious use of their number and strength. : Of the leading artists it is a pleasure to write, for they have on all occasions worked hard, and with much spirit' and apparent pleasure to merit the marks of approval with which the public have always very justly acknowledged their efforts. There can be little more said of the talented Frima Donna, Miss May, than has already been expressed, and it may be condensed into the opinion that she is decidedly: the most gifted, and accomplished lady who has appeared in English opera in the colonies.; In addition to a splendid and highly-trained voice, she is possessed of a charming manner, which completely wins her audience, and great dramatic power, while she well knows how to use her abilities to the very best advantage. Miss May is a bright ornament of a profession in which she promises to excel in parts of the world where there is more scope for the exercise of her abilities, and keener competition for public approval, than on the colonial stage. Of Mr. Hallam, the pleasing and gifted young first tenor of the company, we may say that we know of no artist on the colonial stage who has made such rapid strides in public favor as he has done. With a naturally graceful manner on the stage, and a sweet, though not powerful voice, he promises fairly, with the attention he is devoting to his profession, to reach a much higher standard than anyone who saw him play a few months ago could have anticipated. An equally marked improvement is visible in Mr. Templeton, who has a very pleasing, well-toned, and powerful baritone voice ; is possessed of much intelligence ; has a good stage presence, and is only now at the commencement of a career of success which careful attention to study will ensure. The excellence of Mr. Kainford’s splendid voice was well known in this colony, as well as in Australia, before he came hither in connection with the present company, and by an excellent use of it he has contributed in a very great measure to the success of the company. A more painstaking or deserving young lady than Miss Lambert it would be difficult to meet with ; and it is most creditable to her that ■ she has always so agreeably and industriously done her best in parts which, as a rule, have not been suited to her, cither in character or music. In some of the operas, where opportunity offered, her sweet contralto voice has been used with great taste, and has invariably delighted her audiences, with whom she has established a most favorable impression. In his line Mr. Vernon has few equals, and that line is very useful and indispensable in an opera, company. As an actor he has genius. His rendering of Myles, in the “Lily of Killarney,” will not soon be surpassed in the colonies. Miss Howe has always performed in a pleasant and ladylike manner the very useful, though rather thankless parts allotted to her. Altogether the past opera season has been a rich musical treat to an appreciative public, and a most successful visit to a much deserving and very efficient company.