THE OPERA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 852, 14 September 1864, Page 5

THE OPERA.

"I Puritani" was produced last night at the Princess Theatre, in which Madame Escotfc appeared as Elvira, Mr Squires as Arturo, Mr Henry Wharton as Eicardo, Mr Fred. Lyster as Georgio, Mr J. E. Kltts as "Walton, and Mr Frank Trevor as Bruno. The house was well filled in every part, and Bellini's fine composition was exceedingly well rendered throughout. A period of civil war is of necessity one which affords material for the pourtrayal of passion. There is, therefore, every opportunity for a dramatist to introduce incidents suitable to his purpose without offending against historic truth; and when an opera like " I Purifcani" is performed, there is at once established a sympathy in the mind of the spectator with the passing representation that renders an effort of reason unnecessary to reconcile it with preconcerted ideas. It seems perfectly natural under such circumstances that Arturo should he placed in danger through his attachment to the royal causd —that a separation should take place between himself aud his betrothed Elvira when they were about to be married — that f|he should be denounced as a traitor by the fanatical soldiers of an adverse party —that the cup of Miss, snatched away at a moment when an enthusiastic being believed herself about to drink it, should tend to a subversion of her reason —that the peril of her situation and that of her fiance . should be heightened by the jealousy and disappointment of a rejected lover, whose political position gave him an. advantage over them—that stolen meetings undercover of night should take place, and that.during one of those they should be surprised by the enemy?s guard. Neither does if; excite surprise that when their case appears most desperate, influenea has been brought to bear which restores the denounced one to life, to liberty, to love. The emotions consequent upon these varied circumstances are truly rendered by the composer, and Madame Escott both in her acting and singing, fully entered into their spirit. The scenes between herself and Mr Squires were finely given by them both ; and Mr Wharton both sung and acted well. Mr Fred. Lyster was much applauded in several passages—especially in the duet with Mr Wharton at the close of the sesond Act.

The orchestral accompaniments were effectually played, and the Opera throughout went very smoothly.

The second part of the evening's performance consisted of Donizetti's comic opera of Don Pasqnale. The cast was as follows : — Don Pasquale, Mr Fred. Lystsr; Doctor Malatesta, Mr Wharton ; Ernesto, Sir Beaumont ; Norina, Miss Rosalie Durand. Taking the performance of this opera as a whole, it .was as smoothly done as anything the Lyster Company have attempted. Mr ITred. Lystcr for onco had a part exactly suited to him, and ho both sung and acted very well. Mr Wharton was in excellent voice, and played with considerable animation. Mr Beaumont, if he lacked the necessary finish of an accomplished actor, confirmed all our previous opinions of his capacity as a vocalist.■- We . say .without any hesitation whatever, that Mr Beaumont is the best, tenor we have heard out of London. His voice has all the requisite sharpness and purity, and he only wants the training which experience will give him to take a very high rank in his profession. Miss Durand exhibited her accustomed vivacity and did ample justice to her part. Ta the dialogue and concerted pieces, this lady was equally good, and supported so ably as she was by the other characters, she went through her part without a single hitch. The gems in this Opera were Mr Wharton's song, "Like some bright Angel;" Miss Durand's cavatina, "I, too, the magic virtue know;":the duet between Norina and the Doctor, at the end of the first Act; the serenade by Ernest (Mr Beaumont,) and the notturno at the end of the serenade. The everpleasing serenade, " 0 Summer Night," was sung excellently, although marred by the want of accord between the chorus and the band. The piano-forte accompaniment, although exquisitely delicate as regards the fingering, was at the best, bad ; the defects of the defective instrument being painfully evident.

The opera passed off very spiritedly, and amidst the general applause of the audience. To-night, Benedict's romantic opera, " The Lily of Killarney," will be produced.

Photo-^culpotre. -A. prospectus has been issued of the International Photo-Sculpture Company, with a capital of L50,C00, in shares of LIO, to purchase and work the repeat patent for photo-sculpture, a process which promises to create a revolution in that branch of art. The company will be in aliiaiiue with, a kindred establishment in Paris -the Poeiete Generate de Photo-Sculpture de France; and Sir David Brewster is at t!:e head of the hoard of direction. — The Times, 25th June.

A physician of Massachusetts asserts that an attack of scarlet fever may be prevented by wearing a tarred string1 about the neck.