A NEW OPERA. Impressions of the First Productions of "Proserpine "

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 203, 14 May 1887, Page 7

A NEW OPERA. Impressions of the First Productions of "Proserpine "

" JPuosr.Ri'iNK," the new opera by Saint Saen-, which was produced at the Opera Comique. in Paris, does not appear to have been altogether successful, though the music is excellent from a strictly artistic standpoint. The story of the libretto is not mythological, a« might be imagined, but is founded on a [>oem by M. Auguste Vacquerie, published ten years ago. The- Proserpine of M. Vacquerie is a courtesan of medieval Italy. Renzo has a sister named Angeolo, whom Sabitano wants to wed, but Kenzo will not permit the marriage until he is assured that Sabitano is no longer in the toils of Proserpine. Proserpine determined to be revenged, and at last finds Sabitano and Angeolo singing a love duet, when she rushes out from behind the hangings and stabs the latter. She is herself stabbed by Sabitano, and in her death struggle forgives him. ! The two first acts are described as containing an admirable love-song from one of the admirers of Proserpine, a stirring bacchanalian song and a beautiful duet between Sabitano and Angeolo. Most of the critics assert that the melody in the latter portions of the opera is almost inpalpable, and that M. Saint Saens has, in imitation of Wagne, loaded ,his work down 'with wearisome recitations. The conclusion of the atory is certainly, gloomy enough to have eyen served the purpose of Shakespeare himself.