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Leader (1850-1860), 11th July 1857, Edition 1 of 2, Page 669, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      t * TTt , * s Opera exclusively . Still , many of the warmest believers in the re-SSceforha * establishment , in the skill and sagacity of its musical director , in - ?^ meaua Uad array of lead ing singers , in the strength and discipline of its lts uaequalieKi Jr ™ - * . ]^ _ nd liberality of its stage arrangements , —many , we S ^ SiSffi «? o thfe ^ fcof J transformation of the original dialogue fnS Concerted music or recitative , and , in a less degree , were disposed to hint a flouW as to Se happiness of the union of Italian singing with music so preeminently French JBoth these" doubts have , we think , been fairly dispelled by t £ result- tnelat er , perhaps , most completely . The concerted , music and the riitatrVe s are composed and adapted with so felicitous an ingenuity to the Kvely turns and sallies of the libretto , that the volat . le and sparkling esprit of M Scribe never evaporates . This is due , in a great measure , to the ensemble and vivacity of the acting , which has scarcely been excelled at the Opeba-CoMiQtrE ; but it is also due to the care bestowed by the composer and librettist r > n this new version of their famous work . Probably those who were familiar ' with the opera as it is performed at the DpBBA-CoaiiQUE , missed the dialogue , as they missed it in the Italian version of the Etoilc du Nord , not without regret ; but to those who had only seen Fra Diavolo in English dress the added music was a welcome change . As to the

      an execution of the French music by Italian singers , no doubt the frequenters ot the Opeka-Comiquk were a little unwilling to own that the change was an improvement . French music and French voices go well together ; yet , with a very slight exception , we are disposed to believe that M . Aubeu has never been more brilliantly ' interpreted' ( as the phrase is ) than by a cast which presents 3 uch a Zerlina as Madame Bosro , such a Lady Allcash as Madlle . Marai , 3 UCh a Lord Allcash as Ronconi , such a Fra Diavolo as Gakdoni , such a Lorenzo % s Ueri Baraldi , such a Matteo as Polonini , and , last not least , such a » ouple of brigands as Zelger and Tacuaf ' ico . Certain it is that , from the first aote to the last , the ; opera went brilliantly , and had all the charm and piquant of ibsolute novelty . We leave to our readers to imagine how Mr . Costa ' s band olaved the overture , which all the world ( including those who have never how

      tiummed anything else ) has been humming for we know not many years . Fhe crispness , delicacy , and precision of the accompaniments were a distinct jnjoyment , and there was a sense of relish in the playing which affected the ludience like a contagion . The announcement of Ronconi in the part of Lord Alleash , the mythical English Milor who has been copied into hundreds of French aovels as though he were not a myth but a typo , prepared the audience for sorae-; hing immensely comic ; but this versatile and consummate actor fairly surpassed all expectations , and as often as he-made his appearance , and as long as le remained on the stage , he kept the public ' holding both its sides' with aughter more or less restrained . Imagine Roncosi in a complete suit of lankeen , in a nandy-reddish head of hair , the traditional ' mutton-cutlet ' vhiskers , a straw hat , and a pair of square-toed balance-at-my-banker shoes . 3 is grimaces , whether of bewildered dignity , or of pompous flurry , or of lenpecked jealousy , or of sublime self-satisfaction , were the typical Great world like stiffened thunderbolt

      3 riton—the Civis Uritannicus who walks the a , iublime in shyness and magnificent in fatuity—to the very life . It was the Great 3 riton immortalized by Richard Doyle in the sketch taken on the deck of the Rhine steamer , but colossally caricatured after the manner of Daumier . It ipeaks wellfbr the good-nature of the Great Briton at home that this picture > f himself , as others see him , should be so thoroughly enjoyed as Lord Allcash was > n Thursday evening . It would be an injustice to Koncost not to add that he lings the light buffo music of the part with the most skilful ease and vivacity . Madame Bosio , the Zerlina of tho Terrncina hostelry , looked as graceful and as : oldly cruel and bewitching , and sang as brilliantly , as she always looks and sings , though we ha , ve heard her delicious voice to better advantage . Madlle . Marai , with her fair complexion and luxuriant charms , was a fitting Milady ; o the British Constitution personated by Lord Allcash , and warbled like an iristocratic Island nymph . Gaudont , a most elegant and seductive , if some-That ¦ languid Brigand Chief , was not quite so happily suited in the music as

      ie was in the Comte Ory ; but , generally speaking , we think we shall express the opinion of all the ladies present when we say that he is ' a duck of a Diuvolo , ' ind the reedy quality of his voice has its peculiar churm . Neri Baualdi is mite an exceptional Lonnzo—a part usually ( out of France ) allotted to very small tenors . Polonini ( who , by the way , is tho very type of the Italian peaiant" ) is a more than sufficient Innkeeper-, but tho two brigands , as they are perlonated by Zelgek . and Tagliafico , deserve special and most emphatic recognition , as the most admirably picturesque and genuinely humorous ruffians wo iave ever encountered . Their make up ( we speak more particularly of Tagha'i oo ) would have satisfied Salvator Rosa ; their attitudes and grimaces ire perfect sun-pictures of Southern life , and their singing is as full , and rich , ind racy as Southern blood and Southern passion . These excellent dramatic irtists are an example to all inferior actors and singers who are often as ready to lisdain what tucy call small parts as they are to disfigure great ones . Ta . gi .

      iafico , always ( in the literal sense of the word ) an artist in . all that he undertakes , and Zklger , will , we are persuaded , rise in public and critical estimation by their performance of Beppo and Giacomo . The Saltarella , introduced in the last act , is danced by Maddle . Plunkett with grace and spirit . Aubbb will certainly be in the ascendant at the Royal , Italian Opbba for the rest of the season , although on Monday next we are promised an extra night , with an unusual combination of attractions : Lucrezia Borgia , by Grisi , Mario , Roncomi , Tagliafico , Nastier , Didike , and the rest , followed by / Gelosi Fortunuti , in which Ristori surprises the warmest admirers of her tragic genius by her playful grace and de ' sinvolture in light comedy .

      Untitled Article

      MONT BLANC . Last evening Mr . Albert Smith gave his 1700 th Ascent of Mont Blanc , and we see no earthly reason why he should not ascend as many times again , to the increasing delight of an amused and admiring public . Our readers know that the Mountain itself is now rather a . point d ' appui to the brilliant social humorist than the actual end and object of his tour . This year he has taken us to Baden , and has given us a taste of the life and manners of that Paradise of rouge et noir , jotting down here and there with merciless precision , but in no unsympathizing spirit , the follies and foibles of travelling Europe . We believe that Mr . Albert Smith does good work in this pleasant way—at all events we simply endorse the universal opinion when we say that a pleasanter evening is not to be spent in London than in the society of the heartiest and kindest of satirists ; at home in his hospitable Chalet , where nothing is wanting that can minister to the comfort and pleasure of a circle of friends whose circumference is ' all the world . '

      Untitled Article

      HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE . Madlle . Piccolomini took her benefit at Her Majesty ' s Theatre on Monday , and appeared in a series of fragmentary performances from the operas in which she has distinguished herself in England . She also attempted ( with Signor Giuglini ) the favourite duet from the Martiri , which Tamberlik and Madame Julienne sang so remarkably at the Royal Italian Opera some five years ago . It was not to be expected that Madlle . Piccolobiint , with all her grace and courage , could efface the recollection of that magnificent performance . On Monday next Giuglixi takes his benefit , and is announced to sing in fragments from , five operas : the Finale from the Trovatore , Fra Poco from Lucia , Tu Vedrai from the Pirata , the finale from the Martiri , and the last act of the Favorita .

      Untitled Article

      THEATRICAL NOTES . Mr . and Mrs . Barney Williams have been performing at the Adelphi in a drama called The Fairy Circle , already familiar to the American public , but now for the first time presented to a London audience . The scene is laid during the rebellion of 1798 , aiid some elfin agency , in the form of a prophetic dream , is introduced . The vivacious and spirited acting of the two chief performers lias made this piece a success , though it is open to several objections in point of construction . Mr . Buckstone signalized his annual benefit on Wednesday evening ^ by the production of a new piece by Mr . Tom Taylor , entitled Victims , in which certain real and certain imaginary « victims' are amusingly contrasted , giving occasion to Mr . Buckstoxe , Mr . How . e , Mr . William Farren , Miss Reynolds , and othersto exhibit their power over the merriment of the listeners . That the

      , audience did not consider themselves among the ' victims' of Mr . Tom Taylor is clear from the success they accorded to his drama . After Mr . Robert Bell ' s new farce of The First and Second Floor , the jovial manager addressed the spectators in ono of his hearty speeches , and said that he had kept the theatre open for 1124 consecutive nights , and that he had renewed his lease for five years on advantageous terms . Comedy and Farce are still to be the principal entertainments . " You all like to laugh , " said Mr . Buckstone , " and I like to hear you ; because it does you good , and myself also . Medical men have declared that there is nothing more beneficial to the health than hearty laughter ; consequently , I hope that the faculty will agree to make my fortune , by prescribing to all their patients , ' Take a dose of Buckstone every night . '" A . manager and actor with such a warm flush of animal spirits must succeed , and deserves to do so .

      Untitled Article

      Attempted Muiidkr by an Italian . —A murderous mtrage has been committed in tho Queen ' s Prison , Jouthwark . A Mr . Robert Henderson Robertson was loufined thoro at the suit of Anthoni di Salvi , an talian ; and the latter went to tho prison oft Wednesday vith his lawyer , to settle somcMnattor . Snlvi had a violent quarrel with Robertson , and , drawing a Spanish cnife , stabbed hin > several times in the head . Ho apjearsto have been instigated by a Mr . Gower ; and both voro taken into custody , and examined before tho jouthwark magistrate , who remanded them , and re-Used to take bail . On Thursday , Kobortaon was in so langcrous a state that tho magistrate proceeded to tho > riaon , and took Lie deposition . The oaso stands adourned . Tun Stbamkk Montreal has boon burnt near Quebec . Two hundred persons lost their lives . They voro mostly Scotch emigrants . A Ruligious Fnun at Tunis . —Some grave events lave happened 111 Tunis . A Jow , having boon insulted > y tho Moors , and having replied with blasphemies igainst the religion of Mohammed , avuh thrown into > rlson , and was afterwards bahoadod , and his corpse van abandoned to tho insults of tho mob . Tho consuls nionimously ^ proteated against those outrages ; and Mr . 3 rowe , tho English vice-consul , has arrived at Mnrelllos wjith a protest against tho conduct of tho Bay . The Harvest . —Tho prospects of tho harvest in Sroafc Britain ami Ireland aro now considered highly womising .

      Untitled Article

      On Wednesday Mr . Benedict gave the last of his series of three Musical Festivals at Her Majesty ' s Theatre , assisted by all the vocal and instrumental resources of the establishment . The great success of the performance ( which included Rossini ' s Stabat Mater ) is due not only to its array of attractions , but to the high esteem in which the beneficiare is justly held by the entire musical profession and the public .

      Untitled Article

      I BIRTHS , MARRIAGES , AND DEA-TIIS . BIRTHS . I COOPER , —On tho 25 th June , at Kill . vmoon , Tyrone I 10-I liuul , the wifo of John Douglas Cooper , Esq . ; a stillborn ¦ CUNNINGHAME —On Friday , tho 3 rd insty at Gartna-Kreonach Mouse , Argyloshiro , tho wifo of Mnjor-Gonpral J ) . Ouninghamo , E . l . O . S . ; a daughter . MARRIAGES . KUMBALL—ADAMS .-On Tuesday , tho 7 tli inst , at Boxloy . John Shaw Komball , captain in tho Bombay army , to Dora Margaret , only child of tho late Captain Adams , of tho same service . . WYLD— HUTTON .-On the 7 th hist ., at tho Episcopal Chapel , Stirling , JohuWyld , Esq ., of Spoon , Berkshire , lato of tho 3 rd Light Dragoons , to Margaret JSlUaboth Agues , oldest daughter of William Hutton , Esq ., fatlrhng . DEATHS . JUFFRKYES . —On tho 18 th of Juno , at Sydney-place . Cork , Harriot , wife of Saint John JciVrcyos , Esq ., of Blarney BlDATTx " . —On tho 28 th of Juno , at Dublin , Oonoral Goorgo Beatty , Royal Marines , aged sovonty-ninc-

      Untitled Article

      FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE . Tuesday , July 7 . BANKRUPTCY ANNULLED . — GusTAVua Gidley Torquay . Dovonshlro , share broker and bill discounter . BANKltUl'Ta . —Thomas Viuuson , 18 , Calthorpo-nlaoo , Grny ' H-hm-roaa , Ironmonger— Hknii y OtADWiiU Moil-I TiMHK , Loo , Kent , bnildoi—Tjldjsn Smith , Jamks Hilubr , Oiioitau HaiuvMwa , aud Viianqis Smith , MuhUiikb , bniiltors—Wilmam IIbnkv LiDunTTEit , Toiibrijlffo-wolls , corn and hop dealer—Jamics Edgak , Bury St . Edmunds , draper and loa doalor—John Faith , 4 , Cam bridge-road , IUllo . ond , j > roviHlon morolianfc—Hknry Simpson , Ipswioh , bwtohor—William Randall , Nuw-lnn , Miutlstono , hotel

      keeper and licensed victualler--Matthew Wilson , 15 , Dovonshire-squaro . City , commission agent — RpuEiir Falconer , 5 , Wharf , Kingsland-basin , Hertford-road , dealer in hay , manure , n . nd 7 mangle wurzol — William Finch , the younger , Dudley Port , Tipton , Staffordshire , pnpor dealer—Georoe Jonathan Robinson , Nottingham , silk "merchant —William Borfielp , Blaonavon , Monmouthshire , ironmonger—John Dohkbty , Liverpool , corn and provision merchant — Geohgb Nicholson , 8 , J . oraatreet , Nowcastlo-upon-Tyiie , cattle dealer . SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS . — Thomab Hutchison , 25 , King-street , Tradoston , Glasgow , baker—Akchibald Thomson and Co ., High-stroot , Edinburgh , woollen draper . —John Johnston , Hamilton , blacksmith — Walter Mokisqn , 12 , Black ' fl-biiilUings , Aberdeen , butcher . Friday . July 10 . HANKRUPTOY ANNULLED . —JonN Godfbet , Taunton , conohmakor . _ , , ,. , „ , „ , BANKRUPTS . —WIJXIA . M Clarke , King ' s Lynn , dealer in China—Ejdenezeh TALnoTT and Samukl Gkiob , Wewarn . Gloucester , ironfounclcrs— John GiumshaW . « «" ° - loy , Yorkshire , cloth manufaoturcr-NATHAiUEL Viwranlby Lucas , Macolosilcld , brewer-John Evans , Abory » t . with . Cardiganshire , sliip buildor-WiLLlAM Bookman , Nortlifloot , vlctuallor-QKoitaio Daniel , Harts Woodford . Nssox , boarding-houHo kocpor-JoiiN Lownws , Y ? rk-pl « to . Vauxliall-bridgo-roiMi , in »» aioo , wfttphonaJso ^ & «^» WAniJ I ' aok Bahueu , Woal-struot , Smilhllold . glass' m «« £ hw » l-TnoMAsNA 8 H , Juii ., Glront Dovor-strcot , s . ° "V ( Fhlsburv makor-JoiiN Down Gouuon , BWon-Btroot , * ii « ounr . i . ianoforto manufacturor-MAvnton JiVA « a w " ^ " * X " HoAnE . Great St . Huloiw , City , morohanto-JouK » obhx . lt . King ' s-cross , Middlesex , imlWor-JouN VonnnTX , Iftto or Liverpool , iirovision nioi'oliant . N T . _ ivr ' noivrATi > AvfiSiSf 5 BS JB % TA ? S ^ fiS " -. fi £ SS £ & SSniM ° VSJK ft ?" L ™™ $ ttr £ ™ ™ « a Oomi-any , Glasgow , warohousomoa — O JlALLOBAN «»" Uhown Glasgow , ship brpkvrs .

      Untitled Article

      No . 381 , Jtti , t 11 , 1857 . 1 ¦¦ 'JHE 1 EADEB , ^ 669

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), July 11, 1857, page 669, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2200/page/21/