4ratrts vat 31n5ir.
Last year, when the prolonged absence of the Queen from the theatre
called "Her Majesty's," while she was profuse in her attendance at the rival operahouse and other theatres of meaner rank besides it was suggested that her Majesty's withdrawal of her countenance from "her
own" house was designed to mark the Royal disapprobation of the naughty Traviata. If so, the Queen, in consistency, will be obliged to withdraw from the rival house also, for wo have now got a Traviata there too, and the one seems likely to be as much run after as the other. At the Lyceum, the erring fair one has found a representative in Madame B061.0 ; who looks and sings to admiration, and acts prettily
and feelingly. It is as a vocal artist that she is chiefly conspicuous.
Verdi's melodies in this opera are slight sketches, mere outlines to be filled up by the singer; and it is in such music that the invention and fancy of the finished artist have the fullest scope. Bogie avails herself of
the opportunity, and her singing rivals what Persiani's used to be, in the richness, brilliancy, and perfect execution of her embellishments and fioriture. Perhaps her acting and singing, in the scene of revelry at
the outset, may be charged with deficiency of freedom and abandon ; but still it can scarcely be called cold, only her gayety is more chastened by
delicacy than is strictly consistent with the situation. Bosio can never be forcible and impassioned—it is not in her nature ; but she expresses the softer feelings with truth and beauty ; and the whole is a picture of sweetness and gentleness which is very affecting. Mario is quite at home
in his part : his handsome person, the elegance of his attire, the mellow richness of his voice, and voluptuous warmth of his expression are all in perfect keeping. Great interest is given by Graziani to the character of the elder Garment; and several of the airs, as he sings them, are among the best things in the opera. The general "getting-up" of the piece is -very rich.
Mademoiselle Parepa made her debiit at this theatre on Thursday, as Elvira in the Paritani. She is very young ; has a round plump figure, pretty though not powerful features, and a fine soprano voice. She sang; like a good artist, and acted with sweetness and feeling, but not much force. She made on the whole, a very favourable impression. Next week, Miss Balfe, the daughter of our popular composer, is to make her debilt at the Lyceum, in the Sonnambula. Of the young lady, who has never yet appeared in public report speaks in the highest terms, -both in respect to her personal charm; and her gifts as an artist. As might have been expected, an attempt made to introduce the Spanish school of dancing on the boards of Her Majesty's Theatre has been attended with very equivocal success. Similar experiments have been frequently made, and have invariably failed. The "Bouffes Piuisiennes" have commenced their career merrily enough at the St. James's Theatre. The pieces they have brought with them are of a kind so trifling that they scarcely admit of description, but they are sparkling and vivacious throughout, and in point of completeness the company could not be excelled. Not only is every performer a thorough actor and a fluent vocalist, but they all work perfectly together, thanks to their common training. Some years ago, Mr. Mitchell brought the entire company of the Paige Royal to London, and this experiment of wholesale importation is now repeated for the first time in the case of the " Bouffes Parisiennes." While unity of operation is thus secured, great pains have been taken to give variety to the entertainnjents. Thus, in one evening, we have a tale of Norman peasant life, a squabble between two mendicant impostors on one of the Paris bridges, and a China burlesque in which all the characters shine with fantastic gorgeousness. The scenery and the costumes are perfectly appropriate ; the music, which is an important feature, and is of the Trench combo kind, exactly suits the action of the drama ; the performers are just tho persons to represent the characters and sing the music. Uninitiated readers may be informed that the " Bouffes Parisiennes " have a celebrity that is entirely their own, and form as it were a little close borough, that receives no accessions from without MM. Pradeau, Gertprd, and Guyot, and Mesdemoiselles Delmont and Mareschal, who are the principal performers, all appear in the pieces they originally played at Paris; their repertory belongs to them and to them only ; and so does their music, of which, indeed, their director is the chief composer. A fresh cluster of histrionic talent has shot up all of a sudden in the midst of Paris, where it has been thoroughly appreciated ; and it is not likely that the English will be found behindhand in valuing the graceful little pleasantries which Mr. Mitchell has provided for their amusement.
Horses again occupy the place of the drama at Drury Lane ; but over the water these noble animals become legitimate and operatic. From the doors of the old temple of the drama Shakspere is ejected by quadrupeds; but the stud of Astloy's take him kindly on their backs. They., take Verdi also ; and Ii novatore, creditably executed by a regular vocal company, and assisted by equestrian illustrations, is Mr, . Cooke's latest achievement.
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