Zugir.
TEE Royal Italian Opera closes this evening, and this is the end of our London musical season. But now begins a busy musical season in the country. The practice of provincial tours is increasing ; and by means of them, in addition to the great musical festivals (which take place this year at Birmingham awl Hereford), the inhabitants of the remotest parts of the United Kingdom have the choicest entertainment of the capital brought within their reach. Grisi, though she has taken her final leave of the London public, first on the Covent Garden boards, and next at the Crystal Palace, is now going to perambulate England, Scotland, and Ireland in every direc- tion, attended by a select dramatic company, for the purpose of giving opera performances under the direction of that active manager, M. Willert Beale. Several other tours are spoken of; especially one to be undertaken by M. and Madame:Sainton, with a strong vocal and in- strumental party, and another by Madame Goldschmidt (Jenny Lind); but this, though it is currently rumoured, does not seem pro- bable, as it is at variance with her repeatedly declared resolution. Before the close of the Royal Italian Opera, Mdlle. Patti gained fresh laurels by her performance of Rosina, in the Barbiere di Siviglia, in which she appeared last Saturday with such success that it has been twice repeated this week—on Monday and Thursday. The part is thoroughly suited to her, and she acts and sings it delightfully. She is the very character designed by Beaumarchais, and well preserved by the Italian dramatist—the young Spanish maiden, secluded, simple, and affectionate, but high-spirited and ready-witted, and taught by her situation the art (which young girls it is said readily learn) of blinding a jealous Argus. Her singing was not only the perfection of brilliant execution, but was exquisitely finished, sweet, and expressive. This youthful prima donna has now appeared in five parts, all of magnitude, and demanding powers of the highest order- .thoina, Lucia, Zerlina, Violetta, and Rosina—and, in every one of them has rivalled the most accomplished of her precursors. If she is what she is at eighteen, what may she not be at eight-and- twenty ?
Grisi's "farewell festival" at the Crystal Place on Wednesday was interesting from its occasion. It was a large concourse of her admirers, assembled to hear her voice for the last time, and to pay her the parting homage due to so great an artist. In this point of view it was satisfactory and pleasing. Twelve thousand persons were present, and their expressions of admiration and regret could not fail to be gratifying to the object of all this enthusiasm. The concert was hackneyed and common-place, and it was only the two or three airs and duets that Grisi herself sang that commanded any attention.
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