The high character with which the Princess's Theatre opened at
the beginning of the season is still maintained; and if Mr. Maddox adhere to his present course, and do not allow himself to be tempted into "legiti. mate " aberrations, he is likely to establish that Eldorado of composers—an English operahouse. A real English opera, composed by Mr. Macfarren, whose name has long been known in the musical circles of this country, while it is not nearly so familiar as it ought to be with the general public, was produced last Saturday, and was not only completely successful, but promises to become an object of general attention. The subject is taken from the well-known drama of Charles the Second; which was adapted, years ago, by Mr. Howard Payne, from La Jeunesse de Henri Cinq, and im- mortalized by the acting of Charles Kemble and Fawcett. It is treated by the composer in the most ambitions manner; the elaboration of the con. certed pieces—one of them the longest, perhaps, of any extant opera— testifying to the science for which Mr. Macfarren has been famed. He also displays what is more difficult of acquisition, especially among musical professors, a strong feeling for dramatic variety; which is especially set forth in the finale to the first act. A local colouring is farther given to the work by the adoption of an old English style of melody. Mrs. Mac- farren, the wife of the composer, made her detrilt in the character of the Page, and displayed a contralto voice of considerable compass; while Miss L. Pyne played the niece—the principal female character—and increased the reputation she has so recently acquired.
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