6 JULY 1861, Page 18

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THE performances at both the Italian Operas draw good houses ; but (with the exception of Adelina Patti's first appearance in the Traviata on Thursday), being without novelty, they create no ex- citement. Verdi's new opera, the Ballo is Maschera, has been but moderately successful at either house. It is found not to have stamina sufficient to bear much reputation. Consequently, it has not had anything like a run; and the general opinion is, that though written with art and elaboration, it is not equal in attractive qualities to many other works of its author. This opera has been the only new piece produced this season; and now that we have got it, we have notbi "more to look for.

Mdlle. Patti's appearance in the Traviata, on Thursday, was entirely successful. She gave Verdi's meagre melodies a charm not their own, by her brilliant and finished execution, and truth and force of expression. In the earlier scenes she was deficient in the capti- vating gaiety thrown into them by Piccolomini ; but in every other respect her acting, as well as her sinning, was greatly superior. She was most warmly received by a crowed house. This evening she is to appear as Zerlina, in Don Giovanni, a part which give full scope to her dramatic talent, and test her qualities as a singer of classical music.

At the Lyceum, Thursday was announced as the last night of the subscription. But it appears that there will be a few extra per- formances before the theatre closes.

There have been a few concerts of note during the week. The Monday Popular Concerts terminated for the season on Monday last, when a very fine performance was given to an overflowing audience. Miss Arabella Goddard, M. Wieniawski, Signor Piatti, Mr. Halle, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Miss Banks were the performers ; and the music, as usual, was of the most refined description. The effect of these concerts in educating (as it were) the popular taste, and creating a love for these severe and classical works, which, it was supposed, could only be understood and appreciated by the initiated few, has exceeded anything that could have been anticipated. The concerts of the Musical Union, another series of performances which have had a similar influence upon the taste of the fashionable world, were concluded for the season on Tuesday. They have been carried on for seventeen years, under the direction of Mr. Ella, with a spirit and judgment which has gained for them a place among the permanent musical institutions of the metropolis. A third concert was that of the Royal Society of Female Musicians, an excellent benevolent institution, established for the relief of those distressed female members of the profession whose cases do not fall within the scope of the Royal Society of Musicians. This Society is admirably managed by a committee of distinguished professional ladies, and does a vast deal of good. Its funds are aided by an annual concert, which, of course, is always an entertainment of a high order. The concert of this year took place at the Hanover- square Rooms, on Tuesday morning, and was as brilliant and suc- cessful as usual. The most eminent vocal and instrumental per- formers gave their assistance, and the crowded audience included many of our most noted lovers and patrons of music.