TILE ENGLISH OPERA-HOUSE.
IT is not very easy to understand the polities of this house. One thing only is clear—that English operas, both old and new, are proscribed : STORACE and SHIELD, as well as BISHOP and BARNETT, are under similar sentence of expulsion. It is also clear that the Manager has nothing to produce in place of the rejected Engli-h opera ; awl that he seems inclined to get through the season with a few revivals of foreign operas, differing in merit, and of very feeble attractive power. To this end, the mutilated version of D.-r Breischnt: was produced a few weeks since; and this week NIARSCHNER'S Vampire has been reseseitated. On the merits of this opera we gave an opinion when first brought out, which was subscgnently confirmed by that of the public. It is not suited to any class of English hearers. The musically vlocated find in it only a feeble copy of Ilraert; and to the multitude it is wholly unin- telligible, and therefore unattractive. It basalt the faults of the German school without its redeeming beauties. To the eye is presented a suc- cession of disgusting images—the hero appearing like a corpse in an incipient state of putrescence ; and to the ear a series of harmonic cru- dities, through which a gleam of melody rarely struggles. MAusenNIA has studied instrumental writing diligently, and not without success— he knows how to arrange and apply the power of an orchestra; but of the art and purpose of vocal writing he is ignorant. He is continually failing, and succeeds only by chance. Der Vampyr is forgotten in Germany ; where, alone, the musical training and habits of the people could afford it a chance of popularity. It is surpassed, in every essen- tial of operatic writing, by BinsErr's Mountain Sylph. PHILLIPS, of course, came to his part perfected by previous per- formance; and WILSON did what little belongs to his character with his accustomed good taste. The female parts, too, were efficiently supported by Miss Rouen, Miss HEALY, and Miss P. HORTON. The orchestral performance was excellent ; the chorus, only, wanted pre- cision and a finish. This department (no uninportant one in u modern opera) requires a thorough reform at the Lyceum. There is no at- tempt at colouring —no light and shade; but all scream and shout ad libitum. The singers are required to produce certain notes ; but how, is left to each one's individual pleasure. The bills announced an " overflow "—to our undiscerning eyes, the house seemed not half full ; and we are much deceived if the final exit of the Vampire will not be speedy.
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