VENICE.
Notwithstanding all the efforts of Bellini’s friends, who are very numerous in this city, his Norma has not had better success at the Fenice than attended its production at the Scala. In fact, had not the principal character been performed by Pasta, its failure would have been inevitable and complete. This great actress has not sunk in Venice below the exalted station to which her talents have elevated her in every other part of Europe. The second opera of the season is to be Eufemio di Messina, by Maestro Persiani; then will be brought out the Otello for Madame Pasta; and, lastly, a new opera of Bellini’s, of which the title is to be Beatrice Tenda.
At the Theatre S. Giovanni Crisostomo, Pavesi’s opera, Marcantonio, was very coolly received. The company of singers contains no individuals of known talent; and, whatever the journals may say, neither obtained nor deserved much success. Donizetti’s Zingara is to be the next piece, and to be followed by two new operas, one composed by Domenico Barocci principal tenor of the company, and the other by a Signor Bonaccini, who may be a very clever composer, but who has never yet been even heard of.
In the course of the season there is to be a series of performances at the Theatre S. Samuel; the principal singers, who are coming from Padua, are to be the Persioni prima donna, who has some talent; Zilioti, tenor, Ladetti, basso cantante, and Zambelli, first buffo. It is to be feared this company will not be worth much; but, at all events, it cannot be denied there will be variety enough.
At Padua Maestro Pietro Bresciana has brought out a new opera, called I Promessi Sposi; both the music and performance are very well spoken of.