Santuzza, Madame Calvé. Grand tragédienne: gloomy as an Operatic Calvé-nist.
Friday.—First, Gounod's charming burletta of Philemon et Baucis. Mlle. Sigrid Arnoldson charming and childlike as Baucis—evidently the classic original of Bo-peep—and Mons. Plançon excellent as Jupiter Amans. At first afraid lest crowded house had expended all its enthusiasm before quarter past ten, when the event of the evening was to come off. "Not a bit of it," says Sir Druriolanus, who knows his operatic public; "they've just warmed up for Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. Leoncavallo," he continues, "is the composer for my money; and my advice is, Lay-on-cavallo's Pagliacci." So saying, the Musical Manager lightly touches his nasal organ with the index finger of his right hand, and, at the same time "winking the other eye," he marches in a procession of one down the lobby and disappears.
Great as is the success to-night of new Opera, I feel sure that Cavalleria, with its simple story, and its marvellous intermezzo, is still at the head of the poll. Yet is Pagliacci melodious and dramatic. Madame Melba at her best in Nedda, and the dramatic power, specially of Signor de Lucia as Canio and of Mons. Ancona as Tonio, would have carried the piece, as a piece, even without the musical setting. To-night De Lucia shows himself a great actor. There were encores in plenty. Ancona Tonio interrupts the overture in order to sing a prologue. This he does admirably, both vocally and histrionically. But cui bono? It is as pointless as is nowadays the prologue of Christopher Sly to the Taming of the Shrew. It seems as if Leoncavallo said to himself, "Mascagni gave 'em a novelty in his intermezzo; I'll give 'em something new in the shape of a prologue." Pagliacci and Cavalleria will assist each other, and Sir Druriolanus is fortunate in being able to run two winners. The new Opera is admirably rendered in every respect, and when Mr. Richard Green, as the gallant young farmer, is matured—that is, has less of the Green about him and more of the ripeness of artistic perfection—there will not be a single fault to find with the representation. To-night second Opera didn't end till just on twelve. Too late; but the hospitable Rule's in Maiden Lane is open to exceptions for half an hour or so, and, "after the Opera is over," a little supper chez Bayliss is a B(ay)lissful idea.
Saturday.—Faust to finish. Melba as Marguerite. First week augurs well for the season.
DELIGHTFUL!
Smithson, having read and heard much of the pleasures of a Driving Tour, determines to indulge in that luxury during his Whitsuntide Holidays. He therefore engages a Trap, with a Horse that can "get over the ground," and securing the services of an experienced Driver, he sets forth.