The Scandinavian Composer.
Tuesday, April 22.—Mr. Bennett's Libretto of Thorgrim good from literary point of view; poor from dramatic ditto. Composer Cowen not possessing dramatic power sufficient for two, cannot supply the want. Sestett and Chorus, end of Act II., skilfully worked up, and received with acclamation. Opera, in a general way, Wagnerish. Orchestration shows the hand of a master, Master Cowen. Local colour good, but too much local colour spoils the Opera. Mr. McGuckin is Thorgrim to the life; singing, acting, and make-up admirable. Miss Zélie de Lussan highly commendable. Miss Tremelli, mother of Helgi (an ugly name and scarcely mentionable to ears polite), loud and leading as a lady-villain. Helgi and Arnora are first cousins (not once removed) to Telrammond the Tedious and Ortrude the Orful. Mr. Celli as King, a sort of Scandinavian Beau Brummel, imparts light comedy touch to Opera, which, but for this, might have been a trifle dull. Cowen called, came, congratulated. H. R. H. Prince of Wales, setting the best example, as he always does, to Opera-goers, came at the beginning and remained to the end.
April 23.—Maritana delighted everyone. Miss Georgina Burns splendid. Mr. John Child, as Cæsar, good child. Mr. Leslie Crotty good for José.
April 26.—Lohengrin. King played by Pope with considerable amount of temporal power. F. Davies good as the Herald, but which Herald he is, whether the "Family" or "New York" not quite clear. Incidental music by amateurs in the Gallery, who, in lengthy interval between Second and Third Scenes of Last Act, whistled "We won't go home till morning!"
Carl Rosa Opera season soon over, then Drama at Drury Lane, and Italian Opera at Covent Garden. Augustus Druriolanus Operaticus Counticouncillarius (Sheriff in posse, Alderman in futuro, and Lord Mayor in futurissimo) keeps the ball a rolling at both Houses.
