An operetta by C. Blum, entitled Baldrian und Rosa, and founded upon a fairy-tale, was lately produced here: it is altogether an insignificant trifle, containing, however, an occasional pretty little song, in the waltz form.
On the 18th of November, Gretry’s Richard Löwenherz (Richard Cœur de Lion) was reproduced, after a lapse of many years; but the manner in which it was got up was anything but satisfactory; it was, in fact, a disgrace to the management. Irene, too, has been given again, with improved success; and on the 5th of December, Spontini’s Nurmahal was once more brought forward for the début of a Mlle. Stephan, as Namuna. Beyond a very fine voice, this young lady has at present but few recommendations; she is as yet but a hot-house plant; had she only been kept back half a year, and received proper instruction, she might have been listened to with pleasure: as it was, her début was premature.
On the 7th of December, M. Blume appeared, for the first time since his return to Berlin, in the character of Don Juan, with his wonted success.
It is understood that Kapellmeister Marschner, from Hamburgh, will soon be here to bring out his opera, Hans Heiling. Mlle. Schneider, the daughter of our kapellmeister, has lately arrived, and Mad. Schroeder Devrient is shortly expected.
The concerts which have been given in aid of the fund for the widows of the members of the orchestra, have been very attractive. At the first, M. Mendelssohn conducted a symphony of his own composition, which was well received. On the 28th of November a concert was given at the garrison church, by M. Bach, music-director. The selection consisted chiefly of his own compositions; there were, however, two sacred songs by Bernhard Klein, sterling compositions, and finely sung by Mad. Turrschmied. The concert was unfortunately less productive than would probably have been the case had the weather been less severe.
The King of Prussia has appointed Meyerbeer Maestro di Capella to the court. Till now no such office existed here, but the place has been created expressly for M. Meyerbeer, in testimony of the king’s admiration of his Robert le Diable.
DRESDEN.
A musical entertainment was given here a few weeks since by M. Fürstenau, the flute-player; in addition to whose performances, a solo was played upon the flute by his son, eight years of age. The vocal pieces were given by Mad. Schroeder Devrient, and MM. Babnigg, Vestri, and Zegi.
On the 18th of November, M. Molique, music-director to the Court at Stuttgart, played at the theatre some variations for the violin, of his own composition, upon Themas from Die Stumme, and upon Swiss airs. He is stated to combine in his playing, the best points of the German schools; his style is quiet, delicate, and tasteful, and he has, at the same time, uncommon mechanical dexterity; his tone is rich and full, and his octaves and tenths exquisitely pure; his staccato is perfect, and his adagio grand and full of expression.