Fragments of operas have also been performed; the best works have suffered all kinds of mutilations and martyrdom, and the audiences have been content, which is a sufficient justification of the manager. The fact is that in the months of May and June the opera fills, however conducted. A really good manager directs his efforts to the first few months of the season, well knowing that after Easter a single great name is sufficient to draw crowds.
On Thursday the 20th of June, a new opera was actually produced—the first attempt of the kind this season! The occasion was Madame PASTA’s benefit; the name of the piece, Norma, a tragic opera in two acts, composed by Signor BELLINI, and got up under his personal direction.
The following are the characters:—
Pollione, Pro-Consul of Rome, in Cambria,
Sig. DONZELLI.
Oroveso, Chief of the Druids
Sig. V. GALLI.
Norma, Druidess, daughter at Oroveso
Mad. PASTA.
Adalgisa, a young priestess