BARON MILTIZ’s opera seria, Saul, the admirable text of which was furnished by his Royal Highness Prince John, displays in its full force the talent of the composer in the serious department of the operatic drama; the overture and the choruses are excellent. Wächter performed the part of Saul, Mad. Schröder Devrient Michal, and Babnigg David. The opera was represented thrice in one week with the greatest applause.
Madlle. Maschinka Schneider, daughter of the Prussian Capellmeister Schneider, is engaged at our opera, and sang, for the first time, in April, at a concert in the palace, and appeared afterwards in the Barber of Seville. The nuptials of the Prince co-Regent with the Princess Maria of Bavaria were celebrated by a drama written for the occasion, by Theodor Hell, and composed by the Capellmeister Reissiger; the title is, Der Erde reinstes Glück (Earth’s Purest Happiness), and the plot, which is founded on a contest between Titania and Oberon, as to the purest happiness to be enjoyed by mortals, skilfully connects some of the most brilliant events of former ages with remarkable occurrences of the present times. There is an attractive troubadour-like sweetness in the music, which was deservedly applauded, especially the sprightly and cheerful choruses.
MUNICH.
HANDEL’s classical work, Alexander’s Feast, was performed here on the 31st of March, by an orchestra (vocal and instrumental) of two hundred individuals; its masterly execution drew bursts of applause from the numerous audience which filled the great saloon of the Odeon.
Mr. Schinn of Pesth made his debût in the part of the Podestà in the Diebische Elster (La Gazza Ladra). He is reported to possess a fine voice, and a cultivated musical taste. The first opera to be brought out under the new direction of our establishment is stated to be William Tell.
The Royal Hofmusikus Böhm has, by his great mechanical talents, given such perfection to the flute, that all the tones of the instrument are rendered equally full, pure, and vibrating. Its pianos are uncommonly sweet and delicate, and the fortes exceed by far the power of an ordinary flute. In addition to these advantages, this new instrument presents an equal facility in all the keys, the most difficult not excepted. Although Mr. Böhm has only practised this new instrument for about six months, his execution upon it is almost as great as on the flute hitherto in use. He is on the point of setting out on a professional journey to England.
PRAGUE.
THE only real novelty upon our boards was Udalrich and Bozena, a romantic opera in three acts, by F. V. Ernst, the music by Capellmeister Skraup. The various prior compositions of this author scarcely justified an expectation of so good a work as the present opera, the score of which furnishes evidence of meritorious exertions and progress in the art. Like all new operas, however, it presents reminiscences, but it is distinguished by a richness of melody not to be found in Mr. Ernst’s prior labours. Among the best pieces in the opera are the aria of Bozena (Demlle. Lutzer), that of Udalrich (Mr. Driska), and that of Borowin (Mr. Podhorsky), as also the romance of the above lady, and her duet with the duke, the spirited allegro of which was every time encored. As further favourable specimens, we might quote the trio between Borowin, Udalrich, and Ladka (Demlle. Pittner), a quartet, and all the three finales. The overture is a weak composition.
The reception was enthusiastic, and the execution, while it gave proof of careful rehearsal, did great honour to our vocal company.