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Leader (1850-1860), 11th July 1857, Edition 2 of 2, Page 21, ficoalways (in the literal of the word) ...

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      Fra Piavolo At The Royal Italian Opera. ...

      tT . t . av Opeba exclusively . Still , many of the warmest believers in the re-SmToTS estaKhment , in the skill and sagacity of its musical director , in E ssSfiHSHSaHS ^ iis ? fnt o concerted music or recitative , and , in a less degree , were disposed to hint a £ 2 * 2 ^ olheTap ^ iness of the union of Italian ringing with mus . c so pre-Sently French . Both these doubts have , we think , been fairly dispelled by ? he result- the latter , perhaps , most cbmpletely . The concerted music and the redtaSres ' Ire composed and adapted with so felicitous an ingenuity to the KvSv turns and sallies of the libretto , that the volatile and sparkling esprit of M Sckib " never evaporates . This is due , in a great measure , to the ensemble and vWacity of the acting , which has scarcely been excelled at the Opera-CoMi ^ UE ^ but it is also due to the care bestowed by the composer and librettist on this new version of their famous work . familiar with the it is performed at the

      Probably those who were opera as Okbba-Cobiique , missed the dialogue , as they missed it in the Italian version of the Etoile du Nora , not without regret - but to those who had only seen Fro , Diavolo in an English dress the added music was a welcome change . As to the execution of the French music by Italian singers , no doubt the frequenters of the Opjeba-Cobiique were a little unwilling to own that the change was an improvement . French music and French voices go well together ; yet , with a very slight exception , we are disposed to believe that M . Auber has never been more brilliantly 'interpreted' ( as the pbrase is ) than by a cast which presents such a Zerttna as Madame Bosio , such a Lady Allcash as Madlle . Marai , such a Lord Allcash as Ronconi , such a Fra Diavolo as Gardoni , such a Lorenzo as Neri Baraldi , such a Matteo as Polonini , and , last not least , such a couple of brigands as Zelger and Tacliafico . Certain it is that , from the first note to the last , the opera went brilliantly , and had all the charm and piquant of absolute novelty . We leave to our readers to imagine how Mr . Costa ' s band nlaved the overture , which all the world ( including those who have never

      hummed anything else ) has been humming for we know not how many years . The crispness , delicacy , and precision of the accompaniments were a distinct enjoyment , and there was a sense of relish in the playing which affected the audience like a contagion . The announcement of Ronconi in the part of Lord Allcash , the mythical English Milor who has been copied into hundreds of French novels as though he were not a myth but a type , prepared the audience for something immensely comic ; but this versatile and consummate actor fairly surpassed all expectations , and as often as he made his appearance , and as long as he remained on the stage , he kept the public 'holding both its sides with laughter more or less restrained . Imagine Ronconi in a complete suit ot nankeen , in a sandy-reddish head of hair , the - traditional ' mutton-cutlet whiskers , a straw hat , and a pair of square-toed balance-at-my-banker shoes . His grimaces , whether of bewildered dignity , or of pompous flurry , or of henpecked jealousyor of sublime self-satisfaction , were the typical Great

      , Briton—the Civis Britannicus -who walks the world like a stiffened thunderbolt , sublime in shyness and magnificent in fatuity—to the very life . It was the Great Briton immortalized by Richard Dottle in the sketch taken on the deck of the Rhine steamer , but eoloEsally caricatured after the manner of Daitmier . It speaks well for the good-nature of tlie Gr ^ at Briton at home that this picture of himself , as others see him , should be so thoroughly enjoyed as Lord Allcash was on Thursday evening . It would be an injustice to Ronconi not to add that he sings the light butfo music of the part with the most skilful ease and vivacity . Madame Bosio , the Zerlina of the Terracina hostelry , looked as graceful and as coldly cruel and bewitching , and sang as brilliantly , as she always looks and singsthough we have heard her delicious voice to better advantage . Madlle .

      , Marai , with her fair complexion and luxuriant charms , was a fitting Milady to the British Constitution personated by Lord Allcash , and warbled like an aristocratic Island nymph . Gardoni , a most elegant and seductive , if somewhat languid Brigand Chief , was not quite so happily suited in the music as he was in the Comte Ory ; but , generally speaking , we think we shall express the opinion of all the ladies present when we say that he is ' a duck of a- Diaoolo , ' and the reedy quality of his voice has its peculiar charm . Neri Baraldi is quite an exceptional Lorenzo—a part usually ( out of France ) allotted to very small tenors . Pojlonini ( who , by the way , is the very type of the Italian peasant ) is a more than sufficient Innkeeper ; but the two brigands , as they are personated by Zelger and Tagliafico , deserve special and most emphatic recogand

      nition , as the most admirably picturesque genuinely Humorous rurnans we have ever encountered . Their make up ( we speak more particularly of Tagha-Eico ) would have satisfied Salvator Rosa ; their attitudes and grimaces are perfect sun-pictures of Southern life , and their singing is as full , and rich , and racy as Southern blood and Southern passion . Those excellent dramatic artists are an example to all inferior actors and singers who are often as ready to disdain what they call small parts as they are to disfigure great ones .

      Tagliafico , always ( in the literal sense of the word ) an artist in all that he un dertakes , and Zelger , will , we are persuaded , rise in public and critica estimation by their performance of Beppo and Giacomo . The Saltarella introduced in the last act , is danced by Maddle . Plunkett with grace am spirit . Auber will certainly be in the ascendant at the Royax Italian Opebj for the rest of the season , although on Monday next we are promised an extra night , -with an . unusual combination of attractions : Lucrezia Borgia , by Grist . Mario , Ronconi , Tagliafico , Nantier , Didiee , and the Test , followed by / Gelosi Fortunati , in which Ristori surprises the warmest admirers of her tragic genius by her playful grace and desinvolture in light comedy .

      Ficoalways (In The Literal Of The Word) ...

      Xo . 381 . Jm * 11 , 1857 . 1 THE IBAPU . 669

      Attempted Murder By An Italian.—A Murder...

      Attempted Murder by an Italian . —A murderous outrage has been committed in tho Queen ' s Prison , Southwark . A Mr , Robert Henderson Robertson was confined there at the suit of Anthoni di Salvi , an Italian ; and the latter went to the prison on Wednesday with his lawyer , to settle some matter . Salvi had a violent quarrel with Robertson , and , drawing a Spanish knife , stabbed him several times in tho head . He appears to have been instigated by a Mr . Gowor ; and both ¦ wr « ro taken into custody , and examined before tho SoutUwark magistrate , who remanded them , and reiuaed to take bail . On Thursday , Robertson was in so dangerous a state that tho magistrate proceeded to tho prison , and took his deposition . Tho case stands adjourned . Tins Steamcr Montueal has been burnt near Quebec . Two hundred persons lost their lives . They wore mostly Scotch emigrants . A RicLioioua Feud at Tunis .- —Some grave events have happened at Tunis . A Jow , having been insulted by tho Moors , and having ropliod with blasphemies against tho religion of Mohammed , was thrown into prieon , and was afterwards boheadod , nnd his corpse was abandoned to the insults of tho mob . Tho consuls unanimously " protested against those outrages 5 and Mr . Orowo , tho English vice-consul , has arrived at Maraoillos with a protest against tho conduct pfr tho Boy . Tub Harvbbt . —Tho prospects of tho harvest in Groat Britain and Ireland aro now considered highly promising .

      Mont Blanc. Last Evening Mr. Albert Smit...

      MONT BLANC . Last evening Mr . Albert Smith gave his 1700 th Ascent of Mont Blanc , and we see no earthly reason why he should not ascend as many times again , to the increasing delight of an amused and admiring public . Our readers know that the Mountain itself is now rather a point d ' appui to the brilliant socialhumorist than the actual end and object of his tour . This year he has taken us to Baden , and has given us a taste of the life and manners of thai Paradise of rouge et noir , jotting down here and there with merciless precision , but in no unsympathizing spirit , the follies and foibles of travelling Europe We believe that Mr . Albbrt Smith does good work in this pleasant way—at all events we simply endorse the universal opinion when we say that a pleasanter evening is not to be spent in London than in the society of the heartiest and kindest of satirists ; at home in his hospitable Chalet , where nothing is wanting that can minister to the ., comfort and pleasure of a circle of friends -whose circumference is all the world . '

      Her Majesty's Theatre. Madlle. Piccolomi...

      HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE . Madlle . Piccolomini took her benefit at Hek Majesty ' s Theatre on Monday , and appeared in a series of fragmentary performances from the operas in which she has distinguished herself in England . She also attempted ( with Signor Giuglini ) the favourite duet from the Martiri , which Tambeelik and Madame Julienne sang so remarkably at the Royal Italian Opera some five years ago . It was not to be expected that Madlle . Piccolomini , with all her grace and courage , could efface the recollection of that magnificent performance . On Monday Tiext Giuglini takes his benefit , and is announced to sing in fragments from five operas : the Finale from the Trovatore , Fra Poco froin Lucia , Tu Vedrai from the Pirata , the finale from the Marliri , and the last act of the Favorita .

      On Wednesday Mr. Benedict Gave The Last ...

      On Wednesday Mr . Benedict gave the last of his series of three Musical Festivals at Her Majesty ' s Theatre , assisted by all the vocal and instrumental resources of the establishment . The great success of the performance ( which included Rossini ' s Stabat Mater ) is due not only to its array of attractions , but to the high esteem in which the beneficiare is justly held by the entire musical profession and the public .

      Theatrical Notes. Mr. And Mrs. Barney Wi...

      THEATRICAL NOTES . Mr . and Mrs . Barney Williams have been performing at the Adklphi in a drama called The Fairy Circle , already familiar to the American public , but now for the first time presented to a London audience . The scene is laid during the rebellion of 1798 , and some elfin agency , in the form of a . prophetic dream , is introduced . The vivacious and spirited acting of the two chief performers has made this piece a success , though it is open to several objections in point of construction . , Mr . Buckstone signalized his annual benefit on Wednesday evening by the production of a new piece by Mr . Tom Taylor , entitled Victims , in which certain real and certain imaginary ' victims' are amusingly contrasted , giving occasion to Mr . Buckstone , Mr . Howe , Mr . William Farrent , Miss Reynolds , and othersto exhibit their power over the merriment of the listeners . That the

      , audience did not consider themselves among the * victims' of Mr . Tom Taylor . is clear from the success they accorded to his drama . After Mr . Robert Bell ' s new farce of The First and Second Floor , the jovial manager addressed the spectators in one of his hearty speeches , and said that he had kept the theatre open for 1124 consecutive nights , and that he had renewed his lease for five years on advantageous terms . Comedy and Farce are still to be the principal entertainments . " You all like to laugh , " said Mr . Buokstone , " and I like to hear you ; because it does you good , and myself also . Medical men have declared that there is nothing more beneficial to the health than hearty laughter ; consequently , I hope that the faculty will agree to make my fortune , by prescribing to all their patients , ' Take a dose of Buckstone every night . ' A manager and actor with such a warm flush of animal spirits must succeed , and deserves to do so .

      Births, Marriages, And Deaths. Births. C...

      BIRTHS , MARRIAGES , AND DEATHS . BIRTHS . COOPER—On the 25 th June , at Killynioon , Tyrone , Ireland , the wifo of John Douglas Cooper , Esq .: a stillborn OUNNJNGHA . MB . —On Friday , the 3 rd inst at Gartnagreonach House , Argyloshiro . the tfifo of Major-Gonoral D . Cuniugharao , JE . l . C . S . ; a daughter . MARRIAGES . KE . UBALL-ADAMS .-On Tuesday , tho 7 th inat ., at Boxley , John Shaw Komball , captain in the Bombay army , to Dora Margaret , only child of the late Captain Adams , of the samo service . ,, , WYLD— HTJTTON—On the 7 th imt ., at the Episcopal Chapel , Stirling , John Wyld , Esq ., of Spoon , Berkshire , late of tho 3 rd Light Dragoons , to Margaret Elizabeth Agues , oldest daughter or William Hutton , Esq ., Stirling-. JEFFREYJfiS . —On tho 18 th of June , at Sydney-place . Cork , Harriot , wir « of Saint John JcfiVoyos , Esq ., of Blarney BEATTY . —On tho 20 th of Juno , at Dublin , General George Boatty , Roynl Marines , aged aovonty-nlno .

      From The London Gazette. Tuesday, July 7...

      FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE . Tuesday , July 7 . BANKRUPTCY ANNULLED . — GosTAVva Giiuby Torquay , Devonshire share broker and bill discounter . BANKItUl'IS , —Thomas PBAnsoy , 18 , Oallhorpo-nliwe , Gray ' B-inn-road , ironmonger— IIunry GxAmvELT . Mortjmkk , Loo , Kent , buUctor—Trx . D 8 if Smith , JammsjJiljusb , Gwouoh SqRiVBNfl , and Pranoiu Smith , Hastings , bankers—William Hhnby Lidhbttjub , av > nbrldgO"Woils , corn and hop dealer—JaMbs Mdoab . Bury St . Mdmunda , draper nnd toiv dealer—John Faith , 4 , Oambrldgo-roadi , Mlloond , provision morolmnt ) -H « NiiY Sim / bon , lpawioh . butohor—William Randall , Now-inn , Maldstono , hotel

      keeper and licensed victualler—Matthew Wilson , 15 Devonshire-square . City , commission agent — llpBEitT Falconer , 5 , Wharf , Kingsland-basin , Hertford-road , dealer in hay , manure , and mangle wurzol — William Finch , the younger , Dudley Port , Tipton , StaffprdaWro paper dealer- Gbokge Jonathan Robinson , Nottingham , silk merchant—William Burpibld , Blaenavon , Monmouthshire ironmonger—John Douebty , Liverpool , corn and provision inorohant — Geokge Nicholson , 8 , . Lorn-Btreot , Newoastlo-upon-Tynq , cattle dealer . _„„ , < , ««¦ SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS . — Thomas Hutchison , 25 , King-street , Tradoston , Glasgow-, baker—AnciUBALU Thomson and do ., High-street , Edinburgh , woollen draper —John Johnston , Hamilton , blacksmith ~ Walteii Mokison , 12 , BliicK ' s-bnildings , Aberdeen , butohor . Friday , July 10 . BANKRUPTCY ANNULLED—JOHN GODJ / RET , TauntO BATKRUPTS . -WiLLlAM CLAKKR , King ' s Lynn dealo , in Ohlna—Bdbne 7 . br Talbott nnd Samuel Griob , Newark ! Gloucester , ironfoundora-Joim Gk /^ 9 "aw . Guiseley , Yorkshire , cloth nianufaoturer-NATHANiBL WniFBnley Lucas Macolosflold , browor—Joun Evans , Aboryatw ! tLCardiganshire ahip hulldor-WiLLiAM Blackman , Norfchfloot , vlctuallcr-GROHOB Daniel , Harts Woodford , Essex , boarding-house koonor-JoirN Lownds , Yo'k-placo VauxliaU-bridge-road , Pjmlico , watch-inakor—Sm . JilwwAiuJ ? ss ^ N 7 i ;« a ^ s : ^ £ FftS aas ^ ° ! dbi ^ iWi ^ 5 Sf i ffi 2 Hoaiie , Great St . Helena , Oity . moroha . jit S-Jon ^ orblet , KingWoss , Middlesex , buifdor-Jo « w Dohebxtt , laco oi a 333 £ Mrs Buovrw Glasgow , uhlp brokora .

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), July 11, 1857, page 21, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_11071857/page/21/