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THEATRE ROYAL, DUBLIN. 143.
On Wednesday, igth, a Concert Avas given, and Selections,
in consequence of the illness of Mr. Sims Reeves.
On Thursday, 2oth, " La Sonnambula " was given, with
Alboni as the heroine ; Elvino, Bartolini.
On Friday, 2ist, "II Barbiere " (compressed into
one Act), and two Acts of " Lucia."
On Saturday, 22nd, the first Act of " La Figlia," after
which Alboni sang the brindisi from " Lucrezia Borgia "
the second Act of " Cenerentola ;" and the third Act of
" Sonnambula," for the benefit of Alboni, and last night
of engagement.
The illness of Mr. Sims Reeves caused considerable
changes in the casts during this engagement, However,
the singing of Alboni created of course a furore. Enormous
in size as well as talent, she possessed the most
wonderful contralto voice perhaps ever heard up to her
advent; it was cultivated to the very highest degree.
" Cenerentola" in particular was indeed something to re-
member. The andante introducing the finale was en-
trancing; and in the "Non piu mesta," the simple
melody was sung with wondrous effect, and in the varia-
tions no instrument could equal the perfection of the
scales, extending, as sung by Alboni, from the C below to
C above the equality of timbre being most remarkable.
The huge dimensions of this great artiste sometimes
called forth some amusing remarks from the "gods,"
especially when she appeared in her regimental suit in
" La Figlia." Her gigantic figure was also scarcely appropriate
to the part of " La Sonnambula." On one
occasion, when getting into the bed in the sleeping scene,,