Open [15.7 MB]

176
ANNALS OF THE
Conte di Luna, Badiali ; Ferrando, Pierini. An excellent
performance " all round," but especially remarkable by
the wonderful singing and acting of the immortal Badiali.
Comparisons are at all times odious, more particularly in
matters of art ; but the great old man suffered nothing
whatever even in comparison with the most eminent of
baritones who had preceded him Graziani. All the
freshness of voice and beauty of style of the younger
artist seemed concentrated, even improved, in the " old
man eloquent." All living witnesses who were present
on the occasion will vouch for the truth of this not ex-
aggerated criticism of Signer Badiali.
" "
Thursday, 23rd. Trovatore repeated. Saturday,
"
24th. Lucrezia Borgia," as before.
The next Italian Opera Company was, indeed, a strong
one, and consisted of Mr. Gye's Covent Garden troupe,
being the first and only speculation in Dublin of that distinguished
impresario. The list included Madame Bosio
(her first appearance), Madame Didier, Madame Taglia-
fico, Mdlle. Parepa, Mdlle. Victoire Balfe (her first ap-
pearance), Signer Gardoni, Signer Neri Baraldi (his first
appearance), Signer Graziani, Signer Tagliafico, Herr
Zegler (his first appearance), Signer Polonini, and Signer
Ronconi (his first appearance). Conductor, Mr. Alfred
Mellon ; Prompter, Signer Monterasi ; Acting and Stage
Manager, Mr. A. Harris ; Leader, Mr. Levey. The
orchestra and chorus were strengthened by " considerable
additions from the Royal Italian Opera." The magnificent
costumes and appointments of the Covent Garden
establishment were also made available on this occasion.