The recast of some of the characters in Zampa, together
with the experience which the whole force of the Italian Operahouse, choral and orchestral, have gained by practice in the effects of that difficult opera, exhibit the work at present in singular perfection. The picturesque and romantic, the terrible and the ludicrous—to all which melody lends character and fine singing its peculiar charm—prevail by turns. LABLACHE fills out the music of his slight part in his own peculiar way. He is now an affectionate frightened country gawky—a rustic w ho has never handled a pike ; but whose fear of corsairs and strange-looking men is balanced by an equal fidelity to his mistress. This descent for LABLACHE is like that of KEAN from the highest range of tragedy to Abel Dragger. The true artist, however, is always rather anxious to have his versatility tested, than to limit himself in character and costume, as if fearful of opinion by any change. In England the comic powers of LABLACHE seem to have been less easily discovered and appreciated than on the Continent : he is now acknowledged to be great not only in the tragedy and comedy of the opera but in its farce. His music is sure to be always full of point and effect ; the thorough musiciau and the actor-singer being in him so happily combined. Zunipu gains much in its concerted music from the unusual good quality of voice with which its secondary parts are supported. CORRELL!, Madame Ilwarn, and F. LABLACHE, combine beautifully with PERSIANI, FORNASARI, and LABLACHE ; and the various finales, sestettos, and pieces of vocal har- mony, come out with peculiar beauty and weight of tone. FORNASARI carries off by animation of manner and a picturesque appearance certain vocal defects. The choruses of nuns and pirates, which contribute largely to the variety of style preserved throughout Zampa, are well performed; and the orchestra is now thoroughly at home in the spirited and arduous accompaniments. In short, the production of this work is at once credi- table to the management and honourable to the musical genius of France.
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