Reminiscences of the Opera

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

149-50

text excerpt

The other venture was an opera buffa of Donizetti's early time, "Don Gregorio," the libretto of which was founded on a French vaudeville. The music was light and sparkling, and the selection had been made to afford the great Lablache the opportunity of appearing in a new buffo part; one, too, in which he had been received with delight in Paris. But matter for attack was made out of this piece forthwith. The unfortunate opera buffa (capitally sung and acted by Lablache, Mario, Fornasari, and Madame Castellan), was doomed to execration. "Desecration of the stage," "insult to the subscribers," "disgraceful buffoonery” were among the phrases launched against it with the force of a catapult. And so, "Don Gregorio," with all Lablache's racy humour, could not hold its ground.

The other venture was an opera buffa of Donizetti's early time, "Don Gregorio," the libretto of which was founded on a French vaudeville. The music was light and sparkling, and the selection had been made to afford the great Lablache the opportunity of appearing in a new buffo part; one, too, in which he had been received with delight in Paris. But matter for attack was made out of this piece forthwith. The unfortunate opera buffa (capitally sung and acted by Lablache, Mario, Fornasari, and Madame Castellan), was doomed to execration. "Desecration of the stage," "insult to the subscribers," "disgraceful buffoonery” were among the phrases launched against it with the force of a catapult. And so, "Don Gregorio," with all Lablache's racy humour, could not hold its ground.

excerpt from 'Reminiscences of the Opera' pp. 149-50 (129 words)

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