Opera Scotland

Trovatore 1891Carl Rosa Opera Company

Read more about the opera Trovatore

The extremely familiar Trovatore on this occasion contained two novelties in the cast, in the form of Jean Dimitresco, who sang seven performances in five different major roles during the fortnight, and Louise Lablache, who hadn't appeared in Scotland for a dozen years - here she was switching between the two Carl Rosa companies in different cities..

The Glasgow Herald review (20 November) said "Verdi's Trovatore was produced last night for the first (and last) time during the present engagement.  A well-filled house witnessed the performance, which throughout was an exceedingly good one.  Trovatore has many of the elements of popularity,  Its story is interesting and tragic, and its music - much of it dramatic and rather noisy - is familiar to every amateur.  Last night, as we have said, the performance was uniformly excellent.  The principals were in good voice, and seemed to have conspired together to make the most of Verdi's music.  So much appeared from the manner in which Madame Burns, as Leonora, sang the cavatina and romance of the first act, , phrasing and execution being equally fine, while in the impassioned trio with which the act closes M. Jean Dimitresco as Manrico, and Mr Alec Marsh as the Count joined with Madame Burns in making it one of the most effective numbers of the opera. The 'Misere' also faired well.  M. Dimetresco, whose voice was fresh and well under control, sang most artistically, and for the nuptial song in the third act, delivered with genuine dramatic fire, he had a special recall.  Owing to the indisposition of Mr Leslie Crotty, Mr Alec Marsh undertook the trying part of the Count at short notice.  Nothing of unpreparedness, however, appeared in his impersonation.  He bore himself well, and 'Il balen' rendered with much beauty of tome and phrasing, was deservedly encored.  The Azucena of Miss Josephine Yorke, if not the strongest we have seen, was intelligent and painstaking.  Her music, too, was delivered with requisite energy, and in the smoother passages with great refinement.  The stirring male choruses went capitally, and M Jaquinot, the conductor, had his forces well in hand."