Opera Scotland

Barbiere di Siviglia 1870Corri's Grand English Opera Company

Read more about the opera Barber of Seville

While The Barber was already streets ahead of all other Rossini operas in terms of general popularity, at least on this tour Henry Corri's company were doing a rare revival of Cenerentola, even if it was in Tom Robertson's unnecessarily corrupt pantomime-style adaptation.

 

A Dundee Notice

Dundee Courier: Wednesday, 16 March 1870

The English Opera Company

'Last night Rossini’s Barber of Seville was performed by the excellent operatic company at the Theatre Royal, and in a manner that fully sustained the high reputation already won by them. The attendance, although better than on the previous evening, was by no means such as it should have been. But we hope as this short series of performances advances the audiences will increase.

'And while referring to the attendance, we must allude to the display of bad taste which took place among the gallery audience.  We refer to the singing of songs by them in the intervals.  Such a procedure is at once discourteous to the performers, annoying to the cultivated part of the audience, and damaging to the reputation of men laying claim to sanity.  Had those to whom we refer been the usual occupants of the gallery – mere boys – these strictures would not have been made.  But the higher prices charged for admission seemed to have banished the ‘gods’ from their height, their abode being filled with youths and grown men.  All in the gallery were not, of course, guilty of this silly conduct. During the performances the audience seemed to be thoroughly an appreciative one, as they well might be, considering the musical treat they were listening to.

'Mr Henry Corri’s Figaro was a most finished impersonation, whether as regards his singing or his acting. The part requires the man who takes it to be a thorough humorist as well as a gifted and accomplished musician; and Mr Corri proved last night that he does not fail in this respect, but that he has a keen sense of the ludicrous. To behold him shave the Doctor is all that is required to satisfy anyone of this. Miss Harrison took the part of Rosina admirably, singing her songs, taking her music lessons, and making love most successfully. The Don Basilio of Mr Haydn Corri showed that he was quite at home in his part. The principal characters in the piece were also well supported by the whole company. The orchestra did its part in the work with wonderful spirit and precision. To-night Verdi’s opera of Ernani will be performed.