Richings English Opera: La sonnambula

“Academy of Music—English Opera.—The familiar and ever favorite opera of ‘La Sonnambula’ was sung by the Richings opera troupe at the Academy last night, to an audience which, we regret to say, was not as large as the merits of the opera, as rendered by the company, deserved. We noticed with satisfaction that the orchestra was better handled than on former occasions and gave the chorus and aritstes [mbre?] fair play. Miss Richings sang the part of Amina delightfully, and acted it quite as well. Castle used his sweet, clear reed-like tenor to great advantage, and in the two or three favorite morceaux, the recitative ‘All is Lost,’ the succeeding ‘Still So Gently O’er Me Stealing,’ and the introductory solo to the quartet in the last act, was especially good. Campbell sang with a good deal of spirit, and evinced much sympathy with the composer in the early portions of the opera, but he seemed to fall off toward the close, and in the last act was positively tame. Mrs. Arnold’s Lisa was barely acceptable, although very prettily acted. The chorus improves, and in the chamber scene was really good, considering its restricted numbers. For so large a theatre, however, where a vast space swallows up all the efforts of the voice, the opera was very pleasantly given and was received with a good deal of applause. Miss Richings has a good company at her command, but it is a pity that they cannot sing in a better house.”

“The attendance at the Academy last evening was considerably less than has usually been drawn out by the performances of the English Opera Company. ‘La Somnambula’ was given, however, in a manner that evidently pleased the audience. The cast was as good as the company could afford. Mr. Castle, who is weak as an actor, sang the music of Elvino with all of his usual sweetness and purity of voice, and with a fine sentiment not often displayed by singers who take this character. Mr. Campbell’s deep and rotund, if not always pleasant, tones were heard to especial advantage in the first act. Mr. Arnold considerably overdid the not very high order of humor in the past [sic] of Allesio. Miss Richings, as Amina, acted with her usual ease, and was in excellent voice. Mrs. Arnold acted the part of Lisa with commendable fidelity, but failed in vocal execution.”

“‘La Sonnambula’ was rendered by the Richings Company, at the Academy, last evening, Miss Richings sustaining the character of ‘Amina,’ Mr. Wm. Castle that of ‘Elvino,’ and Mr. S. C. Campbell appearing as ‘Count Rodolphe.’ Mr. Castle was in unusually fine voice, and sang with feeling and effect. Mr. Campbell also acquitted himself creditably; the clearness of his enunciation is especially noteworthy. Miss Richings and Messrs. Campbell and Castle were called out at the close of the second act, and showered with applause. Mrs. James Arnold’s acting of ‘Lisa’ was better than her singing, and the same may be said of her husband as ‘Allesio.’ The duets and quartettes were above the average, but the choruses, although improved, are scarcely of sufficient strength. A good audience was present.” 

“The Richings Opera Troupe terminated its present engagement at the Academy of Music with the close of the present week. ‘La Sonnambula’ was given on the 7th inst., with Caroline Richings as Amina, Castle as Elvino, S. C. Campbell as the Count and Jas. Arnold as Allessio. This opera is generally admitted to be one of Bellini’s most exquisite productions, and it is creditable to a New York audience to say that the opera was attentively listened to throughout the whole piece. Miss Richings was applauded throughout. Mr. Castle, as Elvino, supported the high character he has acquired as a tenor of considerable celebrity. ‘Take now this Ring, ‘tis thine Love,’ with Amina, and chorus, afforded Mr. Castle an opportunity of proving the beautiful softness, pliancy, and brilliancy of his voice. ‘Still Be Gently O’er Me Stealing’ was greeted with great applause. Mr. Campbell possesses an organ of powerful volume and scope, and is a very clever actor.”