Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/210



 Italian opera — Artists, male and female — Prima Donna — Lucia de Lammermoor — Some disappointment — Second representation — Improvement — Romeo and Giulietta — La Ricci — La Señora Cesari — The mint — False coining — Repetition of Lucia — Procession by night — A Spanish beauty — Discriminating audience — A little too simple — Gold embroidery — Santiago — Pilgrims — Old Indian custom — Soirée — Mexico by moonlight — Mysterious figure — Archbishop — Viceroy.

13th July.

little expected to be still here at the opening of the new Italian Opera, and had consequently given up our box. Señor Roca, who went to Italy to bring out the requisites, has arrived at the end of a wonderfully short period, with the singers, male and female; the new dresses, decorations, &c.; and the first opera, Lucia de Lammermoor, was given last week. The theatre is the former Teatro de Gallos, an octagonal circus, which has been fitted up as elegantly as circumstances would permit, and as the transition from the crowing of cocks to the soft notes of Giulietta rendered necessary. The "Prima Donna Assoluta" is the Signora Anaide Castellan de Giampietro; born in Paris, bred in Milan. The "Prima Donna Soprano" is the Signora de Ricci, and the second Donna is called Branzanti. The first Tenor is Signor Giampietro, husband of the Prima Donna; and