Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/211

Rh the second Tenor is the Signor Alberti Bozetti. The first Bass is Signor Tomassi, and the Bouffo Bass Signor Spontini. They have been so much proné, and public expectation has been so much excited, that we supposed it probable that the first evening at least would be a failure to a certain extent. Besides, the Mexican audience, if not very experienced, is decidedly musical, and they have already had a pretty good opera here, have heard Madame Albini, la Cesari, Garcia, (the father of Malibran) and the beaux restes of Galli; therefore can compare.

The first evening, the Castellan made her appearance as Lucia. She is about twenty; slight and fair, with black hair, graceful, and with a very sweet, clear and pure young voice, also very correct. The Tenor rests upon his wife's laurels. He looks well, but little more can be said in his praise. Tomassi has some good notes, and a fine figure. Of the others who sang that evening, there is little to be said. The theatre is extremely well got up; the dresses are new and rich; and the decorations and scenery remarkably good. The public, however, were disappointed. They had prepared for wonders, and were not satisfied with a fair performance. The applauses were few and far between. The Castellan was not called for, and the following day, a certain degree of discontent pervaded the aristocracy of the capital.

At the second representation of the same opera, things mended. The voice of la Castellan was appreciated. Applauses were loud and long, and at the end of the opera, she and the director were called for, and received with enthusiasm. She seems likely to become a favorite.