Event Comment: By Command of
their Majesties. [
Sga Spagnolla had been ill and
missed a number of performances. For singers and dancers see following letter.] Sir: I am one of those to whom an Oratorio or an Opera (whether Italian or English) gives exquisite delight; and am therefore glad that, as the town is now full, those entertainments will, very probably, be crowded; and thus amply repay the several managers, for the great risk they run, as to their property, as well as for the vast pains they take to amuse us; for the labour employed, on those occasions, is infinitely greater than is usually imagined. The Italian opera has suffered considerably, this season, by the inability of
Sga Spagnoli to exert her musical talents, owing to a most severe cold; but as she has now recovered her voice, 'tis presumed that she will be a source of as great pleasure, among us, to persons of a musical ear, and who have a true taste for that species of dramas, as she was in her native country, where she was always heard with great applause. I myself find great charms in the entertainments, as now exhibiting at the
King's Theatre: for, besides Sga Spagnoli's taste I do not perceive the least diminution in
Sg Elisi's voice or action, both of which pleased us so much
two or three years ago.
Ciprandi appears to me a fine player as well as singer; and with regard to
Sg Savoi, he is generally thought to have a pleasing voice. [Comments on competence of the Orchestra.] The principal dancers are likewise acknowledged to have considerable merit. The gracefulness and the ease of
Sg Adriani are very pleasing, as is the elegant agility of
Sga Fabris Monari....
Sg Sodi has so often diverted us by his compositions as Ballet master that it were superfluous to bestow any encomiums on him in this place. [Long comment on agreeable performance of
Sofonisba, Scenery, etc. A puff by
Musidorus in
Public Advertiser.