eve. With such we cannot sympathize. We would cherish to the last that genius, over the grave of which ages will pass and bring no equal; and hang with rapture over the last echo that returns the voice of Braham.
The opera has been maintained with credit by Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and Brough. This trio have always been favorites with the Boston public, and their reception was flattering. Mrs. Wood, we think, has improved in strength, but lost somewhat in delicacy of expression; her style is now too florid, and at times, her singing is almost coarse. Mr. Wood has gained much; and though by no means a remarkable singer, exhibits much pathos and feeling in the execution of passionate music. Mr. Brough, during his whole engagement, disappointed those who had formerly commended him; he was negligent and careless, and seems to augur no farther excellence. Mr. Wood has promised to return with a new selection of music, and retire himself from the stage in favor of some more distinguished tenor. We wish that there were a more general attendance upon operatic performances. A familiarity with them gives discrimination to popular taste, and prepares the ear to receive and appreciate more dignified and elevated musical composition.
It is very evident, that, at the present time, the simplest music is that which is the most kindly listened to; and for this reason, as well as their freedom from pretension, the Rainers have become favorites with the public. We should like to hear them sing on the bosom of one of those beautiful lakes in their native land, with a full moon above, and the ripple below, where the simple harmony of their quartette would be in keeping with the scene; in the concert-room, there is a monotony and repetition in their music, which soon becomes tiresome.
The winter has, of course, not passed, without one or more visits from Mr. Russell. Under the auspices of this distinguished man, a new class of songs has sprung to life, which seems devoted to the romance of domestic antiquities, such as old nurse-lamps, old farm-gates, and old arm-chairs. We were somewhat surprised at the versatility of talent, that could descend from a theme so grand as the "Skeptic," (which, to say the least, contains some interesting reminiscences,) to subjects so humble; the step,
