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OPERATIC NOTES.

_Wednesday_.--Welcome once more to our old friend, _Norma, the
Deceived Druidess_, who was called _Norma_ for short, she being an
orphan, and having "nor par, nor ma." The Ancient Order of Druids,
with Arch-Druid _Oroveso_ in the chair, might have had a better brass
band. _Norma_ nowadays is not particularly attractive, and the
house, when it is given, cannot be expected to be more than normal or
ordinary.

_Thursday.--Orféo._ First appearance of Miles. GIULIA and SOFIA
RAVOGLI in GLÜCK'S beautiful Opera, which has not been seen here for
many years, but--judging from its reception by a full and delighted
house--will be seen many times before Signor LAGO'S season comes to
an end. Enthusiastic reception of GIULIA RAVOGLI as _Orpheus_; double
recall after three of the four Acts; house insisting on having "_Che
farò_" all over again. Orchestra, under Signor BEVIGNANI, admirable.
Recreations of Demons and Furies, when let out of Gates of Erebus for
a half-holiday, peculiar, not to say eccentric. Demons lie on rocks,
with silver serpents round their necks as comforters, claw the air,
and trot round in circles, after which they exhibit Dutch-metalled
walking-sticks to one another with sombre pride. Furies trip measures
and strike attitudes in pink tights and draperies of unæsthetic hues,
when not engaged in witnessing, with qualified interest, incidental
dances by two _premières danseuses._ Hades evidently less dull than
generally supposed.