THE BOHEMIAN GIRL.

“The Bohemian Girl,” grand opera in three acts, words by Bunn, adapted from St. George’s ballet of “The Gypsy,” which appeared at the Paris Grand Opera in 1839,—­itself taken from a romance by Cervantes,—­was first produced in London, Nov. 27, 1843, at Drury Lane, with the following cast:—­

Arline          Miss Romer. 
Thaddeus        Mr. Harrison. 
Gypsy queen     Miss Betts. 
Devilshoof      Mr. STRETTON. 
Count Arnheim   Mr. Borrani. 
Florestein      Mr. DURNSET.

The fame of “The Bohemian Girl” was not confined to England.  It was translated into various European languages, and was one of the few English operas which secured a favorable hearing even in critical Germany.  In its Italian form it was produced at Drury Lane as “La Zingara,” Feb. 6, 1858, with Mlle. Piccolomini as Arline; and also had the honor of being selected for the state performance connected with the marriage of the Princess Royal.  The French version, under the name of “La Bohemienne,” for which Balfe added several numbers, besides enlarging it to five acts, was produced at the Theatre Lyrique, Paris, in December, 1869, and gained for him the Cross of the Legion of Honor.

The scene of the opera is laid in Austria, and the first act introduces us to the chateau and grounds of Count Arnheim, Governor of Presburg, whose retainers are preparing for the chase.  After a short chorus the Count enters with his little daughter Arline and his nephew Florestein.  The Count sings a short solo ("A Soldier’s Life"), and as the choral response by his retainers and hunters dies away and they leave the scene, Thaddeus, a Polish exile and fugitive, rushes in excitedly, seeking to escape the Austrian soldiers.  His opening number is a very pathetic song ("’Tis sad to leave your Fatherland").  At the end of the song a troop of gypsies enter, headed by Devilshoof, singing a blithe chorus ("In the Gypsy’s Life you may read").  He hears Thaddeus’s story and induces him to join them.  Before the animated strains fairly cease, Florestein and some of the hunters dash across the grounds in quest of Arline, who has been attacked by a stag.  Thaddeus, seizing a rifle, joins them, and rescues the child by killing the animal.  The Count overwhelms him with gratitude, and urges him to join in the coming festivities.  He consents, and at the banquet produces a commotion by refusing to drink the health of the Emperor.  The soldiers are about to rush upon him, when Devilshoof interferes.  The gypsy is arrested for his temerity, and taken into the castle.  Thaddeus departs and the festivities are resumed, but are speedily interrupted again by the escape of Devilshoof, who takes Arline with him.  The finale of the act is very stirring, and contains one number, a prayer ("Thou who in Might supreme"), which is extremely effective.