2-798-951 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from the new opera of "Maritana", at Drury Lane Theatre, 1845. London stage production of an opera by William Vincent Wallace. 'Three times have we heard this new work...and on each occasion have the ovations been much the same, namely seven or eight encores, great applause for the composer at the termination of every act, and his appearance before the curtain vehemently insisted upon after the finale, the same compliment being extended to the principal singers...There has been no opera produced for years that has created a greater sensation....and on all hands it is agreed that Mr. Wallace is destined to occupy a most prominent position amongst our native musicians...The libretto has been avowedly adapted by the author from the French drama by Dumaniois and Dennery, of "Don Caesar de Bazan". From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.