[ 395 ]
TOC
|
The Pordenone theatre is used as a play-
house for tragedies and comedies; and
the Capranica for burlettas, or comic
operas.
There are no public spectacles allowed
in Rome, except during carnival time
which lasts from the seventh of January to
Ash-Wednesday; nor are any women
ever suffered to appear upon the stage, the
female characters being represented by
eunuchs, and frequently so well, from
their delicacy of voice and figure, as to
deceive persons unacquainted with this
prohibition.
Rome is the post of honour for com-
posers, the Romans being the most fastidi-
ous judges of music in Italy. There is like-
wise in this city more cabal than elsewhere,
and party runs higher. It is generally
supposed, that a composer or performer
who is successful at Rome, has nothing
to fear from the severity of critics in
other places. At the opening of an opera,
the clamour or acclamation of the com-
|
.jpg)