_Pace mia smarrita_, which the Queen will now sing, is one of
those _bravura_ songs which every composer is compelled to introduce,
though they mar the general scheme of the work; but an opera would as
often as not never see the light, if the prima donna's vanity were not
duly flattered. Still, this musical 'sop' is so fine in itself that it
is performed as written, on every stage; it is so brilliant that the
leading lady does not substitute her favorite show piece, as is very
commonly done in operas.

"And now comes the most striking movement in the score: the duet between
Osiride and Elcia in the subterranean chamber where he has hidden her to
keep her from the departing Israelites, and to fly with her himself from
Egypt. The lovers are then intruded on by Aaron, who has been to warn
Amalthea, and we get the grandest of all quartettes: _Mi manca la voce,
mi sento morire_. This is one of those masterpieces that will survive
in spite of time, that destroyer of fashion in music, for it speaks the
language of the soul which can never change. Mozart holds his own by
the famous _finale_ to _Don Giovanni_; Marcello, by his psalm, _Coeli
enarrant gloriam Dei_; Cimarosa, by the air _Pria che spunti_; Beethoven
by his C minor symphony; Pergolesi, by his _Stabat Mater_; Rossini will
live by _Mi manca la voce_. What is most to be admired in Rossini is his
command of variety to form; to produce the effect here required, he has
had recourse to the old structure of the canon in unison, to bring
the voices in, and merge them in the same melody. As the form of these
sublime melodies was new, he set them in an old frame; and to give it
the more relief he has silenced the orchestra, accompanying the voices
with the harps alone. It is impossible to show greater ingenuity of
detail, or to produce a grander general effect.--Dear me! again an
outbreak!" said the Duchess.

Genovese, who had sung his duet with Carthagenova so well, was
caricaturing himself now that la Tinti was on the stage. From a great
singer he sank to the level of the most worthless chorus singer.

The most formidable uproar arose that had ever echoed to the roof of the
_Fenice_. The commotion only yielded to Clarina, and she, furious at the
difficulties raised by Genovese's obstinacy, sang _Mi manca la voce_ as
it will never be sung again. The enthusiasm was tremendous; the audience
forgot their indignation and rage in pleasure that was really acute.

"She floods my