Event Comment: A Serious Opera [1st time; SER 3, author unknown; a pasticcio]. The Music by several celebrated
Composers,
and conducted [i.e. arranged] by
Bianchi.
Public Advertiser, 4 Dec.:
Roncaglia was wel
comed with merited
and very flattering Applause, yet he seemed hurt at sharing with
Ansani those marks of public Favour. We exhort them both to remember that Persons of their superior Talents ought to lay aside every petty Prejudice
and personal Animosity. "[Ansani] had a finely toned, full,
and comm
anding voice, was a spirited actor,
and in the first opera, called
Ricimero, sustained the most prominent
and important part. But he was unfortunately of a most peevish, quarrelsome temper; Roncaglia was saucy
and conceited,
and neither
could brook the superiority claimed by the other. Their mutual jealousy,
and the importance assumed by the tenor soon produced an irre
concilable breach, Ansani threw up his engagement,
and the season went on heavily to its close for want of him"(
Mount-Edgcumbe, p. 29)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: Ricimero
Performance Comment: [Principal Characters by Roncaglia, Ansani 1st appearance in England], Manzoletto, Micheli, Mrs Barthelemon, Mme LeBrun. [Morning Chronicle, 4 Dec. assigns Vitige-Roncaglia; [Public Advertiser, 4 Dec. Rodoaldo-Ansani. [Edition of 1755 (G. Woodfall) lists the other parts: Ricimero, Edelberto, Eduige, Ernelinda.Edition of 1755 (G. Woodfall) lists the other parts: Ricimero, Edelberto, Eduige, Ernelinda.Dance: End I: new ballet (composed by Zuchelli) The Squire Outwitted-Sg and Sga Zuchelli, Henry, Sga Crespi; End II: The Fortunate Escape, as17801125, but Henry; End Opera: +The Country Gallant, as17801125