Frederick Corder's 'Nordisa,' a work of undoubted talent though
suffering from a fatal lack of homogeneity, and of two operas by Sir
Alexander Mackenzie. The first of these, 'Colomba,' was produced in
1883. It achieved a success, but the gloomy character of the libretto
prevented it from becoming really popular. It is founded upon Prosper
Merimee's famous Corsican tale. The father of Orso and Colomba della
Rebbia has been treacherously murdered by two of the family of
Barracini. Colomba is burning for vengeance, but her brother is an
officer in the French army, and has been absent from Corsica for many
years. When he returns she finds that his love for Lydia, the daughter
of the Count de Nevers, has driven thoughts of revenge from his mind.
She succeeds, however, in rousing him to action, and one day he kills
both the murderers, though wounded himself by a cowardly ambush. He has
to take to the mountains for refuge, and there he remains, tended by
Lydia and Colomba, until news of his pardon comes. It is too late,
however, to save the life of Colomba, who has been mortally wounded in
endeavouring to divert the soldiers from Orso's hiding-place.
Mackenzie's music is exceedingly clever and effective. He uses guiding
themes with judgment and skill, and his employment of some old Corsican
melodies is also very happy. 'Colomba' is a work which eminently merits
revival, and it will be probably heard of again.
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