However, the air is full of magnificent
menace, and it is possible that we may not be long allowed to hear
it."
A thunder of clapping and _bravos_ hailed the song, followed by deep
and cautious silence; nothing could be more significant or more
thoroughly Venetian than the outbreak and its sudden suppression.
"I need say nothing of the coronation march announcing the
enthronement of Osiride, intended by the King as a challenge to Moses;
to hear it is enough. Their famous Beethoven has written nothing
grander. And this march, full of earthly pomp, contrasts finely with
the march of the Israelites. Compare them, and you will see that the
music is full of purpose.
"Elcia declares her love in the presence of the two Hebrew leaders,
and then renounces it in the fine _aria_, _Porge la destra amata_.
(Place your beloved hand.) Ah! What anguish! Only look at the house!"
The pit was shouting _bravo_, when Genovese left the stage.
"Now, free from her deplorable lover, we shall hear Tinti sing, _O
desolata Elcia_--the tremendous _cavatina_ expressive of love
disapproved by God.
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