M. Bizet (first year)

For his first submission M. Bizet has provided the Académie with an opera buffa in two acts entitled Don Procopio.

We are happy to record some notable progress beyond this young artist's first efforts.

In the first act we observed: an Introduction, a Trio, an elegant Cavatina and a Finale in which the Adagio, with a vocal ensemble, is very well handled and is followed by a lively Allegro movement, sung in unison by all the characters to most piquant effect.

The second act is superior to the first. It begins with a Serenade, a most graceful melody, delicately accompanied by guitar and cor anglais.

Let us also mention the Duo for soprano and bass, with an elegant pulse and attractive motifs; and a Chorus for men's voices to be sung mezza voce, and finally an excellent Trio for three bass voices, lively, witty and well-written for the voice.

In sum, this work is distinguished by a fluent and brilliant touch in a young, bold style, precious qualities in the comic genre for which the composer has revealed a decided propensity. These qualities bode well for future efforts, and M. Bizet will not forget the engagement he has undertaken towards himself as well as towards us.