CHAPTER IX

.

"LA GAZZA LADRA": THE CONTRALTO VOICE.

The Magpie and the Trowel--Beethoven and Paer--Contralto parts--Overture to "La Gazza Ladra"--A Drum-hater--Operatic prayers 174

## CHAPTER X .

"ARMIDA," "ADELAIDA," AND "ADINA."

"Adina," an Opera for Lisbon 187

## CHAPTER XI .

"MOSÈ IN EGITTO": REFORMS IN OPERA SERIA.

Emancipation of the Serious Basso--Musical Fevers--Crossing the Red Sea--The Preghiera 190

## CHAPTER XII .

THREE UNFAMILIAR WORKS.

"Ermione"--Memory of a Neapolitan Merchant--New Music and Old 200

## CHAPTER XIII .

SACRED AND SECULAR SUBJECTS.

An Operatic Mass--Secular and Religious Music 206

##