BEN Williams (Tenor)
BETTY BANNERMAN (Harp)
THE WIRELESS ORCHESTRA, conducted by JOHN ANSELL
LA GAZZA LADRA is a relative of the Jackdaw of Rheims. Here, when he steals the silver, suspicion is thrown on Ninetta, who, being unable to account for the loss and for the possession of certain money, gets into trouble.
There are the usual operatic complications and the useful figures of luckless old father, faithful sweetheart, and wicked schemer.
In the end the magpie's hoard is discovered, and Ninetta is restored to her father and her lover, who of course becomes her husband.
THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH in this case is an Opera to a libretto which
Julian Sturgis made out of Dickens' novel. The Overture makes a rapid survey of the affairs and happenings of which you have read, of course, in the ' Christmas Books.' ' The Kettle began it ' is the heading of the Overture. The kettle becomes audible, the cricket chirps, Edward Plummer sings ' Hawthorn of the May ' (a suave melody), the Peerybingles bring a lively strain, Caleb sings his song about the Sparkling Bowl, John Peerybingle 's distress is pictured in solemn tones, the drinking song returns, and, as a peroration, Edward sings of his pleasure at being back in England.