Grover German Opera: Die Hugenotten

Event Information

Venue(s):
New-Yorker Stadt-Theater [45-47 Bowery- post-Sept 1864]

Event Type:
Opera

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
11 March 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

29 Mar 1867, Evening

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
Huguenots, Les
aka Hugenotten
Composer(s): Meyerbeer
Text Author: Scribe
Participants:  Grover German Opera Company;  Josef Chandon (role: Count of Saint-Bris);  Joseph Weinlich (role: Marcel);  Johanna Rotter (role: Marguerite de Valois);  Marie Frederici (role: Page);  Franz Himmer (role: Raoul de Nangis);  Wilhelm Formes (role: Count of Nevers);  Natalie Seelig (role: Valentine)

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 27 March 1867.
2)
Advertisement: New York Herald, 29 March 1867, 1.

Cast.

3)
Announcement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 29 March 1867, 8.
4)
Review: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 30 March 1867, 8.

A large audience was attracted to the event. The performance was poor, however. Although the solists were satisfactory, the orchestra and chorus lacked confidence and consistency, which of course influences the entire performance. Weinlich’s “Marcel” was outstanding. His high level of skills will allow for more operas to be staged in the future. Weinlich impressed not only with his strong voice which also enhanced the choral pieces, but also with his excellent portrayal of “Marcel’s” masculine character. He was warmly received by the audience with several bursts into applause.

5)
Review: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 31 March 1867, 4.

The Stadttheater continued their performances with dwindling attendance. The performance of Wagner’s [sic] Hugenotten was risk, and it was clearly taken too early. The orchestra and chorus were not ready. Only Weinlich and Rotter lived up to their roles. The others either overestimated the strength in their voices, sang off-tune or were indisposed.

6)
Review: New-Yorker Musik-Zeitung, 06 April 1867, 558.

The German Opera company has been enriched by Mr. Weinlich who helped to ‘murder’ die Hugenotten. Miss Bauer-Seelig as “Valentina” tried to prove again that efficient screaming is essential for a dramatic singer.