Bateman French Opera: Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein

“Notwithstanding the long and successful run which ‘La Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein’ has already enjoyed, the attendances at the French theatre continue undiminished and the interest in the piece itself unabated, at once the proof of its popularity and attractiveness. We have already dilated upon the merit which ‘La Duchesse’ undoubtedly possesses, and have now merely to reiterate our opinion that the splendid manner in which it has been put on the stage here fully deserves the unequivocal success and hearty reception which has been acceded to it. Mlle. Tostée was in excellent voice last evening, and her charming acting was even more graceful than on any previous occasion, if, indeed, such a circumstance were possible. To the repeated calls for encores, she considerately and courteously responded, and each time was greeted with unanimous bursts of approbation. The other characters were as heretofore, excellently represented, and altogether the representation last evening added another triumph to its already fairly won reputation.”

“Mr. BATEMAN was fortunate enough last evening to reintroduce to the public Mlle. FOSTEE [sic], who, as will be remembered by the public, has been disabled by sickness from appearing for several nights. The opera was, of course, the ‘Grande Duchesse de Geroldstein’[sic], a work that may be growled at by big-wigs, but which nevertheless the best of its sort ever written. It has purpose, and no pretense. It tells an absurd story in such a way that intelligent actors can take an interest in the way of its telling, and by the opportunities afforded them make it thoroughly appreciable to any cultivated audience. The music is now too well known to need any comment. It has traveled through the world, and lingered in the ears of all populaces. Mlle. FOSTEE [sic], who made her rentrée last evening, acted and sung with a spirit which, we are sure, would have satisfied the composer.  She is in every way equal to the original French presentative [sic] of the part.  It is not merely voice, but intelligence that is required in such characters, and the combination is perfect in Mlle. FOSTEE. It is unnecessary to dwell on the other parts. The opera was witnessed by a good audience and received with unbounded applause.”

Mlle. Tostee is fully recovered. She will continue to sing the leading part.