La Grange-Brignoli Italian Opera: Norma

“Amusements. Pike’s Opera House.—‘Norma.—In spite of the inclement weather last night a fair sized audience attended the second representation of ‘Norma.’ It will take long before the public tire of Bellini’s fine work, and when Wagner and his crazy contemporaries are forgotten, ‘Norma’ will still be favorably received. There is a grandeur and simplicity about every number, both in melody chorus, recitation and orchestration, which must ever recommend the opera to lovers of music. As the high-spirited, loving, deceived and self-sacrificing priestess, Madame La Grange may safely challenge competition. There is one quality about her singing that distinguishes her above many and perhaps all other artists of the present day. It is her perfect correctness in everything she sings even the most brilliant and difficult of the extravagances of Italian opera. What other prime donne struggle with as if they were undergoing the tortures of strangulation is accomplished by her with an ease and quiet grace that are charming. Herein is shown the thorough artist, and this quality makes a Grisi and a La Grange ever acceptable. Miss McCulloch’s fresh young voice was heard to advantage in the rôle of Adalgisa, and when her voice acquires the dramatic, pliable tone necessary for opera we can send her over to Europe to win the same success that her predecessors from this country have acquired. She is yet young in opera, but decidedly promising.”