La Grange-Brignoli Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

“Pike’s Opera House—‘Don Giovanni.’—The entire effective strength of Strakosch’s troupe was cast in ‘Don Giovanni’ last night. This opera seems to have lost a good deal of its power of attraction in New York, for latterly the houses that attend its representation are smaller than those of any other opera. Madame La Grange achieved a success in the rôle of Donna Anna and in the passionate aria, ‘Or sai chi l’onore,’ her unrivaled dramatic powers of voice and action were displayed to the best advantage. Miss Adelaide Phillips made a charming Zerlina, full of inimitable grace and vivacity, and in the ‘La ci darem’ with Don Giovanni (Orlandini) she drew a well deserved encore. Susini acted the part of Leporello very well, but his hoarseness marred the effect of his singing to a considerable extent. Miss McCulloch was a passable Donna Elvira, and Coletti made the most of the Commendatore.”

“Musical. Pike’s Opera House.—Although as a general thing Mozart’s opera of ‘Don Giovanni’ draws good houses, and gives particular pleasure to a class of the community that does not often go to the opera, there was an exception last evening. Mr. Pike's beautiful establishment was but moderately filled. Those who were present, however, enjoyed a good performance. Mme. La Grange was in excellent voice, and her fine declamatory style was heard to the finest advantage in the grand scena of the first act, and again in the celebrated mask trio of the same. The lady acts with great animation, and with striking propriety of bearing—never axaggerating. Miss Adelaide Phillips was in every way charming as Zerlina. Her lightness and skill are unquestionable. Signor Susini was laboring under a cold, and Signor Tamaro was somewhat tame. Miss McCulloch sang capitally as Elvira. The performance, indeed, was in every acceptable, and we are glad to learn will be repeated at the matinée on Saturday next.”