Strakosch Italian Opera: Il Barbiere di Siviglia

“The Kellogg series of performances came to an end on Saturday, when the lady appeared in a Matinee representation of the Barber. The house was most admirably attended, as indeed, it has been from the commencement. Miss Kellogg’s reception has been enthusiastic, and entirely worth of her great popularity. Whether as Rosina in the Barber or as the favorite contratrice of the concert-room, she has won once more the heartiest recognition of a large and loyal public. She has been constantly in good voice, and has again displayed the substantial merits of a thoroughly acquired method, and the vivacity and quickness of an intelligent actress. We have on many occasions recorded her merits, and need only say that they have not in any way been interfered with, or impaired by her visit to Europe. So short a stay could not be expected to produce any result that studious industry had not already achieved here. Miss Kellogg will sing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Wednesday and thereafter will travel East under the direction of Mr. Max Strakosch. We may be sure that she will meet with a hearty welcome. Upon her return to New-York we hope once more to hear her in opera but with different support to that which has been recently vouchsafed to her. We trust, too, that no gymnast may have possession of the ‘principal art establishment in America.’ An opera on the trapeze with the guys and wires and platforms of M. Leotard’s apparatus in the body of the house and upon the stage, is a sorry sight and is apt to recall the downward career of the Astor-place Opera House, when the muses were succeeded precipitously by M. Donezetti’s monkeys. There is one comfort, however; the fumbler has met with a distinct failure, while the prima donna has been received with acclaim.  We mean no disrespect to M. Leotard, who is as graceful as anything turning round in the air can be, and gets as near breaking his neck as any person of regular habits can be expected to get without great personal discomfort. Only the beer garden or concert saloon is his proper sphere, not the Academy of Music. And it may be added that, under the peculiar circumstances of Miss Kellogg’s return, it was not only vexatious, but spiteful, that, for the sake of a few dollars, she should be involved with the fag end of a circus—for on each night the Academy of Music had that appearance.”

“The last opera matinée of Miss Kellogg at the Academy of Music was one of the proudest triumphs ever achieved by an American prima donna. We have never seen the Academy more densely crowded by an appreciative and fashionable audience. Miss Kellogg’s excellent impersonation of Rosina was heartily enjoyed and applauded. Mr. Max Strakosch may well congratulate himself on the successful transformation of his concerts into almost a revival of Italian opera in New York. He might even be tempted to induce Miss Kellogg to give ‘more last opera matinees’ were he not bound by engagements elsewhere. The sale of tickets for the Kellogg concerts in Boston commenced yesterday and speedily reached the figure of $2,500. Miss Kellogg will be warmly welcomed in Boston. On Wednesday evening she will make her farewell appearance (for the present) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in the ‘Barber of Seville.’”