Maretzek Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

“That prime old favorite, ‘Don Giovanni,’ last night, with the joint assistance of Kellogg and La Grange, was certain to draw a large audience. The opera was satisfactorily given, the friends of the two prims donnas heartily recognizing their efforts. Miss McCulloch also made a favorable impression, though not in her best voice.”

“The performance of ‘Don Giovanni’ last evening was in almost all particulars a good one. The leading artists who took part in it, are well known in their respective rôles. Mme. La Grange is an impassioned and stern Donna Anna. The music, although very difficult, still suits her voice, which, although it may lack the fullness of former days, is yet under command. The Zerlina of Miss Kellogg is one of her most coquettish rôles: she laughs and dances through it in the most easy and joyous manner. The lady was in capital voice last evening, and was of course warmly and heartily applauded. Miss McCulloch was the Donna Elvira, and her fresh voice was heard to advantage in all the concerted pieces. The second aria of Elvira was introduced on this occasion. It is a difficult composition, and is usually omitted. It would have been well had it been so on this occasion. Miss McCulloch has not yet mastered its difficulties. Of the other characters, it is only necessary to mention the well-known names of Signor Ronconi, (the greatest Leporello now living,) Signor Orlandini, who is a fair Don Giovanni, and Signor Lotti, who always sings ‘Il mio tesoro’ with clearness and comprehension of its difficulties. The latter, although old-fashioned, are by no means slight.”

“‘Don Giovanni’ was presented before a crowded house last night at the Academy of Music with a cast of much more than ordinary strength, Madame La Grange appearing in her favorite role of Donna Anna, and Miss Kellogg in the sprightly part of Zerlina. Both, of course, were excellent. La Grange appears to less advantage in this opera than in ‘The Prophet’ and some few other works, but her magnificent culture and fervid and intelligent acting invest her representation with a deep interest. Miss Kellogg is a very charming Zerlina, and the only fault we have to find with her in this character is an apparent unwillingness to let her voice out. Miss McCulloch was the Donna Elvira. She restored to the opera the beautiful aria in the first act, which is generally omitted, but she did not sing it very well, and would have done better to let it alone. Orlandini was the Don Giovanni, Lotti a fair Ottavio, and Ronconi an inimitable Leporello.”