Maretzek Italian Opera: Le prophète

“Mr. Maretzek’s season at the Academy of Music ends tonight. The subscription was for twenty performances, and these have been given faithfully—with many supplementary ones. All the promises of the director have been fulfilled, and Mr. Maretzek is not at all disposed to grumble. It required a bold stroke to stem the torrent of Opera Bouffe, but Mr. Maretzek did so successfully. We are inclined to think that this form of entertainment has seen its best days. In a quiet way it is pleasant enough, but during its recent reign, it obtruded itself too aggressively. People were glad to hear Italian opera once more. Something, indeed, in the way of excitement was occasioned by the production of Meyerbeer’s ‘Le Prophete.’ The result was merited, for the work has been carefully put on the stage, and was well done in all general respects. This work will be played tonight, bringing the season to a close. It is, we believe, the farewell appearance of Mme. La Grange.”

“Mr. Maretzek’s season of twenty regular performances came to an end with the representation of ‘Le Prophète,’ on Saturaday evening, and all that now remains for the subscribers and the public at large is the ‘Bal d’Opera,’ which which takes place tonight… Concerning the performances on Saturday, it is only necessary to say that the matinée was very well attended, and that in the evening the lieges did not muster in their usual force. Saturday is becoming overworked. Only a few years ago it was a day of comparative composure and rest; now it piles on the community a double allowance of amusement. Almost every place of entertainment has a matinée.”