Ignatz Pollak Sacred Concert

Program included.

“The sacred concert given last evening at Irving Hall was well attended. Mr. Pollak made a good selection when he included in his company Hermann Hendrichs, the tragedian, Madame Camilla Urso, Madame Gazzaniga and F. von Inten. The ‘Fantaisie Pastorale,’ by Madame Urso, completely captivated the audience, who insisted on a repetition. The ‘Ave Maria,’ by Pollak, and ‘Salve Maria,’ by Gazzaniga, especially the latter, were given with a sweetness of expression that harmonized most appropriately with the occasion and the theme. Mr. Hendrichs’ recitation of ‘The Last Prayer’ and ‘The Message to the Forge’ was admirable. What can be more lively to the grave and the gay, juveniles and grandfathers, than the ‘Witches’ Dance,’ from Paganini, and Madame Urso can render it full justice. The ‘Ah! Mon Fils,’ by Gazzaniga, was charming. Taken altogether the concert was highly successful.”

“Ignatz Pollak gave an agreeable concert at Steinway Hall last night, at which that excellent prima donna Gazzaniga was the leading vocalist.”

“Last night a sacred concert was given by Ignatz Pollak, assisted by the following eminent artists: Mr. Herman Hendricks, Madame Gazzaniga, Madame Camilla Urso, Mr. Ferdinand Von Inten, and Messrs. Albites, Colby, and Reitz. Mr. Ignatz Pollak was in remarkably fine voice, and sang an ‘Ave Maria’ with great effect. The duo between this gentleman and Mad. Gazzaniga was most beautifully rendered. Madame Urso, the well-known violinist, played ‘La Stregghe’ (the Witches’ Dance) and ‘Fantasie Pastorale,’ in her usual masterly and artistic manner. Mr. Hermann Hendricks, the eminent German tragedian, recited the ‘Lost Prayer’ and Schiller’s ‘Message to the Forge.’ In the latter he was accompanied by the piano and quartet chorus. He threw all that depth of feeling which he possesses into this piece, and by his impressive delivery called for the merited applause of the audience.”

Pollack’s voice has improved from last season. It has gained in strength and masculinity. He performed several pieces with taste and understanding; however with more tremolo than necessary. Von Inten and Mme. Camilla Urso supported Pollack well, which cannot be said about Mme. Gazzaniga.