Bryants’ Minstrels

“The circuses and the minstrels never fail.”

“Bryants’ Minstrels never were better.  The debut of the infant tenor Raphael de Solla has been very successful.”

“A remarkable boy—Master RAPHAEL DE SOLLA—has made his appearance at this establishment and with much success. He is called the ‘Infant Tenor,’ and is, in fact, a boy alto of about 10 years. His voice is singularly powerful, but it loses something of its quality by the boy’s delivery of the tones, which is oftentimes close and unpleasing. Nevertheless, he is a vocal phenomenon. Not the least amusing part of his performance is the bearing of the tenor which he gives himself. He sang last night two pieces by BALFE, and was warmly applauded. The general performances at this house are excellent. The burlesque of ‘La Somnambula’ has made a great hit. It would hardly do otherwise with EUGENE, DEMPSTER, UNSWORTH, NELSE SEYMOUR, and EPH HORN in the principle parts. It has been placed on the stage with excellent care and taste. The preceding two parts (the programme consisting of three) are brimful of fun.”

Arrival of Master De Solla from California.

“For one so young he [Master De Solla] possesses a powerful tenor voice and sings very well, although his presentation is at times rather bad.  He rolls his r’s like a Bowery tragedian.”