New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Die Zauberflöte

“A season of German Opera will be inaugurated at the Stadt theatre [sic] on Friday evening, under the direction of Mr. Charles Levi. Really, German opera appears to be looking up.”

“A German opera company has been formed in this city under the management of Mr. H. Grau, and will open the Stadt Theater on Friday evening, with a performance of the ‘Magic Flute.’ The company includes Mesdames Rotter, Frederici, and Johanssen [sic], and Messrs. Himmer, Hermanns, Formes, and Weinlich.”

“A short season of German opera will be inaugurated at the Stadt theatre [sic] next Friday evening. The opening splurge will be the ‘Magic Flute,’ which will be rendered by a strong company, including Mesdames Rotter, Frederici and Johanssen, and Messrs. Himmer, Hermanns, Formes and Weinlich.”

“At the Stadt Theatre a series of German opera representations will be commenced by a performance of ‘The Magic Flute,’ in which Mmes. Johannsen and Frederici, and Herren Himmer, Formes, Hermanns and others, will take part.”

“German opera can be heard this evening at the Stadt Theatre, when Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’ will be sung by the resident artists who have already made its quaint old melodies familiar here. The list includes the names of Rotter, Frederici, Himmer, Weinlich, Formes and Steinecke. It is intended to give a series of performances by this troupe.”

“Stadt Theatre—German Opera.—Though it requires no small attraction to divest this theatrical wilderness of the dreary aspect which usually surrounds it, Mozart’s ‘Magic Flute’ proved quite magnetic in its influences last night, and before the curtain rose nearly every seat in the house was occupied. Indeed, the audience was unusually select and appreciative, and, as if anxious to give the heartiest encouragement to the production of German opera, the few faults which characterized its presentation were almost overlooked, while the artists themselves were the recipients of warm approbation. That the ‘Magic Flute’ demands considerable care and not a little expense for its proper representation need scarcely be mentioned. Apart from the scenic effects, however, which were scarcely up to this mark, the opera was fairly placed upon the stage and evidently gave much satisfaction to the crowded assemblage, which was not altogether confined to the German population. The four acts [sic] were gone through with reasonable despatch [sic], while the orchestra performed its task with success, being, however, a little too powerful occasionally for the efforts of a few of the artists. Mr. Franz Himmer as Tamino, though not the possessor of a very strong voice, has nevertheless a sweet one, and acquitted himself admirably, his acting of the part deservedly meriting applause. Miss Johanna Rotter displayed considerable execution and much histrionic ability in her excellent interpretation of ‘The Queen of the Night;’ nor was Miss Marie Friederici [sic] less successful as Pamino [sic] being thoroughly at home in the rôle. Her vocal powers and careful acting were thoroughly appreciated, and throughout the piece she sustained the character with much spirit and truthfulness. Sorastro [sic] found a good exponent in Mr. Joseph Weinlich, who, though evidently suffering from a slight cold, displayed his fine basso voice to advantage both in the second and last acts. As Papageno Mr. Wilhelm Formes was both humorous and efficient and went through a difficult part satisfactorily. The other minor characters were fairly represented, while the male chorus was sufficiently strong and well trained. The chorus of priests in the third act was particularly well timed and merited the encore which it received. It would be needless to go through the details of the opera, but the duet between Miss Rotter and Mr. Formes, beginning with ‘Papagena,’ is well worthy of mention for the spirit and humor infused into it. Altogether the opera, under the direction of Mr. H. Grau, was creditably presented.”

““A number of experienced singers, members of former German opera companies, gave a performance of the ‘Zauberflote’ at the Stadt Theatre last night. The artists were all familiar to New York audiences, and sang satisfactorily. The chorus was quite good, and the song of the priests had to be repeated.”