Maretzek Italian Opera: Un ballo in maschera

Announces Ballo.  Cast.  “In the Masked Ball scene, THREE DISTINCT ORCHESTRAS will be employed.”

     “The disappointment experienced by the public last Monday evening was unavoidable, as far as regards the management of the favorite artist who was to appear in ‘Norma.’ Mme. Medori was so seriously indisposed that she could not sing—a fact which she announced to her manager in due season, but with the assurance that if any improvement took place she would, although suffering, go through the opera. It became evident afterwards the close of the day that her appearance was impossible, and hence, as there was no time to prepare another performance, the Academy, perforce, remained closed that evening. Last night, Mme. Medori being still indisposed, Mme. Guerrabella consented, at short notice, to assume the role of Amelia in the ‘Ballo,’ the announcement of which fact crowded the house. It was known that Signor Bellini would appear as Reinhart; a role in which he won well merited triumphs in Havana. These were all powerful inducements, and as we said above, the Academy was filled.

            Mme. Guerrabella (Amelia), whose voice is admirably cultivated, has the additional advantage of an ususually fine stage appearance, and is worthy to rank in the new troupe as their equal in dramatic force. She was received by the large and fashionable audience with the most flattering demonstrations. Her performance was eminently attractive, as was proved by the applause which greeted her during the entire opera. At the end of the third act she was called before the curtain. This artiste is a decided acquisition to the Maretzek troupe, enabling the manager to produce some operas which have not been sung in New York for a long time.

            Mlle. Sulzer, as the enchantress, appeared to great advantage. We have so recently reviewed her performance of this role that it is unnecessary to enter into any further details here. We will simply add that her success was as great as on her first representation of the part.

            Mlle. Ortolani Brignoli was a pleasing Page Oscar. We do not think, however, that she appears to as great advantage in this role as in Violetta in the ‘Traviata.’ Her voice, although not powerful, is most pleasing and melodious, and is under great cultivation. There is lacking in Mlle. Brignoli’s role of the Page that dash which belongs to the part. Her rendition of the music of the role was all that could be desired.

            Signor Mazzoleni as Count Ricardo was immensely successful. As on the first night of the ‘Ballo,’ he sang the baracole with infinite zest and power. It was tumultuously encored. Throughout the opera he met with the same success. He sang admirably, while he acted the role to perfection.

            Signor Bellini, of whose performance as Reinhart we have heard so much praise, was fully equal to our anticipations. He infused in this character a dramatic warmth which impressed the audience. In the scene between himself and, as he supposes, his guilty wife, he was grand. The public bestowed upon his efforts the warmest applause. As this artist’s voice recovers from the hoarseness which has veiled it up to the present time, its power and purity become more and more apparent. It is evident that Bellini will become a great favorite in New York.”

     Academy of Music.--“Notwithstanding the continued indisposition of Mme. Medori, and the change of opera rendered necessary in consequence thereof, the Academy of Music was completely filled last evening, when ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’ was performed. Mr. Maretzek’s company, and the attraction of Mme. Guerrabella’s name—for the lady sustained the rôle of Amelia, having obligingly consented, &c., &c. The performance throughout was an excellent one, differing from the first representation mainly in the superior merit of the baritone. Signor Bellini is steadily winning his way with the public. The quantity and quality of his voice, combined with the spirit of his action, places him in the first rank of artists. As Reinhardt, he has an opportunity of showing all his best points. In the third act he was extremely powerful—better than any of his predecessors; and in other and less exigent portions of the work he was all that could be desired.

Mme. Guerrabella, a pleasing singer and most graceful actress, received a hearty welcome on her rentrée. Her impersonation of Amelia will be remembered as one of the best of her repertoire. Signor Mazzolini was in excellent voice, and with the rest of the artists, succeeded in winning much applause for the opera.”