Maretzek Italian Opera: Jone
Event Information
Venue(s):
Academy of Music
Manager / Director:
Max Maretzek
Conductor(s):
Jaime Nuno
Event Type:
Opera
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
27 August 2013
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
13 May 1863, EveningProgram Details
26th Night
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“Spite of the drenching rain last evening a most fashionable audience assembled at the Academy of Music, attracted by the reproduction of Petrella’s beautiful opera, ‘Ione.’ The performance was most successful. The artists were called out at the end of each act, while during the entire opera the warmest applause was bestowed upon the many gems which abound in this work, and which are now familiar to the habitues of the Academy of Music.
Mme. Guerrabella, who appeared for the first time as Ione, was a most beautiful and pleasing representation of the role. She sang with great effect, was much applauded, and, in fact, was very successful throughout the opera. In the first act she sang the ‘L’amo’ with great spirit and effect, and was warmly applauded. In the second act, during the scene with Glauco, she both sang and acted admirably. We take great pleasure in recording the well deserved success of this lady.
Mlle. Sulzer, as Nydia, sang as usual in a most effective and pleasing manner. The well cultivated voice of this favorite artiste was heard to unusual advantage last evening. She was much applauded, and most deservedly so.
Signor Mazzoleni (Glauco) sang and acted this role in the same masterly style which distinguished his previous performances of the role. His success was immense, long and continued applause being showered upon him at every moment. He has certainly obtained a strong hold upon the public.
Signors Bellini and Biachi were likewise most successful, and received a due share of the applause which the pleased audience bestowed so liberally upon all the artists. The opera, as on previous occasions, was certainly a great success.”
“Mr. Maretzek, although the best of managers, is the most unfortunate of men. If his singers do not happen to be sick, or to have an appointment with their lawyers in Belgium, the weather is sure to be execrable. It is certain to happen that in some way or other there will be a good excuse for a bad attendance. Last evening, when ‘Ione’—a work that really pleases our public—was played, the attendance was of course affected by the storm that awaited the opening of the doors, but there was an indication that, had it not been for these adverse circumstances, the audience would have been measurably up to the old standard.
The opera was excellently given in all respects—the cast being essentially the same as last season, and not to be improved. Mme. Medori’s rôle, however, fell to the lot of Mme. Guerrabella, who sustained it with admirable discretion, imparting to it a different reading, and thus avoiding comparison with her predecessor. It is seldom that we have heard this artiste to greater advantage. The music suits her voice, and dramatically she throws much grace and spirit into the impersonation of Ione. It is certainly one of her best parts.”