Maretzek Italian Opera: La favorite
Event Information
Venue(s):
Academy of Music
Manager / Director:
Max Maretzek
Conductor(s):
Jaime Nuno
Event Type:
Opera
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
29 August 2018
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
20 Mar 1863, 8:00 PMProgram Details
Maretzek Italian Opera
Sixth Night
Performers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“The ‘Favorita’ was neatly performed at the opera house last night. Mazzoleni was sick, and his substitute—the sweet-voiced Sbriglia—sang very acceptably, though lacking in power. The same fault—and about the only one—can be found with Sulzer, the Leonora of the evening. In the concerted music her voice is almost unheard, but in the solos and duets her exquisite method and pure tones appear to great advantage. The prayer to Fernando was admirably given as well as the concluding phrase of the opera Vieni ah vieni. Mlle. Sulzer evinces greater vocal cultivation than is commonly found among contralto singers, though, by the way, she is in fact, a mezzo-soprano.
Bellini made so great a success in the baritone part as to deserve to be called the ‘star’ of the evening. His splendid voice was free from hoarseness, and he sang with taste as well as power. The part has been rarely better performed.”
“Maretzek had last week most convincing proof of the determination of the New York public to fully patronize his grand operatic season. The indisposition of some of his artists, although causing disappointment to both public and manager, did not prevent the attendance of large and fashionable audiences each night that opera was given; while the matinee was also eminently successful. The fact is, Mr. Maretzek has the reputation of a careful and painstaking manager, having an artist’s conception of the requirements of opera; and as he gives the works of the great maestros in full, with all the accessories of a liberal mise en scene, powerful and complete choruses and orchestra, the public are determined to patronize the undertaking with equal liberality. This fact was fully confirmed last Friday evening. Signor Mazzoleni, who was to appear as Fernando in ‘La Favorita,’ was so hoarse he could not sing, and at a moment’s notice the management was forced to substitute Signor Sbriglia in that role. The public, though disappointed-–Mazzoleni is an immense favorite–-did not, as is often the case, leave the house. An audience as large as on any previous night, and certainly as fashionable, filled the Academy. They were fully repaid by the admirable performance of Bellini as Alphonso and Biachi as Balthazzar. The former, who has fully recovered his voice, was applauded in all he sang. He dressed and acted the role as well as he sang it. We could bestow no higher praise upon his performance. Biachi made the role of Balthazzar an attraction it could never be save when sung by so great an artist.”
“The course of the opera did not run smooth during the past week. The prima donna became ill, and then the tenor (is the stage properly warmed, and defended against currents of air, which are so adverse to keeping the vocal organs in the best condition ?)—and we had substitutions of singers and opera accordingly. To give one thing in place of another, even if it be as good, is not apt to please the public; for their minds are made up to hear something, and they do not welcome something else. The substitution, however, of La Traviata, with Mademoiselle Brignoli, in the musico-coughing part, proved very acceptable. The opera of Il Ballo also passed off well, Madame Guerrabella, in the leading character. The opera of La Favorita, however, with Mlle. Sulzer as the center of attraction, failed to reach public expectation. This lady’s voice is not equal to the immensely passionate declamation needed for the heroine, requiring to make herself eloquent in the vast circle of the Academy. The second tenor in place of the first who was indisposed, was an unhappy experiment. In a small house the effect would be better; but it must be borne in mind, that the Academy of Music covers too many square feet for any but large voices to fill it and produce admirable results. We look for a regular operatic procedure this week, after so much change in the programme during the past week.”
As partial compensation, we are able to appreciate M. Bellini in the plenitude of his possibilities. Conqueror of the first influences of the climate, who thwarted strife, the excellent baritone has justified and gone beyond the hopes founded on him. He has acted and sung the role of the king in the Favorite in the most remarkable fashion. M. Biachi equally affirmed, in the role of the prior, the excellent impression that he had produced in Ernani. As for Mlle Sulzer, her voice continues to appear inadequate, despite the art with which she is touched and her exquisite excellence as an actress. One is assured nevertheless that she will reveal herself anew one day as Adalgisa, and I willingly accept that prediction."
“There was a good deal of suffering among the members of the troupe. Sore throats, colds of all kinds were making their usual tours de visite, and bade the artists welcome with those signs of attachment, for which they are distinguished. Fortunately they staid nowhere very long, so that after a week’s relapse the ordinary members of the company could resume their duties. . . Donizetti’s ‘La Favorita’ was not so well rendered, the former efficiency of the chorus was entirely gone, even Signor Bellini lacked in style and finish, and as to Mlle. Sulzer, she has neither the voice nor the dramatic ability to perform the role of Leonore. She is an excellent artist, sings neatly and correctly, but there is very little real sentiment and inspiration in her singing as well as in her acting.”