New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Rigoletto: Vierling benefit

“Last night Verdi’s grand opera ‘Rigoletto’ was given with the handsomest appointments and new costumes, à la Bucheister, for the benefit of Mr. Edward Vierling, who appeared in the title role, aided by the conspicuous talent of Madam Louise Lichtmay, in the part of Gilda. Wherever a German audience is assembled to honor any of the Nine, that spirit almost inexpressible by any one word of our language, but known to them as ‘gemühlichkeit,’ a gay and jovial heartiness pervades the house and makes the jocund hours dance by on nimble feet. ‘Lohengrin’ and other grand operas of the Wagner school are in anticipation at the Stadt Theater, and, beyond them, a tempting array of high comedy by the great masters, interpreted by talent of commanding rank.”

“Verdi’s most dramatic opera, ‘Rigoletto’—a work which is considered by those musicians who affect indifference to Italian music as worthy to have been composed by a German—was produced last night at the Stadt Theatre, for the benefit of Herr Vierling, who took the part of the old court jester. His personation was an admirable one both from a vocal and an historical point of view. In the scene where Rigoletto beseeches the Courtiers to let him rescue his daughter from the Duke he awakened the audience to the warmest enthusiasm. After the great duet which closes the third act, he, with Madame Lichtmay, was thrice called before the curtain. The Gilda of this prima donna was as  good as could have been expected. It is a part unsuited to her style, but in the aria known as Caro nome, and in  the great quartet of the last act (which was encored), she won deserved applause. Mr. Bernard, on the other hand, was very ineffective as the Duke. It is his weakest part; but those who wish to see this really admirable tenor at his best should witness his performance to-night in ‘Masaniello.’”