Ronconi Concert: Crispino et la Comare

“Another of the series of Signor RONCONI’S exceedingly pleasant operatic entertainments was given on Wednesday evening, in the theatre of the Union League Club, to the usual refined and fashionable audience. The sparkling opera of ‘Crispino e la Comare’ was repeated, with the following cast: [see above]

“The work was exceedingly well sung throughout, the chorus thoroughly trained and effective, and the orchestra, baring a slight excess of brass for so small a house, fairly balanced and skillfully led. The great buffo himself was I excellent voice and spirits, and certainly never in New-York has he acted or sung better. The part of Crispino is one which gives full scope for Signor RONCONI’S great power of facial expression and exuberant drollery, and he did justice to its opportunities. Miss HALL has an agreeable soprano, especially strong and smooth in the upper notes, and the Union  League Theatre is of a size well adapted to display its capacity. Miss RONCONI played and sung, as always, with spirit and care, and, in a word, all engaged acquitted themselves in a manner which leaves little room for criticism. The charming duet in act second between Crispino and Annetta was rendered in a way to merit the encore it received, and if the trio in act third was not repeated, it was not because the audience failed to demand it. We are glad to be able to record that these parlor entertainments of Signor RONCONI are so deservedly popular. It is a sign that there is yet, in spite of some indications to the contrary, taste enough in the Metropolis to appreciate good opera. The misfortune is that such infrequent indulgence as Signor RONCONI affords us only whets our appetite for more. His next performance will be given on Jan. 11.”