New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Tannhäuser

“Wagner’s Tannhauser was produced at this theatre last evening with a powerful cast, and was a great success, though, probably owing to the unfavorable character of the weather, the house was scarcely so full as it might have been. The careful and effective rendering by the orchestra of the overture threw the audience into a state of enthusiasm, which was well sustained through the remainder of the night. In the second act the interest of the opera reached its height. The scene of the saengerfest was admirably mounted, and seemed in very fact a living picture of mediaeval festivity. In the contest of the minnesingers, however, Herr Bernard’s ‘Tannhauser’ was lamentably weak, as indeed it was all through the opera. Perhaps he was not in good voice, but scarcely anything but gross carelessness can explain his frequently laise singing. His acting is execrable, but perhaps that is something he cannot help. Frau Lichtmay is, of course, the strongest feature of the company, and last night, as ever, she took the house by storm. Admirable as her singing, she does not disdain to take the pains of making the most of her part by good acting, and she well deserves the plaudits and the bouquets awarded her. The minor parts were fairly played, and the choruses, like the orchestra, showed the good effects of careful training. Lovers of music must earnestly hope that the present season of opera at the Stadt, down-town theatre as it is, may last a long time yet, and keep up the measure of success it has already won and which it so decidedly merits.”