New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Faust: Mrs. Frederici Himmer Benefit

“This great work was given last night in this house to a large and enthusiastic audience. The performance was for the benefit of Mme. Frederici, whose rendition of Margaret (Gretchen, as our German brethren love to call her, after the manner of the great Goethe) has gained her such repeated triumphs. The opera was well placed on the stage, the choruses, particularly the male, being well drilled and very effective. Mme. Frederici was in splendid voice, and sung with sweetness and energy throughout. The garden scene with Faust may be particularly referred to as bringing out her best points in splendid style. She has the great advantage of looking the part, with perhaps, an additional weight. The Mephistopheles of Herr Weinlich was a worthy support, and almost the same may be said of Herr Himmer’s Faust, which was well played and energetically sung, with, however, a weakness for falsetto in the upper register. Siebel, the student, by Mlle. Römer, was very pleasing—her rosebud song particularly so. The Valentine of Herr Formes was conscientious and painstaking. The numerous orchestra did justice to the author and gave credit to the accomplished conductor.”