Maretzek Italian Opera: La traviata

     “Academy of Music.—Mme. Ortalani Brignoli, who appeared in a small rôle in ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’ on Wednesday evening, had an opportunity last night of proving that she can sustain the large dramatic characters of the modern Italian repertoire. We have had so many really grand artists in the rôle of Violetta, that it would be unjust to a timid, but thoroughly well educated artist to hint at comparison. It is sufficient that Mme. Ortalani Brignoli was recieved with the greatest fervor, and after each act was recalled before the curtain. In spirit and feeling it was a performance that compared favorably with the best we have had here.

     Signor Mezzolini [sic] was in excellent voice, and in the latter portion of the opera displayed his remarkable dramatic powers. Signor Bellini was heard to better advantage in Germont than in any work he has yet essayed. The remaining rôles were admirably sustained, and the entire performance was a success that Mr. Maretzek may safely claim as another triumph of his brilliant campaign.”

     “Mlle. Ortolani-Brignoli gave an evidence, on the night of the ‘Ballo in Maschera,’ that she possessed the ability so happily displayed last night in the ‘Traviata.’ Her voice is deliciously sweet, though not at all thin or weak. Even the highest notes are as pleasant to the ear as the lower ones; and there is nothing in her singing suggestive of the shrieking into which some high sopranos indulge. Her entire performance was highly satisfactory and was as warmly appreciated as the chilly atmosphere in the house permitted.

     Mazzoleni and Bellini seem better fitted for the more boisterous class of operas, and in ‘Traviata’—Verdi’s lightest work—they did not eclipse previous performers. Yet their efforts were heartily appreciated, and Mazzoleni sang the ‘Ah! quel amor’ superbly.”

      “The performance of La Traviata last night afforded Mlle. Brignoli the first opportunity of showing fully her musical and dramatic points. She has youth, good-looks, and a graceful deportment; and appears to singular advantage in the piece. Her voice is a clear, fine, soprano of two octaves extent; reaching to C above the line. It is well cultivated, and the florid passages are executed by her with neatness and certainty. Besides to the sentimental bits which deck the work, she brings sympathetic tones; and, what is ever valuable, a distinct enunciation. In figure she is rather slight, with dark expressive eyes, and an Italian cast of countenance. She achieved a success and was called before the curtain by her admirers, who constituted a crowded and brilliant audience. Thus far no falling off has appeared in the numbers of attendants at the Academy. 

     The tenor, Signor Mazzoleni, though in not so robust a part as Ernani did himself credit; and was much approved. The baritone, Signor Bellini, was in still more clarified voice than the previous night of performance, and now his fine musical characteristics are fully developing themselves.”