New-Yorker Stadt-Theater Opera: Die Zauberflöte

“‘The Magic Flute’ was sung at the Stadt Theatre, last evening, with Herr Wachtel as Tamino. The part is one in no manner fitted to the tenor’s special qualities, and, indeed, there is such a lack of contrast in its music that it seems doubtful if the character could ever have been made prominent. Its choice, we almost suspect, was dictated to Herr Wachtel by a desire to reserve himself for the business of to-night. That he acquitted himself of his task with conscientiousness need hardly be said. The general performance was commendable for a display of the same merit on the part of Herren Vierling and Franosch and Frauen Rotter and Rosetti. Zealousness, however, does not always result in notable work, and a great many mediocre representations are crammed with good intentions.”