Dolby farewell concert

“The programme offered last evening at Steinway Hall by the Dolby troupe was made up to a great extent of ballads and part-singing. There was but one operatic selection, an extract from Donizetti’s ‘Maria di Rudenz,’ sung by Santley. This splendid artist also gave, with superb effect, the Christmas hymn by Gounod, published under the title of ‘Nazareth,’ and was much aided in its rendering by the excellent piano-forte accompaniment of Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Mrs. Patey made a very great impression in her various songs, particularly in Sir Henry Smart’s ‘Lady of the Lea,’ while her encore pieces, ‘The Bailiff’s Daughter,’ and ‘Home, Sweet Home,’ were received with as much applause as those which preceded them. Indeed, this excellent contralto, whose natural gifts have been enhanced by her brilliant artistic acquirements, will have a reputation here as one of the very best concert vocalists who has ever visited our shores.

The part-singing last night was the best ever heard in New York. It would be impossible to desire a more exquisite balancing of voices and a more harmonious adjustment of vocal effects. In one of Hatton’s glees the execution was so perfect that an immediate demand was made for an encore. Mr. Cummings sang with charming taste, and his rendering of a very graceful melody by Felicien David was one of the features of the evening. Miss Wynne and Mr. Patey both did their parts well, and the whole concert was in every way calculated to delight both the casual listener and the critical amateur.”

Review: New-York Times, 17 January 1872, 1.

“The last concert but one to be given by Mr. Dolby’s artists, all of whom, with the exception of Mr. Santley, are to depart for Europe at once, occurred at Steinway Hall last evening. The entertainment attracted a very numerous audience and afforded the usual pleasure. We printed the full programme yesterday morning. As it included compositions which had been recited at earlier performances, a detailed notice of its elements need not be attempted. Almost all the pieces were redemanded, and the desire of the listeners to enjoy a double treat was gratified in nearly every instance. In acknowledgement of the applause which recalled Mr. Santley, after he had sung ‘Sulla poppa del mio brik,’ that gentleman interpreted Rossini’s exquisite tarantella ‘Gia la luna,’ which, however, is somewhat light for his voice.”

Review: Dwight's Journal of Music, 27 January 1872, 176.

“The Dolby troupe gave two farewell concerts at Steinway Hall, on the 16th and 17th, prior to their departure for Europe. Two thoroughly enjoyable concerts they were for those who love the sweet and simple ballads whose infinite popularity age cannot wither nor custom stale. At the second concert nearly every piece was encored. I must own to some regret at finding on the programme none of those beautiful songs by Arthur Sullivan which Miss Edith Wynne knows how to sing so charmingly.”