Mulder-Fabbri German Opera: L’Africaine

For Don Giovanni.

“The Mulder-Fabbri Opera Company produced ‘L’Africaine’ at the Grand Opera House last evening with the same cast as at the Stadt Theatre. The audience was large and appreciative. The opera has, however, been better performed by the same company on previous occasions than it was last evening. Mr. Bernard was laboring under a cold, so severe that at times it almost wholly incapacitated him from singing the music at all; and despite the efforts of Mr. Mulder, the chorus and orchestra at times got somewhat astray. Yet, notwithstanding these little drawbacks, the vocalization of Mme. Fabbri, Mr. Muller, and Carl Formes rendered the representation successful. Each was in good voice and sang unusually well, which, in speaking of such artists, is saying a great deal. The slumber song of the second act and the scene under the Macanilla tree by Mme. Fabbri were beautifully rendered; and Mr. Muller gave his arias in the third and fourth acts with his accustomed vigor and finish. Miss Rosetti’s song in the first act was very tastily done.”

“Last evening ‘L’Africaine’ was presented with Mme. Fabbri in her best rôle, Selica, and Mr. Jacob Müller as Nelusko. The house was crowded and both artists met with a hearty reception, their success being of the most emphatic kind. Of the other artists who took part in the opera we can speak in terms of commendation of Mlle. Rosetti.”

"The attendance was good during the week, and had faith been kept with the public and the operas performed as announced, the season would undoubtedly have been more successful.”

"The Grand Opera House, one of the most beautiful and commodious theatres in the city, was lately the scene of a somewhat difficult enterprise, which was undertaken by the Mulder Fabbri Troupe, lately of the Stadt Theatre. This company actually gave eight representations during the week ending February 24, [six evenings and two matinées] with a change of opera every evening. The list included… This week they gave three representations, as follows… Mme. Inez Fabbri, Mlle. Anna Rosetti, and Mlle. Anna Elzer were the sopranos. Mme. Fabbri’s voice is somewhat worn, but she acquitted herself creditably and made a good impression, particularly as L’Africaine. Mlle. Elzer is very young, (only fourteen, I believe), but she is already a remarkable singer, though she needs more culture and study to develop her voice. Mr. Muller has a very pleasant baritone, which he used to advantage; and Carl Formes is inimitable as an actor, though hardly a trace remains of his once magnificent voice. As any attempt to produce good music is worthy of some respect and charity, I will refrain from any remarks respecting the tenor and the chorus, although they had no respect for our racked and tortured nerves.”