Strakosch Italian Opera: Roberto il diavolo

“The matinée at the Academy of Music on Saturday, despite the unseasonable weather, was crowded fully as much as any of its predecessors. And yet the performance of ‘Roberto il Diavolo’ was by no means worthy of such patronage. The mise en scène, appointments and ballet could scarcely be worse and the chorus and orchestra were manifestly reduced on the occasion. Nilsson’s Alice, although a very charming impersonation, cannot be placed on a level with her Violetta, Lucia, Mignon and Ophelia, and Mlle. Duval makes a rather unsatisfactory Isabella. Brignoli appears to the best advantage in the title role, except in the absurd ballet scene, and Jamet’s voice is scarcely deep and dramatic enough for the arch fiend. The unaccompanied trio in the second act was given without a blemish. It is the most difficult concerted piece in the opera.”