Peschka-Leutner Concert: 2nd

“The second concert of Madame Peschka-Leutner at the Academy of Music was attended by a much larger audience than greeted her on her first appearance. The heat was overpowering, yet there was no lack of enthusiasm when the charming soprano came upon the platform, and she was vociferously applauded in every piece she sang. In the magnificent ‘Ernani Involami’ her splendid voice was heard to the greatest advantage. Upon the encore she gave the bolero from the ‘Sicilian Vespers’ with spirit and effect, and in the second part of the concert made a wonderful exhibition of the capacities of her voice in the ‘Peschka Bravour Polka,’ which was written expressly for her by Muhldorfer. For the other pieces in the programme, they wholly failed to produce the least excitement. The ‘Beautiful Blue Danube,’ played by the self-same orchestra in quite as effective a manner as under Herr Strauss, fell flat lacking the magnetism of his leadership, and Mr. Bonawitz threw away lavishly tours de force and delicate fingerings and sympathetic expression, in his piano-forte performances, that would have excited a whirlwind of plaudits in a smaller area and in a cooler temperature. Madame Leutner may be sure of a hearty welcome whenever she shall sing in New York. Her third and last concert will take place at the Academy on Friday evening.”

“Mme. Peschka-Leutner was again heard at the Academy of Music, last evening. The audience was much more numerous than that assembled on Monday, and it waxed quite as enthusiastic when the power and range of the artist’s voice, and the brilliancy of her execution, were made clear by the successful recital of three very florid compositions. These were respectively ‘Ernani, Involami;’ the bolero from ‘I Vespri Siciliani,’ for the satisfactory delivery of which, however, Mme. Leutner’s tones are rather heavy; and the ‘Peschka Bravour Polka,’ which consisted of variations upon a most commonplace theme, and for which a repetition of Proch’s air, sung on Monday, would have been a most acceptable substitute. The lady could certainly not complain of a lack of appreciation of her vocal resources and talent; heartier applause was never lavished upon a songstress. The pianist of the evening was, as heretofore, Mr. Bonawitz, and an orchestra, under Herr Bergmann, supplied a profusion of instrumental music.”