Seguin English Opera: Maritana

“In defiance of the unfavorable weather quite a large audience assembled last night at the little theatre in Twenty-third street to listen to Wallace’s charming opera, ‘Maritana.’ We might argue from the large attendance that English, or, more correctly, Irish, opera, has a much larger class of admirers than might be judged from the infrequency of the presentation of the works of such composers as Balfe and Wallace. It is a pity that the influence of fashion is stronger than the attraction of merit; but then people are naturally desirous of witnessing or listening to what they don’t understand, imagining that they are thereby improved. The delightful quality of the music of Balfe and Wallace ought to obtain for it more recognition that is given to it. Full of melody, and with the tinge of melancholy so characteristic of all Irish music, it appeals to the sympathies of the masses with more force and directness than the more florid and pretentious compositions of Italy or the grander and more imposing music of Germany. This was visible in the enthusiasm which was awakened in the audience last night. Miss Emma Howson in the rôle of Maritana quite justified the good opinion which was formed of her in the ‘Bohemian Girl.’ Mrs. Zelda Seguin as Lazarillo displayed finished vocalization and received several times the well-merited applause of the audience. The Don Caesar de Bazan of Mr. Brookhouse Bowler was a great improvement on his first night’s performance, and left little to be desired. Mr. Henry Drayton sang, in the rôle of Don José, in a manner to give entire satisfaction, and, as is usually the case, this artist exhibited much dramatic power in the rendering of his rôle. The other characters were filled with fair ability, and, altogether, the entertainment was calculated to give pleasure.”

“The promise of prosperity held out by the first night of the English opera at Bryant’s Theater has thus far been fulfilled, and even the storm of Wednesday night did not prevent the assembling of a good audience. ‘Maritana’ succeeded ‘The Bohemian Girl,’ and was received with unmistakeable favor. The performance was open to criticism in some minor details; the orchestra was not good; the King of Mr. Bartleman was a rather comical representation; and one or two of the more distinguished artists were no better than they should be; still the general effect was pleasing; the Maritana of Miss Howson won a great deal of applause; and Mrs. Zelda Seguin’s Lazarillo was unexceptionable, as it always is. This bright little lady, with her beautiful voice and her good simple style, is enough to make amends for much more serious defects than we have yet had to complain of in the present company. The strong hold which she has secured upon the sympathies of the public speaks well for the musical taste of New-York.”