Maretzek Italian Opera Sunday Concert: 2nd

Includes program.

“An improved attendance may be recorded at the Grand Opera House on Oct. 13th. The artists were [see above]. Among the most pleasing numbers may be mentioned ‘Ye Little Brids,’ sung by Miss Rose Hersee with flute oblitgato by Mr. Siedler, which was rapturously encored. One great charm about Miss Hersee’s vocal efforts, in addition to correctness of tune, purity and strength of tone, is the distinct enunciation of the words, each one of which may be clearly understood in the most remote part of the auditorium; an aria from ‘Der Freischutz,’ charmingly rendered by Mme. Levielli, and the famous quartet from ‘Rigoletto’ by Miss Hersee, Mlle. Sanz, Signors Abrugnedo and Moriami. The eight ‘young ladies of society’—although ten had been announced—did not achieve success. They attempted to perform the overture to ‘William Tell’ upon four grand pianos, but being nervous, it was beyond the power of the conductor to keep them in tune, and soon the laughter of the audience put all but two to flight. Those remaining continued to play, and as soon as they could be heard they were greeted with round after round of applause, probably as much for the courage and coolness they had displayed under the circumstances as their musical performances. Quiet continued until they had finished the overture, when they were twice recalled, and in response to continued applause one of the young ladies reappeared and performed a difficult number.”