Maretzek Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

“’Don Giovanni was repeated at the Academy of Music last evening with Mme. Lucca and the other artists of the company in the rôles, of which the assumption has already received attention in this place. Mme. Lucca’s numbers were, as usual, all redemanded, and Miss Kellogg’s interpretation of the ‘Letter Song’—her first rendering of that exquisite and exacting composition—was much applauded. The general impression of the opera was as satisfactory as ever; the public, it seems, will not take counsel from some critics, either as to attendance or sensibility to fine music and good work.”

“’Don Giovanni’ was repeated last night at the Academy, evidences of improvement in the ensemble being perceptible. The Zerlina of Madame Pauline Lucca will ever lend a charm to this opera, no matter what her surroundings may be. She is quite at home in the lovely music, interpreting it with an intelligence and ease that enlists the attention and admiration of even the most fastidious critic. Nearly a score of years have passed since in New York has been heard such an exquisite rendering of these peerless gems, ‘Batti, batti,’ and ‘Vedrai carino.’ The baritone, too, for once kept within bounds to enable her to make the duet, ‘La ci darem,’ a success. Miss Kellogg has become more familiarized with the rôle of Donna Anna than in her first appearance, and won deserved applause in the grand aria, ‘Or sai che l’orrore,’ and the still more trying letter aria. M. Jamet’s Leporello was the pleasing, attractive performance that may always be expected from this conscientious artist. The others in the cast were the same as on previous representations.”