Maretzek Italian Opera: Le Nozze di Figaro

“’La Nozze di Figaro’ was represented at the Academy of Music, last evening, and a very numerous audience was assembled to enjoy the performance, and especially that part of it borne by Mme. Pauline Lucca, whose admirable personation of Cherubino has already been noticed here. The entertainment, which terminated at a late hour, did not differ in any material respect from the earlier recital of the opera. Mme. Lucca, whose absence, on account of illness, has been much felt, was the object of a hearty demonstration of welcome, and ‘Voi che Sapete’ was, of course, repeated; while the exquisite duo, ‘Sull’ aria,’ was also given twice.”

“Last night Mozart’s ‘Nozze di Figaro’ was reproduced at the Academy to a numerous and brilliant audience. The announcement of the reappearance of Madame Lucca no doubt strongly influenced the attendance, and when the charming diva made her appearance she was greeted with warm expressions of welcome. Her voice was in excellent condition, and her acting and singing in the rôle of Cherubino adds another triumph to her long list of vocal and dramatic victories. Nothing could be more naïve and charming than her representation of the love-sick boy. The sweetness and tenderness which are such striking characteristics of nature as revealed in her voice found expression in the delightful song, ‘Che cosa e amor,’ which took the house by storm, and was so relished by the audience that they insisted on an encore. Miss Kellogg found in the rôle of Susanna opportunities suitable to her voice and style, and made a very favorable impression. Moriami, as Figaro, sung well, and acted with more abandon than might be looked for from his heavier performances. Madame Lavielli made a very satisfactory Countess. Taken together the representation was even and well given, though some of the minor parts might have been better filled; but this is a trite criticism, which applies with more or less force to every performance.”