Maretzek Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

“’Don Giovanni’ was given last night at the Academy. It is needless to say that Madame Lucca as Zerlina was the chief attraction, and that we were puzzled whether to praise most the excellence of her acting or the sweetness of her singing. The way in which she sang the ‘Batti batti’ was simply exquisite. Ronconi, as Masetto, supported Madame Lucca as few artists could. The Leporello of Jamet is a first rate piece of acting. This artist always sings conscientiously, and, though he is not so much praised as he deserves to be, he is a well recognized favorite with the audience. We have already expressed our opinion that Donna Anna is too heavy a rôle for Miss Kellogg. She, however, acquitted herself with credit. Her singing last night was finished, and earned for her more than one recall. Signor Moriami was in good voice and sung the rôle of Don Giovanni with intelligence and dramatic power. Signor Vizzani appeared as Don Octavio and Mlle. Clara Doria as Elvira.”