Strakosch Italian Opera Concert: 2nd

Program.

“The second grand Sunday concert given by members of the Strakosch Italian Opera Company and a select orchestra from the Academy of Music was listened to and very loudly applauded by a large audience at Wallack’s Theatre last evening. The music was from the works of Rossini, Verdi, Weber, Mendelssohn, Halevy, Mozart, Hamm, Donizetti, Thomas, Prudent, and Flotow, and, for the most part, it was performed in a very superior manner. [Lists performers.] We cannot praise the pianist who appeared on this occasion, and therefore will considerately not name him. The artists very generously sang twice as much as they had engaged to do, for the assembly insisted on a repetition of every piece with one or two exceptions. The ‘Polacca’ from ‘Mignon’ was admirably sung by Mlle. Torriani, and in response to a stormy demand for its repetition she sang ‘Home, Sweet Home’ with great tenderness and propriety of expression. The solos which next after the ‘Polacca’ caused the most excitement were a ‘Romanza’ from ‘L’Eclair’ sung by M. Capoul, and a ‘Romanza’ from ‘Maria di Rudenz’ sung by M. Maurel.”

“Two concerts, each of decided merit, were given last night, the one at Wallack’s Theatre, the other at the Lyceum. In the former case, a number of the members of the Strakosch company took part, and were received with rapturous and boisterous applause. Mlle. Torriani was especially successful in the ‘Mignon’ polacca and in ‘Home, Sweet Home.’ Miss Cary sang with her usual taste, and Maurel made a hit in an aria from the ‘Maria di Rudenz’ of Donizetti. Signor Del Puente also took part, and a good orchestra, under direction of Mr. Behrens, lent efficient aid… Both concerts were good in design and execution, but it is evident that our general public has not yet taken with enthusiasm to these Sunday entertainments.”

“The second Sunday concert given by the artists of the Italian opera at Wallack’s Theatre took place last evening. The audience was numerous and enthusiastic, and almost every piece had to be repeated. Mlle. Ostava Torriani sang quite brilliantly the polacca from ‘Mignon.’ Miss Cary recited very expressively the air ‘Oh, Rest in the Lord,’ from Mendelssohn’s ‘Elijah.’ Signor Del Puente rendered ‘Di Provenza.’ M. Maurel interpreted with his wonted eloquence the aria, ‘Ah, non avea più lagrime,’ from ‘Maria di Rudenz,’ and, finally, M. Capoul sang with a great deal of sentiment the pretty tenor song from ‘L’éclair’—one of many works in which it would be exceedingly pleasant to occasionally hear the gentleman. The concerted music included the charming duet, ‘Perchè crudel,’ from ‘Le Nozze,’ admirably executed by Mlle. Torriani and M. Maurel; the well-known trio from ‘Attila,’ and the ‘Mezzanotte’ quartet from ‘Marta.’ By way of solo instrumental performances Signor Morosini, a practiced but cold pianist, contributed the andante and finale of Mendelssohn’s concerto in G minor, and a setting of the ‘Miserere’ scene by Prudent; the band was under Mr. Behrens.”

“The Strakosch Opera Company appeared in concert last night at Wallack’s, represented by the following artists:—[lists performers]. The orchestra, under the direction of Mr. S. Behrens, played a couple of overtures, and assisted Signor Morosini in the rendering of the andante and finale of Mendelssohn’s hackneyed Piano Concerto in G minor. The execution of this gentleman is neat and finished, but his method of playing from the shoulder and elbow, instead of using the wrist as a medium of power, is fatal to his tone. The cello obligato in the andante was entirely too loud, and at times almost obliterated the pianist. Mlle. Torriani received a well-deserved encore in the grand scene from ‘Der Freischütz,’ and Miss Cary sang a selection from ‘Elijah’ with her wonted artistic power. M. Capoul appeared to the best advantage in the romance from ‘L’Eclair,’ and Messrs. Del Puente and Maurel renewed their previous successes. The next operatic concert takes place in Brooklyn on Thursday night.” Also reviews two other concerts held the same evening.