Strakosch Italian Opera: Aida

“’Aida’ was repeated at the Academy of Music last evening. The representation only differed from earlier performances by the substitution of Signor Del Puente for M. Maurel in the rôle of Amonasro. It is always a thankless task to attempt the portrayal of a character that another artist has sketched with decision and effect, and when the first performer is so thorough an actor and singer as M. Maurel the work is particularly ungracious. Signor Del Puente, who, be it said, was not in very good vocal condition, las night strove hard to endow Amonasro with the picturesque attributes which Academy audience have been accustomed to look for in the captive monarch, but his efforts were hardly successful. In other respects, the entertainment was unchanged.”

“The twenty-third performance in America of Verdi’s ‘Aida’ took place last night at the Academy of Music. The work has been in every respect a marked success. The lustre of Verdi’s name has received from this grand composition a fresher and brighter radiance, while to all the artists engaged in the performance ‘Aida’ has brought reputation and applause. The very graceful Aida of Torriani, the spirited and dramatic Amneris of Cary, the vigorous and masculine Radames of Campanini, the picturesque Amonasro of Maurel, and the stately and dignified Ramfis of Nannetti has all added greatly to the artistic standing of these accomplished vocalists; while Mr. Strakosch, as an impresario, has been elevated to the highest plane by the liberal and magnificent manner in which he has placed this superb work on the stage. To Signor Muzio, the conductor, under whose personal direction the opera was rehearsed, and who has his traditions as to its style of performance from the composer himself, very much of the success of the twenty-three representations is due.

The luxurious splendor of what may be called the Oriental style of opera seems to befit the American taste. The barbaric gorgeousness of ‘L’Africaine’ met with signal favor here. So, too, years ago the ‘Semiramide’ of Rossinin was popular, as it would be again were it produced in fitting style and with proper scenic effects. It is intimated that this will be one of the attractions of Mr. Strakosch’s next season.”