Strakosch Italian Opera: Aida

“Verdi’s fine opera was represented last night with the usual success, the cast being the same to which we have been accustomed, except that Sig. Del Puente took the part of Amonasro. He could not reconcile us to the absence of M. Maurel, but his personation was a good one. As for the other characters, we have often expressed our judgment upon them, and we find little to add to what we have said before. The excellence of Mlle. Torriani’s Aida seems to grow upon one, and though she is somewhat overtasked in the trying third Act, we learn to admire more and more the unfailing good taste, refinement, and true feeling with which she adorns this charming role. Miss Cary has raised herself so remarkably in the estimation of musicians by her interpretation of the part of Amneris, that the opera may almost be said to have given her a new reputation. Sig. Campanini’s Radames is picturesque, dignified, and in every way enjoyable, and though he was apparently obliged to spare himself more than usual last night, the hoarseness with which these terrible winds and changes of the fickle Spring have afflicted him was hardly otherwise apparent. Sig. Nannetti was the same good actor and agreeable singer we have always found him.”

“The announcement of the last performance of ‘Aida’ at the Academy of Music last night attracted a very large audience. The representation was admirable in all points save that Signor Campanini was somewhat hoarse and could not sing with the power and brilliancy which he usually displays in his favorite part of Radames. Miss Cary again seemed to win the special favor of the audience, and was the recipient of liberal applause and superb floral offerings. Owing to the hoarseness of the tenor, the duet between Amneris and Radames in the last act was omitted.”

“The last work of Verdi, with its superb cast, grand music and brilliant mounting, has taken a firm hold of the New York public. There was quite a large and brilliant audience at the Academy last evening. Mlle. Torriani has made the title rôle so attractive by her really clever acting and artistic singing that a very large share of the success of the opera may be attributed to her. Constantly improving and gradually working her way as a conscientious artist to the foremost ranks in her profession, a very flattering career may be predicted for Mlle. Torriani. Last night she gave more than ordinary spirit and élan to the rôle of Aida. Miss Cary, whose full, round, sonorous contralto voice is always a source of pleasure, has mastered the many difficulties of the rôle of Amneris, and it is now an impersonation of great artistic value. The Radames of Signor Campanini is his best rôle, as far as American experience is concerned; but he was sadly indisposed last night, and, although he struggled gallantly against the debilitating effects of recent illness and a cold, yet their presence was painfully perceptible. Signor Del Puente replaced Maurel in the character of Amonasro, and acted and sang the rôle with the most commendable spirit and intelligence. The Ramfis of Signor Nannetti has lost none of its pristine charms and is as excellent and fresh now as at the first representation of the opera. The chorus and orchestra in this opera are truly admirable, and, under the skillful direction of Signor Muzio, surpass anything in either department we have ever had in this city.”