Di Murska Italian Opera: Marta

“Mme. Di Murska performed in ‘Marta’ at the Academy, yesterday, and with her performance of the titular role in Flotow’s tuneful opera ended her first week’s sojourn at the Academy. Signor Verati was Leonello, and sang exceedingly well, the romance in the third act being repeated by general desire. Signor Verati has certain qualities which are not to be despised; his phrasing is correct and tasteful, his enunciation unusually good, and his acting earnest, and often impressive. These characteristics of the tenor are particularly noticeable in ‘Marta,’ and they were recognized and lauded at once. ‘Marta’ is not so favorable to Mme. Di Murska as to the principal male artist of Mr. Maretzek’s company, and we would rather hear the Hungarian songstress in any other element of her répertoire.”

“There was a very fair representation of opera goers at the Academy of Music yesterday afternoon. ‘Martha’ was the feature of the matinée, with Mlle. Di Murska as Lady Henrietta, Mme. Testa as Nancy, Signor Verati as Lionel and Signor Mari as Plunkett. The music of the title rôle does not afford Mlle. Di Murska a favorable opportunity to display her rare talents as a bravura singer, and considering the fact that she was suffering terribly from an ulcerated throat, and that physical exhaustion was only kept off by her own indomitable energy, the artistic result of the efforts of the prima donna was simply wonderful. Better for the manager, Mr. Maretzek, to have repeated the magnificent success of Di Murska’s Dinorah, than to compel her to appear in a rôle entirely foreign to her characteristic style of singing.”