Strakosch Italian Opera: Mignon

“A performance of ‘Mignon’ was given at the Academy of Music, last evening. The recital of Thomas’ opera by Mme. Nilsson, Miss Cary, M. Capoul, and Signor Nannetti, has often had attention in this place, and does not call for renewed notice at present. Yesterday’s passed off very smoothly, and there was much applause after the best-known airs, but the general impression produced was that ‘Mignon’s’ race was now well-nigh run.”

“In ‘Mignon’ at the Academy last night Capoul seemed to be aroused by the fact that he is to-day the leading tenor in the country. The departure of Campanini leaves him without a rival. He proved last night, especially in the last act of the opera, that he knew how to awaken both the sympathy and the enthusiasm of his audience.

Madame Nilsson’s Mignon, as well known, is one of her most admired personations. It is invested with a dreamy grace which is most charming. In the prayer of the last act, the exquisite sotto voce of this accomplished lady is heard to the greatest possible advantage. Mlle. Torriani sang brilliantly as Filina, and the other artists in the cast rendered efficient aid. The house was not so full as usual.”

“Even with the cramped ideas of a librettist, the immortal creation of Goethe, in which that fantastic composer, Ambroise Thomas, plays but a small part, the genius of Nilsson makes a success out of what would otherwise be a disastrous failure. Her impersonation of the wayward child of fortune, taken from a gypsy camp into the halls of nobility, is subtle and artistic, and, being in excellent voice and spirits, the Diva created quite an unusual furor in her impersonation. That admirable artist, Mlle. Torriani, repeated her former success in the rôle of Felina, and Miss Cary was undeniably charming as Federico. Next to Nilsson’s Mignon the feature of the opera was the Wilhelm Meister of Capoul.The favorite tenor sung his two grand arias with such passion and fire that he was called out repeatedly.”