Strakosch Italian Opera: Concert: 7th

“The woes of the unhappy Leonora and her troubadour lover, the tragic history of the gypsy, Azucena, and the vindictive passions of the jealous Count di Luna formed, last evening, to use the language of one of our dramatic managers, ‘The most beautiful accompaniment to devotion.’ The cast of ‘Il Trovatore’ was as follows [lists cast]. Allowance must be made for the baritone, who was called upon at very short notice to replace Del Puente, who was taken suddenly ill. The voice of Mlle. Heilbron is not of the caliber, or dramatic power, sufficient to carry her through the trying rôle of last evening with even a fair amount of success This defect was observable from the opening aria, ‘Tacea la note.’ She was evidently overweighted with the music from first to last. The contralto did not fulfil the requirements of such an important part as that intrusted to her, and the thin voice of Benfratelli sounded very strangely in a rôle so familiar to all through a long succession of great tenors. As for Mr. Hall, we draw the mantle of charity over his shortcomings for the reason given above. The performance, as a general thing, was so far beneath the standard of the Strakosch troupe that we are surprised such an astute and experienced manager would permit it to take place. The house was well crowded and the audience so enthusiastic that their innocence of any acquaintance with opera may be well conceded.”