Maretzek Italian Opera: Grand Combination and Farewell Matinee

Event Information

Venue(s):
Academy of Music

Manager / Director:
Max Maretzek

Event Type:
Opera

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
26 April 2020

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

28 Nov 1863, Matinee

Program Details

“Grand Aria” from Semiramide (Lorini) was sung between acts 1 and 2 of Sonnambula.

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Maretzek Italian Opera Company;  Clara Louise Kellogg;  Hannibal Biachi;  Wilhelm [baritone] Müller;  Mme. Arogadro;  Fanny Stockton;  Guglielmo Lotti;  Virginia Lorini Whiting;  Antonietta Brignoli-Ortolani
2)
Sonnambula, La
aka Sleepwalker; Nachtwandlerin
Composer(s): Bellini
Text Author: Romani
Participants:  Fanny Stockton (role: Lisa);  Guglielmo Lotti (role: Elvino);  Clara Louise Kellogg (role: Amina);  Hannibal Biachi (role: Count Rodolpho);  Wilhelm [baritone] Müller (role: Alessio);  Mme. Arogadro (role: Theresa)
3)
Semiramide, aria
Composer(s): Rossini
Participants:  Virginia Lorini Whiting
4)
Lucia di Lammermoor, selection
aka Lucy of Lammermoor
Composer(s): Donizetti
Participants:  Antonietta Brignoli-Ortolani
5)
Trovatore, Il, "Miserere"
aka Ah! che la morte ognori; Ah! I have sigh’d to rest me; Lord have mercy; Preghiera
Composer(s): Verdi
Participants:  Virginia Lorini Whiting;  Francesco Mazzoleni

Citations

1)
Announcement: New York Post, 28 November 1863, 2.

“[A]lso, an act from ‘Semiramis,’ with Mme. Virginia Lorini, and a grand scene from ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ by Mme. Ortolani-Brignoli.”

2)
Announcement: New-York Times, 28 November 1863, 6.

3)
Advertisement: New-York Times, 28 November 1863, 9.
Cast.
4)
Announcement: Courrier des États-Unis, 28 November 1863.

5)
Advertisement: Courrier des États-Unis, 28 November 1863.

6)
Review: New York Herald, 29 November 1863, 1.

“[S]uch detestable weather did we have yesterday, and yet there was a crowd of richly dressed ladies at the grand matinee, which was the last of this operatic season. 

The opera passed off most successfully. . . . Miss Kellogg, who is ever so perfect in singing [illeg.] was throughout the three acts of La Sonnambula thoroughly pleasing. She sang the aria ‘Come per me Sereno’ with much taste and execution. The aria finale, ‘Ah non Guinge,’ she rendered admirably. There can be no doubt that Miss Kellogg is very successful in this opera.

Lotti has a voice which, though not very powerful, is attractive from its sweetness.  He was very successful in the role of Elvino.  It is evident that this artist is becoming a great favorite with the public.  Biachi was admirable in the role of the Count. He sang the aira [sic] ‘Vi Raviso’ grandly, and was much applauded. The mise en scene, choruses and orchestra were all that could be desired.

During the first entre acte Mme. Lorini sang the aria from ‘Semiramis.’    This artiste possesses a most admirably cultivated voice, which is pure and fresh. She vocalizes brilliantly, executing Rossini’s florid music with the utmost accuracy and facility. She was much applauded for her execution. Though this was a matinee, and ladies are not expected to applaud with any great show of energy, the clapping of hands continued until Mme. Lorini came before the curtain.

At the conclusion of the opera, Mme Lorini appeared in costume and sang the ‘Miserere,’ aided by Signor Mazzoleni. This effort was so successful as to cause a universal desire that the talented artiste might be heard in the whole of the opera. In this role of Leonora Mme. Lorini achieved great success in Bosdton last season. Upon the fall of the curtain Mme. Lorini and Signor Mazzoleni were loudly applauded and called out. This part of the entertainment was very successful.”