Anschütz German Opera: La dame blanche – Theodore Habelmann Benefit

“In the short time the German Opera has been with us, Mr. Habelmann has become a darling of the opera-going public. The benefit for him will be held tonight, at which time Boieldieu’s beloved opera, ‘La dame blanche’ will be performed. Unfortunately, there will be only this one performance, because the German Opera’s season ends next Wednesday. The opera’s major roles lie in the hands of Mmes. Johannsen, Friderici, Canissa and Messrs. Habelmann, Graff and Kronfeld. The new bass, Mr. Hermans, whose debut was decidedly such a success, will sing the role of ‘Garveston’ [sic] out of generosity.”

“German Opera. – Boildeiu’s [sic] opera of “La Dame Blanche”—a work too little known in this country – was given here last night with complete and well-merited success. The composer represents the intermediate period between Mozart and the modern school of writers.  His instrumentation is—will it be pardoned our saying so?—an improvement on the master we have named, whilst his use of the chorus is immeasurably more vigorous than in any other composer of his period. The melodies are a little restrained by a too obvious regard for form; but they are nevertheless pure and beautiful. The concerted pieces are absolutely faultless; studies, in fact, for a generation of writers.

The performance of the work last night was in all respects admirable. We are persuaded that a repetition would be to the advantage of the management.”

“This time-honored opera, written in the best style of the old – not the oldest – French school, by the great Boildieu [sic], was produced last night. In it we find all the results of the elegant and scientific training which the Conservatorio of Paris under the guidance of Cherubini afforded half a century since. The work of the master-hand is evident throughout. The overture has worn out several generations of pianos and organs, but is as fresh and full of meaning as ever.

The principal characters were performed by Mesdames Johannsen, Frederici, and Canissa, and by Messrs. Hermanns, Habilmann, and Graff. There were plenteous rounds of applause, and a call before the curtain. So capital is the music, and so successful is its repetition that it ought to be repeated. In Paris it was played a short time since for the thousandth time. A musical reputation this worth having [sic]. A statue Boildieu [sic] was erected near Paris in memory of the man of genius. With such good letters of recommendation we really think him worth notice here.
The house was a fine one, although the second tier was not well filled. But the lower portion of the Academy and the third and fourth tiers were stocked with hearers.

On Monday night the opera of Tannhauser will be played."

“The ongoing efforts of the German Opera Company to earn the audience’s deserved applause have proven successful in its recent performances. The public, for its part, acknowledged its satisfaction through much better opera-house attendance than earlier, and through lively participation and applause. That is how it was yesterday at the first performance of Boildieu’s [sic] ‘La dame blanche:’ the house was exceptionally well-attended. This work almost stands alone in its range of lovely melodies and light, pleasant instrumentation and arrangements. Considering that it was a first performance, it was well done. We observed, to our delight, that a lot of emphasis was given to the coordination of the ensemble pieces which resulted in a rare harmonious and lively presentation. The performances of individual members of the ensemble are noteworthy as well. All of the soloists, Mr. Kronfeld and Mr. Graff included, performed their roles confidently and received a lot of applause. Mr. Hermans, whom we heard for the second time, once again made an exceptionally good impression on us; he seemed better disposed yesterday than on Wednesday. His voice is very strong and, at the same time, sounds very pleasant, which is rarely the case with bass singers. Bergmann conducted the orchestra sensitively and energetically.”

“Mr. Anschutz’s artists sang last Friday evening Boieldieu’s romantic opera La Dame Blanche, for the benefit of Herr Hablemann [sic]. The house was well filled, although the audience was by no means as large as we should have wished it to be, if only for the sake of the beneficiary, who had become quite a favorite.  The opera is essentially French and not, we think, heard to advantage in the translation.  Mme. Frederici was very successful as Margaret. She sang and acted admirably, and was much applaused. Mme. Johannsen, as Anna, was also very satisfactory.  Herr Hablemann [sic] was a very pleasing George Brown.  Herr Hermanns fully confirmed the favorable impression he made at his debut. He had a secondary rôle, but gave evidence in it of artistic ability. This gentleman is certainly a great acquisition to the troupe.

On Monday evening Wagner’s Tannhauser will be sung by the German artists. This opera created a marked sensation in Europe."