Maretzek Italian Opera: Ernani

“Ernani was given last night at the Academy of Music, with all the vocal power and histrionic energy the opera demands. Bellini’s performance of the part of Carlos was the finest we have had here since the days of Badiali. In addition to this, both he and Mazzoleni wore superb costumes, and gave as much satisfaction to the eye as to the ear. Medori, in the more passionate parts of the opera, was at home; but in the matter of dress her taste was at times at fault.”

“Academy of Music.—Verdi’s always acceptable opera of ‘Ernani’ was played here last night to a fair audience. The cast was excellent, equal in some respects to that famous one which made the opera so popular when it was played some years ago by the Havana troupe. Mr. Maretzek’s male artists are admirable in this young and vigorous kind of music; indeed the trio (Mazzoleni, Bellini & Biachi) is probably as good as any that can be found in the present day. Madame Medori sang with dramatic fervor, and was heard to advantage in the many tumultuous pieces with which the opera abounds. The whole performance was in fact a decided success, and might be repeated on the next opera night to the satisfaction of the public and the subscribers.”