Maretzek Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

“‘Don Giovanni’ will be repeated today, in Maretzek’s penultimate performance of the season here. Next Monday he and his troupe will open a two-week season in Boston; he will commence his performances here during Easter Week.”

Very brief review.  “At the opera last night, ‘Don Giovanni’ was fairly given, Weinlich taking the place of Biachi as Leporello.”

“There was a good attendance last night to witness Mozart’s masterpiece, ‘Don Giovanni’—a work which, apart from its intrinsic merits, has peculiar interest at the present time, when the town is fairly crazy on the subject of a totally different style of music. ‘Faust’ and ‘Don Giovanni’ are as wide asunder as the poles. The simple exquisite melodies of the latter seem to be imperishable, and are heartily appreciated as, and surely better understood, than the more reticent and vague fancies of Gounod. It argues well, however, that both of these works are the best favorites of our public. Mozart's opera is famous for restoring the fortunes of managers. It is always sure to draw a good house, and this too is the case with ‘Faust.’ May they long run side by side without touching or clashing! It were well for art if it could boast of more such productions.

The cast last evening was the same as heretofore, with a single exception. Signor Biachi was hoarse, and the rôle of Leporello had therefore to be intrusted to Herr Weinlich, whose experience is always valuable on such occasions. The usual morceaux received the customary honors, and all passed off pleasantly.”

“The next-to-last evening performance by the Italian opera company featured Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni,’ an opera one never tires of hearing. Again, it was well performed; Herr Weinlich replaced Biachi who was ill. Herr Weinlich performed well.”