Maretzek Italian Opera: Faust

“Next Friday Maretzek’s company will perform Gounod’s ‘Faust.’  In place of Yppolito, Signor Bellini will sing ‘Valentine,’ an improvement in the casting, which is of utmost importance.  We are convinced that this capable and intelligent singer will be successful in realizing completely this difficult role.”

“The rarest treat of the season is offered by Mr. Maretzek, who gives to-night for the third time, Gounod’s opera of ‘Faust.’  This fine work is the present sensation in musical circles, and people who would have something to talk about when they go home, should see it.  The caste [sic] is better than it was last season, in one respect, namely, the Valentine, which will be played by Signor Bellini.  In other respects it is the same; indeed, in other respects it couldn’t be improved.”

“In order to give an opportunity to the many admirers to hear this piece, Mr. Max Maretzek’s Italian opera company is presenting it at the Academy of music this evening.  The principal roles are cast as follows: Miss Clara Louise Kellogg sings ‘Gretchen,’ Miss Sulzer, ‘Siebel;’ Signor Mazzoleni, ‘Faust;’ Signor Bellini in place of Yppolito, ‘Valentine,’ and Biachi, ‘Mephisto.’  The chorus is expanded and a great deal of care was given to the outdoor sets.”

“The much-critised and much-admired opera of ‘Faust’ was given last night at the Academy of Music by the Maretzek troupe in the finest style, and to the great acceptation of the audience. The cast was the same as last season, with the exception of Signor Bellini as Valentin—a part in which Santely, the English baritone, has made so decided a hit in the Italian opera at London.”

“The performance of ‘Faust,’ last evening, was, in many respects, one of the best ever given, of any opera, in the Academy of Music. The result of a few performances in Philadelphia was perceptible in the steadiness and certainty of all the artists. Gounod’s opera, more than any other, requires absolute clearness in the rendition. The melodies are sometimes of uncertain outline, and always reticent. It is only when the singer has thoroughly mastered them himself that he can lay them in an intelligent way before the audience. This is now the case, and the effect is naturally much improved. The whole performance last night was powerful, clear, and thoroughly enjoyable, but one change was made in the distribution. The part of Valentine, on this occasion, was played by Signor Bellini, and without disrespect to his predecessor, Signor Ypolito, we may state that the saliences of the rôle--and in competent hand they are numerous enough--were rendered with great gusto. the change, we hope, is a permanent one. During the evening several pieces were encored, and the applause was warmer and better distributed than it has been on any previous occasion.”