Maretzek Italian Opera: Martha

“Academy of Music.—The weather was disastrous last night for Apollo and the Heavenly Nine-Fine silk umbrellas blew inside out, by virtue of the east wind; and the windows of the heavens had a general opening of rain. Accordingly the people in the house had interstices of a liberal kind between them. But as Father Handel said of what everybody called King George’s ‘private devotions’—there were so few people at the Oratorio performances—‘Vell, dere ish so few present, das de moosick vill shound all te petter.’ The singer’s voices sounded mellifluously. The pet prima donna, Miss Kellogg, was in full tone; and Signor Brignoli, who was advertised to have lost his voice, must have advertised himself and got it back again. He was in fine melodious trim, and was roundly applauded.”

“Academy of Music.—Mr. Maretzek, if not always fortunate in the matter of weather, is at all events happy in the number of lieges who turn out in his honor when the elements are against him. Considering the almost impassible [sic] state of the streets, the attendance last night was quite flattering. We are glad to add that the performance was worthy of the sacrifice made to hear it. We have seldom heard the opera (‘Martha’) given with more spirit. Miss Kellogg was in admirable voice, and acted the rôle of Lady Henrietta with charming ease, grace and spirit. It is and always must remain one of her best efforts. Sig. Brignoli made his rentree as Lionel, and was, of course, the centre of attraction. It was this gentleman’s misfortune to sing last season under adverse circumstances of health, that were painful to himself, and the cause of apprehension to his friends. It was rather harshly suggested that he had lost his voice, and a few, who had never, perhaps, enjoyed it, rejoiced at an accident that had apparently deprived the public of a favorite artist. These grumblers were happily silenced last evening. Sigor [sic] Brignoli was in capital voice, and sang throughout with unabated power and sweetness. We hardly remember to have ever heard him to greater advantage. The romansa [sic] in the third act was superbly delivered, and more than merited the rapturous encore which Signor Brignoli so reluctantly accepted.

Mr. Maretzek presided in the orchestra with his accustomed ability.”

“The very unpleasant weather of last evening had its effect upon the various places of entertainment. The Academy of Music was not crowded, but the audience was still a good one. The opera of ‘Martha’ is always a favorite one with New Yorkers, and although perhaps at present not so fashionable as ‘Faust,’ it still maintains a well-deserved reputation. Miss Kellogg sang the part of Martha—a part peculiarly suited to her—with great effect and exquisite finish, and was vociferously encored in the ‘Last Rose of Summer,’ which she repeated in English. Miss Sulzer sang and looked charmingly. Brignoli was all himself in Lionel, and thrilled the audience with his delicious notes, which are doubly grateful after the robusto of Mazzoleni and the more noisy music of ‘Faust.’ Our favorite tenor need fear no diminution of the appreciation of lovers of music if he continues to sing with the sweetness and fervor of last night; and it may also interest the ladies to know that he has grown handsomer than ever. The Plunkett of Weinlich made everybody wish for the speedy recovery of Biachi.”