Anschütz German Opera: Martha

 “[T]he largest and most fashionable audience that has yet been attracted by the German opera, Flotow’s delightful pastoral, “Martha,” was performed with distinguished success. Madame Johannsen was in fine voice and sang the part of Martha with exquisite grace and skill. She was once or twice encored, as was Herr Himmer, whose rare qualities are already appreciated and will soon make him a popular favorite.  Madame Frederici and Herr Weinlich sang and acted their subordinate and comic parts with the most amusing drollery, and elicited frequent applause.  The orchestra and chorus surpassed, if possible, any of their previous performances.  Mr. Anschutz may now congratulate himself on the prospect that the enthusiastic and liberal enterprise with which he has sought to popularize the German opera in New York will be rewarded by a greater measure of success than many of his friends had ventured to expect.”
 

“--The opera of Martha drew a better but not a good house last night [than Fidelio on Saturday]. It passed off with much spirit…Mme. Frederici has an agreeable voice and sings with unction and life.”

“We are not a big admirer of Flotow’s Martha, the boringly sweet and sentimental character.  We have to admit, however, that last night’s performance was one of the best we have ever heard.  Mr. Himmer—who has not convinced in his two prior roles—appeared much to his favor as ‘Lionel.’  He knows how to cover up the deficiencies of his voice very well.  Where he lacks freshness, he impresses with artistic structure and interpretation.  Several parts he sang excellently and received well deserved applause.  We liked Mme. Johannsen and Mad. Friderici as ‘Martha’ and ‘Nancy’ very much.  Once Mad. Friderici gets better acquainted with the stage of the Academy and knows from where the voice carries more favorably, she will enjoy even greater successes than last night.  The chorus and orchestra performed flawlessly.  The mise en scene of the opera, especially the market scene, was good.”

“‘Martha’ was a very good performance, and Mr. Himmer, the tenor fully confirmed the good opinion we had of him as a singer.”