James Nixon's Congress of Artists

Lists concert performers and cast of Golden egg. “Third week of . . . THE GOLDEN EGG . . . PROMENADE CONCERT IN THE CREMORNE GARDEN – MUSICAL DIRECTOR SIG. MUZIO.”

Calls the Muzio piece “The great uprising.” “Whether the term ‘fall season’ is intended to apply to a continuance of the usual open air amusements, or to a reorganization of the entertainments given in the theatre and circus is not stated. We infer the former. . . . This evening Miss Carlotta Patti and Madame Strakosch make their rentree in the concert room, supported by Susini, the three artists having been engaged for the Gardens until Mr. Nixon commences his opera season in October.”

“Uprising Gallop” was “composed expressly for the Cremorne Garden.”

VENUE NOTE: The Palace of Music “bounds one extremity of the Cremorne Garden.” “A capital orchestra is promised.”

Big ad and series of small ads. Susini and Dubreuil songs listed.

Muzio is “the world-renowned composer.”

Thomas Baker cited as music director of L’oeuf d’or/Golden Egg. “THOMAS BAKER ET SON ORCHESTRE, avec un nouveau programme tres choisi, comprenant entres autres La Polka Comique. -- L'Ours.”

“The storm forbade a large audience at this place of entertainment, but although the audience was less in number than usual, it was by no means cold or undemonstrative. Miss Pattie was received with an enthusiasm which showed how well she has established herself in public favor; and she sang with a purity, a flexibility, and an exquisite finish of style which fully warranted the applause she gained. She has seldom appeared to better advantage. Candor sometimes compels observers to mark a deviation from that artistic standard which her own talents have fixed for her. It is no uncommon thing for singers of high rank to fall short of their reputation; and this often happens as unconsciously to themselves as when they rise above their ordinary achievements. Miss Patti is peculiarly subject to these accidents. Her artistic humor is uncertain. Her performance one night is no guaranty [sic] of what the next will bring. But on all occasions it is sure to possess charms which are hightened [sic] by the unvarying grace of her demeanor. If she disappoints it is only because she does herself, and not her audience, injustice. Whenever she reveals her best faculties, she really leaves nothing to be wished for.

     She sang last evening a part in a duet from the 'Elixir of Love,' 'The Laughing Song' of Auber, and Mr. Muzio's 'Amour Polka."  During the first, the furious beating of the rain upon the roof of the hall made her voice almost inaudible, and Mr. Dubreuil’s, who supported her, entirely so; but the elements subsequently yielded a generous concession, and allowed her to be fairly heard. Nothing could have been more nearly faultless than her performance of the polka, and of Auber’s song. A bit of acting in the latter put the audience in great glee. Mr. Susini, who made his first appearance at this place, was handsomely welcomed. Mr. Muzio’s advent, as chief of orchestra, was recognized with the usual tokens. He brings with him an increased number of musicians. The orchestra is now the fullest that has been heard in any theatre outside the academy. It is even larger than is necessary for the size of the hall and for accurate proportion. The brass overbalances the strings.”

“In the course of two or three weeks, it is said that from concerts these accomplished artists will gradually work their way to actual opera. . . . Señorita Cubas is seriously indisposed, but will reappear as soon as her health is reestablished. . . . Muzio’s orchestra discourses the most delicious strains from the pagoda in the garden.”

“Nixon has engaged Susini, Muzio, Sbrigilia and Carlotta Patti for two months, commencing a fall season on the 1st, and hints are thrown out that Brignoli is to be thrown in to make the troupe still more attractive.”

“Nixon’s concert season has opened flourishingly. His various attractions have brought him good audiences both in day and in evening.”

“Nixon’s resumption of musical entertainments at Cremorne Gardens last week has made a marked difference in the appearance of his audiences.  Both in fashion and numbers they have gained thereby. If Mr. Nixon would maintain the popularity of his establishment he will have to keep it up to the standard on which he opened it.”