Article on the Maretzek’s opera season; Zucchi; Massimiliani

“The Academy of Music has had its doors open to the lovers of the lyric drama since the 3d of October, and nearly twenty operatic performances have been given during the time which has elapsed, and the beauty and fashion of New York have as many times assembled to listen to one of the finest companies that ever operatic manager introduced to the America public, and to two of the greatest artistes who have visited us since Mario and Grisi, and Malibran left our shores. We refer to Signorina Carozzi Zucchi and Signor Massimiliani.
    May we recall the names of Picolomini and Medori, and Mazzoleni and Brignoli, without finding in these the peer of either of them. Yet, strange to say, the musical critics of New York, with singular obtuseness or perversity, have failed to recognize their striking merits; and while they have wasted an abundance of words upon inferior artistes, they have passed over in comparative silence the resplendent qualities of the two shining starts referred to. We can only attribute it to the prevailing political excitement, which has had in its effort upon the critics, either in diverting their attention from the subject of their criticisms, or in making them imagine that the public are indifferent to it for the time being. But this is wrong, and as it involves injustice to real merit of an unusually high order, it calls for correction.
    Zucchi is an embodiment of grace and beauty, and an actress of pure fascination, as well; as a songstress whose vocalization abounds in fine feeling, and that delicate patios which seems to gush in melody from the deep well of the heart. In the duet, with Massimiliani, in the last act of the Trovatore, on Monday night, she more than realized the brightest idea of the composer, and the two vied with each other in artistic excellence. Physically both artistes compare favorably with former leading members of Maretzek’s troupe and so, by their pleasing tout ensemble, they delight the eye as well as the ear.
    The attractions of the Opera are to be still further enhanced to-morrow night, when the debut of Mrs. Van Zandt is to take place. She will, we have no hesitation in saying, eclipse all her predecessors among our native opera singers, and add another triumph to the season which has thus far progressed so auspiciously.
    Mr. Maretzek is to be congratulated on the fortunate selection of his company, and we hope that he will avail himself fully of the ample resources at this command to make his repertoire extensive and among others to add Ione, always a popular favorite, to his list.