Maretzek Italian Opera: Linda Di Chamounix

A “good success. Miss Kellogg was the heroine, and interpreted her rôle with the clear musical delicacy and intelligence which characterize her every performance. Mere voice does not make an artist, although it is regarded as nine points of what is required to make one; cultivation too—like all dry scientific details—frequently runs short. What art requires is a temperament that is thoroughly responsive; that has the ability to execute and the power to conceive. Miss Kellogg possesses this temperament in a more eminent degree than any other American prima donna on the stage, and her performances are, in consequence, always important and interesting. Her Linda has from the first ranked as one of the best characters of her repertoire. We have seldom heard it better rendered than last night. From the opening cavatina, (which obtained an encore,) to the last dazed reminiscence of early joy, she was admirable. It is a pleasure to record a success that was unequivocal as it was merited.
    The general distribution was good. Singor Lotti sang the music of Carlo for the first time, and acquitted himself creditably. Mlle. Morensi was an excellent Pierotto; Signor Bellini acted with proper intensity as Antonio, and Signor Susini displayed (for the first time this season) the superb quality of his grand voice.”

“We won’t say anything about Linda di Chamounix, which took place Tuesday. This opera has never been very popular in New York, and besides it seems that the Imperial City, where only one single theater exists for music, isn’t equal to four opera performances a week. This fact doesn’t honor New York dilettantism, but it is unshakable. Every time that M. Maretzek plays Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, he’s sure to have only two-thirds of the hall on Thursday. It appears that the number of opera-lovers is very limited, since the public isn’t numerous enough to revive itself two days in a row. We’re sorry for Maretzek, but the matter is even more unpleasant for the inhabitants of this fortunate city, above all if one thinks of the fact that several theaters of odious minstrels have full houses every day.”