Maretzek Italian Opera: Poliuto
Event Information
Venue(s):
Academy of Music
Manager / Director:
Max Maretzek
Conductor(s):
Max Maretzek
Price: $1 all seats
Event Type:
Opera
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
25 February 2019
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
04 Feb 1865, 1:00 PMProgram Details
Performers and/or Works Performed
1)
Composer(s): Donizetti
Citations
1)
Maretzek announces a new season of opera. La forza del destino, one of Verdi’s last operas, if not the last, will be performed.
5)
A popular opera has never failed, under Mr. Maretzek’s management, to draw a large audience at a matinee, but the attendance yesterday, when Il Poliuto was produced, exceeded anything we have witnessed for many seasons. The Academy was crowded to an extent that rendered obtaining more than standing room a delusion to all who were not present at the commencement of the performance. Even the third circle was invaded by numbers of ladies who could find no accommodation elsewhere. The opera was given admirably, Zucchi and Massimiliani being especially good as the martyrs.”
6)
“Not withstanding the foul state of the weather on Saturday, there was an unusually large attendance at the operatic matinee. The upper regions of the Academy were invaded by the fashion and beauty of the city.”
7)
Carozzi-Zucchi was perfect in Don Sébastien, but she outdid herself in Poliuto. We have never seen a larger attendance at an opera matinee; the ladies made up a good nine-tenths of the audience, and many were obliged to stand, the first gallery itself being overrun. But this crowd, hanging on the lips of Mme. Carozzzi-Zucchi, was also well rewarded. The great artist had never rendered the role of Pauline better. You know, dear readers, that the public at matinees is usually rather cold, since it is composed mainly by women, who scarcely applaud. Well, I say! Saturday, the room was carried off by the glorious finale of the second act, and the duet of the third. Mme. Zucchi possesses to the highest degree that sympathetic force which puts the spectator in direct communication with the artist, stirs him up in spite of everything and makes him penetrate into the heart of the dramatic situation. We won’t expand any more on the subject of Mme. Zucchi, whose great talent doesn’t need commendation. One can only let oneself be swept away, wonder, and testify.