Maretzek Italian Opera: Don Giovanni

     “Don Giovanni, the ever beautiful, the ever great, attracted as usual a large and appreciative audience.  The cast was is almost every respect, very strong; even Lotti, though unequal to the full development of his role was earnest in his endeavors and rendered much justice to the concert music.  Zucchi’s conception of the character of Donna Anna is broad and noble; Morensi by true womanly feeling dignified the unpleasant part of Donna Elvira; Kellogg as the simple, affectionate peasant girl was very charming although a little more abandon would have given warmth to the coloring. Bellini sung and acted the Don excellently well; and Susini, barring his want of depth of voice, was as humorous as Leporello as one of his weight could be expected to be.  The concerted music which tests the capacity of singers from its elaborate and musicianly construction was executed with more than usual care, so that was really pleasant to listen to.

     The orchestra throughout was dazzling of the warmest premise.  We have rarely heard the instrumentation so delicately, so accurately, and so feelingly rendered.  Mr. Bergmann seemed to have bestowed upon it as much care to spend a symphony composition and the admirably results rebound to the credit of all concerned.”

     “The performance of ‘Don Giovanni’ last evening attracted the customary attendance. There was not even standing room. The performance in all respects was admirable.”

     “There was a fair performance of ‘Don Giovanni’ . . . last night, though it does not call for special comment. Miss Kellogg had to repeat the Vedrai carina.”

     “There was a very fine house . . . last evening. The occasion was a somewhat unusual one, inasmuch as the three prima donne of the company—Zucchi, Kellogg, and Morensi—appeared in Don Giovanni. The opera was given with great spirit. The encores were frequent throughout, and the artists were repeatedly called before the curtain.”