Maretzek Italian Opera: I Puritani

     “Many years ago the Havana troupe played ‘Puritani’ at Castle Garden, with a cast including Bosio, Salvi, Badiali and Marini. In 1854 it was sung at our Academy by Grisi, Mario, Badiali and Susini; and since then we have had no performance of Bellini’s work to equal that given last night, and no opera this winter, excepting ‘Poliuto,’ has awakened so much hearty enthusiasm. The concerted piece which follows A te o Cara was encored, as was Elvira’s Polacca. After the liberty duet, Bellini and Susini were called four times before the curtain, and had to repeat the allegro movement at the footlights—the curtain remaining closed.

     Miss Kellogg is closing the most successful winter she has ever known, with a new triumph. In appearance, dress and vocalization, she seems exactly adapted to Bellini’s gentle heroine. Her vocal execution was, of course, charming, and she took the high D several times with ease; but besides this, she exhibits in this part more warmth and coloring than in any other. This was especially noticeable in the charming duet of the last act, usually slighted by opera singers, but which was given last night with unusual care and effect. Lotti deserves a good word. If not a Salvi or a Mario, he is a conscientious, sweet- voiced and constantly improving artist.”

     “The performance was pleasant, but not great.”

     “There was a very large audience . . . last night to hear . . . I Puritani, which was sung for the first time this season, with Miss Kellogg, Lotti, Susini and Bellini in the cast. The performance was received with much applause.”