Maretzek Italian Opera: La fille du régiment

     “[F]irst time in two years.”

     “This work has not been presented for almost two years. Mrs. Kellogg’s performance as the ‘Maria’ is expected to be a brilliant one. Lotti makes his debut as Tonio.”

     Mentioned within a broader article on the opera season so far.  “The announcement for last evening, however, was by no means up to the mark.  La Figlia del Regimento has been done to death in this country, both in Italian and in English.  Its music, long ground out by barrel organs, wearies the ear, and there is nothing in its scenery and costumes to delight the eye.  Under these circumstances, the opera can succeed only when great artsists are included in the cast.  Were Madame Zucchi less splendidly tragic in her style and presence, or were little Patti here to charm us with her exquisite vocalization and delicious coquetry, the furor to hear La Figlia del Regimento would be immense.  But Zucchi will not sing the role of Marie; and we have not a Patti among us; so that the refusal of Massimiliani to appear as Tonio leaves the present cast anything but strong, either in a musical or a popular point of view.”

     “For the first time in two years Donizetti’s brilliant little opera of La Figlia del Regimento was given at the Academy last night to a very full house—indeed a much larger one than works so old and familiar to the public usually command.  The character of Marie is well suited to Miss Kellogg’s manner and voice.  Her acting was easy and natural, as indeed it always is.  She was called before the curtain at the close of the first act, and was very warmly encored in the music lesson scene with Susini in the second act.”

     “An unstable performance.  Only Kellogg was impressive and aroused extra applause in some parts, yet, in other parts, she seemed to be influenced by the fluctuations on stage and in the orchestra.  Mr. Lotti sang ‘Tonio’ decently, until he embarrassed himself with the slipping of the C and Cis in the first act’s “Qu al destino.”  Mr. Susini, whose dry humor fit his role nicely, seemed quite unhappy with this opera and, thus, was hoarse.  The opera will be repeated and has a chance to improve. Attendance was good.”

     Mentioned indirectly and briefly in an article on the New York Herald’s attacks on Kellogg.

"Mlle Kellogg finds one of her best roles in la Fille du Regiment, and the applause of the public at the matinee, ordinarily cool enough, justly avenged the inept attacks [by the Herald] of which she had been the object."

"Mlle Kellogg finds one of her best roles in la Fille du Regiment, and the applause of the public at the matinee, ordinarily cool enough, justly avenged the inept attacks [by the Herald] of which she had been the object."