Maretzek Italian Opera: L’Africaine

     Crowded audience - “larger indeed than the house of Saturday.  This opera is growing fast into popular favor - the fine points are being found out.”

     Well attended event with an elegant audience. The performance was much better than the last. The rather long intermissions between the third and fourth acts, due to extensive scenery changes, have been shortened. The scenery mentioned consists of a large boat about which there was much talk before the premiere. Unfortunately, this part of the scenery failed to meet expectations. The scenery of the fourth and finale of the fifth acts, however, is brilliant. Meyerbeer’s composition is once more evidence of his great talent.

     One of the best numbers is the finale of the first act, a mass ensemble scene, which is impressive both vocally and instrumentally. The sextet at the end of the second act has an original instrumentation and a distinguished melody. The characters of the opera are musically portrayed with consistency throughout the work, including the chorus.