Maretzek Italian Opera: Faust

“Amusements. The matinee on Saturday brought the first week of Mr. Maretzek’s season to a brilliant close. The opera was ‘Faust,’ concerning the evening performance of which we have already spoken. There is nothing to be added now except that Mr. Carl Bergmann conducted for the first time this season, and with all his accustomed point and intelligence. The attendance was brilliant, and fully up to the standard of former years. No form of entertainment has been accepted more cheerfully than this. Indeed it has often occurred to us that Mr. Maretzek might occasionally change the order of performances with advantage to himself. The heart of Flora Fitz-Flimsey would throb with delight were she told that there would be three matinees and only two soirees in the week. Imagine the consternation which that fair creature’s amazing bonnets would produce by the repeated shocks of three diurnal appearances at the Academy of Music!”

[Preliminary translation]

Excerpts from a long review on multiple Maretzek Italian Opera performances.

          “The Italian opera was well attended despite the dispute between the Herald and Maretzek. . .

          The new tenor Irfre appeared and gave some excellent high notes; in ‘Faust’ especially he had good intonation and executed tremolos well. He has good breath control and sings with technique, but his approach still seems deficient to us. Perhaps we will arrive at a more favorable evaluation of him in the future. . . .

          As usual, Mme. Kellogg made a welcome appearance as Margarethe, and Mad. Ficher as Sibel also performed very well. . . .

          Signor Bellini won a favorable impression owing to the magnificence of his voice, which we think has a metallic quality. He sings with fire and dramatic accent, but his voice is not warm enough. Furthermore, he lacks nuance and is not diverse enough with the colors of his voice.

          Signor Antonucci could make more of his roles.”