Maretzek Italian Opera: Poliuto

     Donizetti’s Don Pasquale is advertised.  First appearance of the new buffo singer, Sig. Sarti.

     “To-night Donizetti’s fine opera of ‘Il Poliuto’ will be given.  It is a favorite with the operatic community, and will undoubtedly draw a large and fashionable audience.”

     “All who have not heard it should witness this representation.”

     “Zucchi displayed last night . . . her noblest qualities as a lyric artist, and found able support in Massimiliani and Bellini. The attendance was not as great as usual.”

     “Donizetti’s opera of ‘Il Poliuto’ was given here last evening with much effect, the artists being all in excellent voice.  The orchestra and chorus were also good.  ‘Don Pasquale,’ which was to have been played, has been temporarily withdrawn.”

     “The grand tragic opera of Il Poliuto was performed last evening to a fashionable but not very numerous audience.  Don Pasquale was to have been given, to introduce a new buffo singer, Signor Brandini, to our public; but Mr. Maretzek considered that it was not sufficiently rehearsed to produce last evening. The change in the programme will fully account for the diminished attendance.

     The performance was, as is usually the case when the house is not crowded, in every respect admirable. Zucchi is always grand Paeolino [sic], but we have never seen her so earnest and impassioned as on this occasion. She threw her whole soul into the character, and acted and sung superbly. Massimiliani and Bellini sang and acted up to the prima donna, and their scenes have not been more impressively rendered upon this stage. The choruses were sung with precision and spirit, and the orchestra was as usual excellent. The Opera was a marked success.”