Maretzek Italian Opera: La sonnambula

     “A charming performance of ‘Sonnambula’ last night at the Academy, by attracting only a comparatively limited audience, would intimate that public taste has somewhat changed, and that the majestic effects of Meyerbeer and the original combinations of Gounod are preferred to the exquisite melodies of Bellini. Miss Kellogg, Irfre and Antonucci, however, did their best last night, and ‘Sonnambula’ found adequate justice at their hands.”

     “The favorite, old, and still popular opera, La Sonnambula was performed last night to a very fashionable but not an overflowing audience. The opera was well cast, but not strongly, Miss Louisa Kellogg being the bright particular star, before whom all lesser lights paled.  She is specially charming in the part of Amina, her youth and her deliciously pure voice rendering her the very ideal of the simple and wronged village maiden. From the first to the last she sang sweetly, passionately and earnestly, and acted with grace, propriety and much dramatic power. Amina is one of Miss Kellogg’s most successful personations. Signor Irfre sang with really admirable taste and expression, and although his voice is by no means pleasant through its entire range, he used it so skillfully, and supported Miss Kellogg so well, that we cannot but award him a meed of praise. Signor Antonucci looked and acted the Count, and sang with unusual spirit. His viraviso [‘Vi raviso’] was beautiful given and warmly received. The subordinate parts were well sustained, and the choruses were admirably sung. Unusual attention seems to have been given to the department this season, and the result is shown in the attention to the proper coloring of the compositions.  It is now a pleasure to listen to choruses, while, in times gone by, they were rather endured than enjoyed.  The orchestra was carefully conducted by Signor Torriani.”