Anschütz German Opera: Die Zauberflöte

“’The Magic Flute’ will be represented for the first time; all the artists of the troupe being included in the cast. A good deal of expense has been gone to bring out the opera in fitting style.”

“Mr. Anschutz has no intention of permitting the Italians to slip past him in the race for public favor. He has still another revival for to-night – Mozat’s ‘Zauberflote; or, Magic Flute,’ which, will be cast excellently and with rare effectiveness as regards chorus, several German societies having volunteered for the occasion.”

“The attempts heretofore made to produce this Opera having been very incomplete, this will be the first time in America that this immortal work is presented to the public with the original libretto by Scheckaneder [sic], and without curtailment.”

“It will be produced for the first time in America, without abridgment, according to the libretto by Schickaneder.”

     “For the first time in New York Mozart’s grand opera of the ‘Magic Flute’ was produced at this house last night complete and without curtailment. On this occasion the music of Mozart and the original libretto of Schickaneder were both given unabridged—something which has never before been done in this country. Mr. Anschutz has, we believe, devoted much labor to the production of this opera in its present form; nor need he be dissatisfied with the result. The performance last night was all that could be desired. The work of the great German master was put upon the stage in an admirable manner. All the artistes—the prime donne, Mmes. Johannsen and Rotter; Lotti, the tenor; Weinlich, basso, and Graff in the buffo character of Papageno, the bird catcher—were excellent in their several parts. The choruses were the best we have yet heard in this opera. Of the orchestra we have had occasion to speak before. It is admirably selected and completely under the guidance of the skilful impresario. The ‘Magic Flute’ is announced again for to-morrow night; but we should not wonder, from the crowded state of the house last night, and the warm reception it received, if the management was justified in keeping it on the bills for several nights more.”

     “Mozart's 'Zauberflöte' was produced last night in its unabridged form, according to the original libretto, and very favorably received by a crowded house. Madame Johannsen sings admirably the difficult music of her part and Lotti, the tenor, gives better satisfaction than in previous operas. Weinlich, who sang the part at the Academy of Music, is dignified and effective as the deep-toned Sarastro, while the chorus is much improved. Mr. Anschutz has produced the opera very creditably.”

     "German Opera.--Mozart's  opera of 'The Magic Flute' produced here with great success on Monday evening, will be repeated for the second time to-night. It is played complete, and with the auxiliary aid of a German choral society."

“At the German Opera Mozart’s chef d’ouevre, the ‘Magic Flute,’ was produced last Monday,with an attention to details and a completeness that gave great satisfaction to the admirers of this fine work. It has been performed all the week to full houses, and will bear frequent repetition during the season.”

Not sure which performance of Zauberflöte this review refers to. “’The Magic Flute’ shows what Carl Anschutz can do.”

Doesn’t mention a specific performance. “With all our admiration for the music, we found it difficult to enjoy Mozart’s celebrated work. Surely, he was wanting in the respect he owed to his own genius, he carried complaisance too far, when he accepted such a foolish libretto.”