Anschütz German Opera: Die Zauberflöte

Time, prices. “Never before produced here so complete in all details as at this establishment, and without abridgment, with the original libretto by Schickaneder.”

“[R]epeated for the second time tonight. It is played complete, and with the auxiliary aid of a German choral society.”

      “German Opera.--The just performance of a work of the proportions of Mozart’s ‘Zauberfloete’ is attended with such difficulty that it has never been undertaken in this City until Mr. Anschutz ventured to place the opera before the public in the way that the composer wrote it. A few necessary changes have been introduced, such as subdividing the two acts which compose the original libretto, into four, and moderating the key of some of the pieces to suit the powers of the singers. But in all other respects the work is given without abridgement of text or music. It is ‘an elaborate and luscious form of nonsense,’ dignified with some of the sweetest, and also some of the noblest, music ever conceived by the mind of its illustrious composer. At Mr. Anschutz's neat little theatre the principal parts are entrusted to Mme. Rotter, Mme. Johannsen, Herr Lotti, Herr Weinlich and Herr Graff, all of whom are fully equal to their parts, and exhibit an enthusiasm which is rare on the operatic stage. Where such praiseworthy emulation exists, it would be unjust to dwell on the comparitive superiority of one artist over another. It is better to record that all the principal morceaux were repeated, and that the applause of the audience was about equally distributed. A large share of the success of the performance is due to the singular efficiency of the chorus, which, being composed of the regular staff of the establishment, reinforced with a liberal selection from one of the best German singing Societies, is in all respects, admirable. The combined precision and delicacy with which these masses of sound are delivered, might well be imitated at more pretentious establishments. The orchestra, under Mr. Anschutz’s able bâton, leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.  Indeed, the whole performance of the opera is so excellent that our remarks must necessarily be limited to praise.  It could hardly be better, and, in view of this fact, we mention with satisfaction that the house on each night that ‘Die Zauberfloete’ has been performed, has been filled to overflowing.”

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.”