Anschütz German Opera: Der Wildschütz

     “German Opera.--Lortzing’s comic opera, ‘Der Wildschutz’ (the Poacher,) was produced here last night with a degree of uproarious success that will justify its repetition on many succeeding evenings. It is a work peculiarly German in character, and depending largely on dialogue and jocularity of a provincial kind. But to the American who understands a little German there is sufficient broad, hearty humor to keep him in merriment from the opening scene to the final one. The music is in the happiest vein of the composer–who, we may take this occasion to say, is not sufficiently known to our public. It is full of freshness and gaiety, and is amply filled with melodies, moreover, that are taking to the average ear. The performance last evening was extremely good. Herr Graff, who played the part of Baculus, the Schoolmaster, displayed an unctuous vein of comicality which we hardly gave him credit for possessing.  Without sacrificing the musical opportunities of his rôle he succeeded in keeping the house in a roar.  Mme. Johannsen was admirable also, as the Baroness Freimann, and a lady whose name we have not met before–Mme. Schaumberg– made a favorable impression as Grettchen [sic]. The remaining characters were sustained with spirit and success by Messrs. Weinlich, Quint and Kronfeld. We have always to praise the orchestra and chorus at the German Theatre, and may unhesitatingly do so on the present occasion. Rarely have we sat out a performance that gave so much genuine satisfaction, or obtained so merited and unequivocal a success.”

     “The German Opera has become a fixed fact in New York, and may be ranked among our most popular places of amusement. The manager, M. Carl Anschutz shows great taste and discrimination in his choice of opera, while none can doubt his activity, as he is constantly producing works as yet unknown here. He gives us opportunities to enjot the admirable works of Mozart, of Beethoven, of Auber, and has just produced a most pleasing comic opera, 'Der Wildschutz' (the Poacher), by Lortzing. At iots first representation last Friday night, the house was filled to overflowing by a discriminating audience, whose uproarious applause was a proof of the complete success of the new work, which, in character, is peculiarly German, abounding in dialogue and light jocular music. The work is fresh, gay, lively, filled with pleasing melodies. The performance was very good. We wish specially to dwell upon the admirable singing and acting of Mme. Johannsen. Herr Graff, as the schoolmaster, was really comic. The second performance--Saturday night--went off with, if anything, increased eclat. We commend the German Opera to the lovers of gay, light music. An evening spent there is sure to be a most pleasant one.”