Grover German Opera: La Dame Blanche
Event Information
Venue(s):
Academy of Music
Manager / Director:
Leonard Grover
Conductor(s):
Adolph Neuendorff
Event Type:
Opera
Record Information
Status:
Published
Last Updated:
14 April 2013
Performance Date(s) and Time(s)
19 Apr 1866, EveningPerformers and/or Works Performed
Citations
“This is one of the few operas of the old French school which retain a position on the stage. It has rightly earned its position by the charm of its melody, which remains fresh until today, and by the fine dramatic character of its music. It is but rarely performed in this country, and all who have not heard it would do well to hear it once for they will be well repaid for the music is really fresh and charming.”
“German Opera.—‘La Dame Blanche’ was given here last evening in a very effective and satisfactory manner. The audience—like the popularity of the opera—was ‘wide spread.’ It was inadequate to the occasion, and teaches us that opera, after all, is but a fashion with the masses, not a social necessity. There are but few serio-comic operas in the world, and this is one of the best. The music is piquant, melodious, and brightly measured. The choruses are cleverly devised and animated. The action is straightforward and intelligible. Mr. Grover’s cast last evening was as satisfactory as it could be. Mr. Habelman has never been heard to such advantage. He possesses an agreeable tenor voice, gracious and persuasive in its quality, but capable of robustious [sic] emphasis. His method is acceptable, and his action on the stage is worthy of the theatrical profession. He was in excellent voice and sang with much spirit. He was fairly supported by Mme. Johanssen, Mlle. Dziuba and Mme. Berger. The continued indisposition of Mr. Hermans [sic] rendered it necessary to procure a substitute for the rôle of Gaveston. This happily was found in Mr. Weinlich, who was in fine rotund voice, and did full justice to the part. Mr. Steinecke as Dickson was efficient. The charm of the performance was in the énsembles. These were rendered almost faultlessly, and elicited well-merited applause. Much praise is due to Mr. Neundorf [sic] for the care which he has bestowed on these necessarily hasty representations. His chorus is decidedly the best we have ever heard at the Academy of Music, and the orchestra is undoubtedly strong and fine, although a little rough.”