Muzio Italian Opera: Ernani

“The third opera given by the united artists for the benefit of a united Italy was to have been ‘Norma.’ Of course it was not.  At a very reasonable hour Mme. Amelia Patti sent word that she was quite ill, and regretted, &c., &c., &c. ‘Ernani’ was substituted, with Mme. Ghioni, Signor Limperti, and Signor Susini in the most prominent roles. An audience was expected, but apparently the people were indisposed, and the consequence was a light receipt, with no show whatever for the immediate assistance of Garibaldi, or any other hero.  Indeed, there could not have been two hundred persons in the house (including the chorus, orchestra and Signor Muzio). Mme. Ghioni bravely met and conquered the weather. She sang superbly and acted well. Signor Limperti, the tenor, would be a handsome man if he looked as well as he sings. But he don’t. He is fearfully and wonderfully thin, and has a remarkably prominent mouth, also Adam’s apple, and his legs apparently made a mistake, the length getting more than its share. Despite his awkwardness and ‘wild Irishy’ look, he made a favorable impression on such of his auditors as thoughtfully closed their eyes, and in certain impassioned parts he was quite equal to Tamaro, Hippolvia, and others of the devoted band who so freely perspire that Italy may be united. Signor SUSINI was all himself, and that says a great deal. He sang with a gusto that quite drove the heat from one’s mind; his voice was as clear as a bell, round, full, sonorous and beautiful. The orchestra, led by Muzio, did better than before; the chorus also.” 

The third of the operatic entertainments given at Niblo’s Garden in aid of the cause of  Italian unity was even less attended than the two previous. In fact, the audience could only be called such by courtesy. The opera announced for the evening—‘Norma’—was not performed, owing to the illness of Mme. Patti. ‘Ernani’ was given in its place. As on its first performance by the ‘united Italians,’ Mme. Ghioni and Signor Bellini were especially successful. The good impression produced by Signor Limperti’s singing was not improved by his style of acting and general appearance.