New-Yorker Stadt-Theater: Minna von Berkel Benefit

Event Information

Venue(s):
New-Yorker Stadt-Theater [45-47 Bowery- post-Sept 1864]

Conductor(s):
Franz [vn, cond. and opera director] Herwig

Price: $1.50; $1; .75; .50; .30; .15

Event Type:
Opera

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
19 July 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

19 May 1866, 8:00 PM

Program Details

Selections from Der Freischutz include the overture and the second act.
American premiere for Offenbach's Le Violoneux (Singspiel version).

Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Minna von Berkel;  Clara [vocalist] Lang;  Herr Hübisch
2)
Freischütz, Der, selections
aka Freischutz; Freischütz, potpourri; Grand potpourri; Samiels Reise Abenteuer
Composer(s): Weber
Participants:  Herr Hübisch (role: Max);  Minna von Berkel (role: Aennchen);  Clara Lange [soprano] (role: Agathe)
3)
Maçon, Le, "Quarrel duet"
aka Zank duette
Composer(s): Auber
Participants:  Minna von Berkel (role: Frau Bertram);  Clara Lange [soprano] (role: Henriette)
4)
Violoneux, Le
aka Martin der Geiger; oder, Die Zaubergeige; Magic violin
Composer(s): Offenbach

Citations

1)
Advertisement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 17 May 1866.

Full cast list included.

2)
Advertisement: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 19 May 1866, 6.

Includes program.

3)
Review: New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung und Herold, 21 May 1866, 8.

The event was almost sold out; the audience was enthusiastic. Unfortunately the part of the program, when the second act of the Freischütz was listed, was mismanaged. “Max” omitted to make his entrance after Clara Lange as “Agathe” had finished her prayer and her decently sung aria; the curtain fell and a ten minute break left the audience wondering and eventually shouting for “Max”. No one appeared to explain the mishap which is unforgivable. After the audience had calmed down, the performance continued with the “Zank Duett” by von Berkel and Lange. Both women sang nicely, the seven choristers seemed somewhat passive, the audience; however, welcomed the performance enthusiastically. The Offenbach overture to the finale is a monotonous piece and the performance was mediocre.