Article on Jacob Grau's Havana Opera Company

Event Information

Venue(s):

Manager / Director:
Jacob Grau

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
19 July 2016

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

21 May 1866

Performers and/or Works Performed

Citations

1)
Article: New-Yorker Musik-Zeitung, 21 May 1866, 253.

General information about the latest performances of Grau’s ensemble: All together they are doing well. Tenor Musiani has a strong voice and is accomplished; however, he lacks taste in the interpretation of his roles. The lyrical tenor Anastasi has a beautiful voice and much potential, yet parts such as in Faust are too advanced for him. He did very well in Un Ballo. The baritone Orlandini has improved tremendously since his debut. He had some fine moments in Un Ballo. The bass Mirelli does not possess a very low but a rich voice. His performance style shows French training. As “Mephisto” he overdid it at times and thus spoiled the general impression of his performance.

Among the ladies Ms. Boschetti clearly takes first place. Her voice does not necessarily have a melodious sound; however, she is very well trained. As an actress she impresses like no other in a long time. Her “Gretchen” was in all aspects exemplary, even in the nuances of her play which is not merely proof of striking talent but also intelligence. She also excelled as the “Page” in Un Ballo

The alto singer, Mad. Casch-Pollini is German and an educated actress and singer. Her voice is rather weak in the higher ranges and sounds like a mezzo soprano; however, she sings and acts with sensitivity and should be considered a good new ‘acquisition.’

Mme. Noel Guidi is the singer for dramatic parts and possesses a pretty full soprano voice especially in the middle range. The higher ranges are weaker, and she lacks warmth in her performance.

Mme. Gazzaniga is an accomplished dramatic singer who is still capable of producing big effects with what she has got.