Draper Italian and American Opera: Martha

For La Sonnambula.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

For Mme. Varian Hoffman in La Sonnambula.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

For Il Trovatore.

“There was a pretty large audience at the French Theater last night, attracted by the announcement that Il Trovatore would be presented.  Mr. Draper was again obliged to postpone it and substitute Martha, with the same cast as before, except Plunkett, who was represented by Signor Orlandini.  Although the part was never intended by Flotow for a light baritone voice, still Signor Orlandini managed to get through it very credibly.  The due Solo profuso, in the first act, the celebrated spinning wheel quartet, and the beautiful mezzanotte dorma pier!, near the end of the second act, were far better than on the preceding nights of this opera.  Madame Boschetti sang the “Last Rose of Summer” –not indeed, as a Catherine Hayes or Fabbri, but with sure taste and soul that for the moment one forget the hard, metallic tones of her voice.  She was deservedly encored.  Very few vocalists, not possessing the rounded softness of the Italian school, could sing this beautiful air with the like success.  Signor Tamaro was also better than on the preceding nights.  The upper notes of his voice are deficient in clearness and decidedly husky.  He ought not to attempt to sing above G, for beyond that the effort for him is painful and unsuccessful.  The orchestra and chorus are still weak, but wonderfully improved.”

“At the French Theatre last evening the performance of ‘Il Trovatore’ was again postponed. The manager appeared on the stage just before the hour for raising the curtain had arrived, and expressed his regret that at the last moment it was ascertained that some of the dresses were not ready, and ‘Martha’ must be substituted for the promised opera.  So 'Martha' was rendered again, but very indifferently.  It might have been omitted on the same plea—the want of proper costumes— if no other.  The prima donna, we are sure, would not be seen on horseback in the riding habit she wore in the second act.  As for the singing, we could hardly do the artists a better service than to say nothing about it."

Draper has been challenged to keep Italian opera performances going. The circumstances were not clear, except for frequent indispositions of artists. Carl Formes could not perform as ‘Plunkett’ in Martha due to hoarseness and Orlandini filled in. The NY Herald attacked Formes’ indisposition; the American press was much milder with Sulfini in the past who did not perform 8 out of 10 times that he was advertised. We admire the endurance of Draper to continue performances despite the obstacles. Draper is said to plan English-speaking opera performances after the end of the Italian opera season. The program has not yet been announced.  

“The French Theatre is doing little with alternate Italian opera on the half shell and American opera in the raw. Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed during the last week at the postponement of the Trovatore, which had twice been announced for presentation. Grumblers should make some allowances for a man who undertakes two opera troupes. How Mr. Draper survives under such a stupendous load is more than we can tell.”