Grau Italian Opera: Norma

Cordier’s debut in Dinorah originally scheduled for this night.

Cast.

“Lorini appears again in ‘Norma,’ the part in which she made so excellent an impression in her debut.”

          “The weather, as was to be expected, interfered materially with the pecuniary results of last night’s opera, although the house presented a fair appearance, notwithstanding. A second audition of Madame Lorini Whiting, in the role of Norma, has confirmed the most favorable impressions that we had previously spoken of her. Although, as we have already intimated, her voice has not that fullness[sic] and sonority which the music of this role demands, it is yet very delightful in quality, and is managed with the most perfect taste and skill. Her ‘Casta Diva,’ in point of expression and execution, left but little to be desired.

          Of Mademoiselle Morensi’s Adalgisa we have not spoken in sufficiently appreciative terms. Although a less important part than that of Azucena, it did not the less display the fine qualities of her voice–more especially in the concerted parts, when the sweetness and purity of her tones and the correctness of her ear made themselves particularly remarked. Since we heard her at the matinee on Saturday, free from the tremors of a debut, we have conceived a very high opinion of the merits of this young artist. We believe we shall be borne out in saying that so fine a contralto voice has not been heard here since the time of Alboni. The opera went off entirely to the satisfaction of the audience, who were more prodigal in their applause than on the first night’s representation. Mlle. Morensi shared equally with Madame Lorini the honors of the evening–the public, who had at first received her rather coldly, now appearing to fully recognize her remarkable gifts.”

“People praise . . . the voice of Signorina Morensi, alias Mlle. Montmorency, alias – Miss Kate Duckworth.”