Article on the return of Maretzek’s company

“In the coming week, the Italian Opera will return from Boston.  With its first performance there, it did not have good fortune, but had a splendid success with ‘Martha’ and ‘Norma,’ its second and third performances.  In the latter opera Mr. Herrmans [sic], who, after the dissolution of the German Opera company, seems finally to have moved over to the Italian camp, sang Oroveso to much applause.  About Medori’s Norma, the ‘Boston Post’ says that she gave a complete and powerful performance, and that it was difficult to say which was more meritorious, her singing or acting, since both were excellent.  Almost the entire first act was an uninterrupted triumph.  ‘Casta Diva’ was sung as only Medori – of all the sopranos alive today – can sing it.  A repeat of the duet with Sulzer in the second act was vehemently demanded. 

About Herrmans’ [sic] Oroveso, the same newspaper reports, ‘The German bass, Mr. Herrmans, has a strong voice and a big range, which he uses to great advantage in the role of Oroveso.  In this respect, the role was performed better than at that opera’s last performance.

And Brignoli, who debuted as Lionel in ‘Martha,’ was well received by the Boston audience.  The way we hear it, upon the company’s return, he will sing ‘Robert’.

During its season the Italian opera company performed in Havana with its most outstanding cast members: Mesdames Guerrebella and Plippe, and the bass Spinoni.  The company returned here yesterday from Havana.”