Grover German Opera Company: The Marriage of Figaro

“The fourth night of the German opera season at the Olympic was signalized by the production of Mozart’s comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro.  If the nuptials of the sorely tried valet were a true foretaste of what a man has to undergo before he succeeds in hymenizing himself, then we fear that bridal veils, white gloves and cards would become less numerous in the world. Chandon, as Figaro, was an Othello in his jealousy, the smothering part excepted; Madame Johannsen and Madame Rotter were sprightly representatives of Susanna and Cherubino, and called forth merited applause, and Wilhelm Formes made a sufficiently aristocratic sort of Count. Madame Frederici was unexceptionable as the Countess, and the other characters were well sustained. We were sorry to notice a falling off in the attendance.  Such an excellent company, such operas and music placed on the stage in such a manner deserve the hearty support of the public, and Mr. Grover’s attempt to revive the grand old works of the German masters should be encouraged in every possible manner.  William Tell, Martha and the Merry Wives of Windsor ought to fill the house each remaining night during the week, as every means is adopted to place them on the stage in a proper manner.”

“At this theatre there was a falling off in the attendance, and, we regret to add, in the performance last evening.  The opera performed was the ‘Marriage of Figaro.’  This opera, as everyone knows, is sparkling and unsubstantial, a kind of musical foam; but a composition of this kind is even more exacting than those of a more serious class.  One can more readily pardon a defect or excess of passion than stupid fun.  However, the singing of Mlle. Frederici and M. Formes and the acting of Mlle. Johannsen and M. Chandon went far to redeem the weaker parts of the cast; and the performance of the orchestra was irreproachable.”