Publications of the Louisiana Historical Society (Volume 7-10) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1915. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... speare, and of whom we read: 'This artist has a good and welltrained voice, sweet and sympathetic and not lacking power. He showed himself an excellent comedian. * # *" The French Opera House at once became popular. Season 1860-61 was most brilliant. During the months of January, February and March (1861), Adelina Patti, the then 18-year-old prima donna, charmed her audiences in ' Robert le Diable," "II Trovatore," "Les Huguenots," "Lucia," "Charles VI," "Le Pardon de Ploermel" and other operas. Among her fellowartists at this time were Mme. Frezzolini and MM. Mathieu and Philippe. An advertisement appears in the Daily Picayune of January 23, 1861, announcing: "Le Barbier de Seville, with Mile. Adelina Patti, who in the lesson scenes will sing Mme. Sontag's celebrated 'Echo Song' and the Scottish ballad, ' 'Twas Within a Mile of Edinboro' Town.'" In the same advertisement, we note 'that the prices ranged from 50 cents to $1.50 and that "Doors open at 6:30 o'clock, performance to commence at 7 o'clock." It was evidently cheaper to hear grand opera in those days than now On account of the Civil War, four rather inconsequential seasons followed the brilliant season of 1860-61. After the termination of the war, three brothers, Alhaiza by name, opened the French Opera House with an itinerant company. Their venture proving successful, they were emboldened to import from Europe a complete operatic organization, and, accordingly, Charles and Marcelin Alhaiza set sail for Paris. The company was engaged, all arrangements completed, when, on the eve of departure for America, Marcelin Alhaiza died. Charles Alhaiza accompanied the artists to New York, where they embarked upon a steamer named "The Evening Star," bound for this city--a destination which it was never to reach;...