The Caledonian Mercury (Saturday 19 May) review referred to 'a house crowded in every part, such being always the case wherever his glorious operas are announced for representation.
In Germany and London we have never yet seen a thin attendance on such occasions, and we rejoice to think that there is amongst us sufficient musical cultivation to appreciate music so refined and classical.'
'The opera was extremely well cast...the inferior parts being occupied by Vermani, Sanquirico and Benedict.
The clever part, Cherubino, the page, was from necessity, undertaken by Miss Jane Coveney, who, speaking in a foreign language, and singing music beyond her physical power, deserves all leniency in criticism.
Of the performance generally, we are inclined to speak in the highest terms.'
'The difficult concerted music was executed with much precision and vigour, more particularly the finale to the first act, "Esci Omni", one of the most comprehensive, elaborate, sustained and effective pieces of dramatic composition ever written, even by Mozart.
The beautiful trio "Cosa Sento" was very charmingly sung by Scheroni, Lablache and Catone. The duet par excellence "Crudel perche", was delgithfully sung by Scheroni and Lablache, and received a most rapturous encore. ''Sull'aria," too, was executed by the two ladies with a unity of feeling and expression which rendered it most effective.
Indeed it was refreshing to find the music of Mozart asserting its supremacy over the capricious rules of fashion, and winning its way to the heart by the mere force of its own intrinsic beauty....indeed we may remark, in regard to all the vocalists, that they did not venture in one instance to ornament or alter the music; a conclusive proof of its perfect interpretation of the sentiment intended...
...the chorus deserves praise for its improving efficiency, and the orchestra, under the firm conduct of Signor Negri, played well. How could they go wrong with music that lies so perfectly for the different instruments?'
The mention of Jane Coveney undertaking Cherubino 'of necessity' indicates that the scheduled singer was unwell and Coveney was going on to save the performance. The review does mention that the page's most famous aria, 'Voi che sapete' was sung by the Susanna.
Itinerary
The performances were: Tue 8 May L'Italiana in Algeri and Betly; Thu 10 May Un' Avventura Di Scaramuccisa; Fri 11 May L'Elisir d'Amore; Sat 12 May L'Italiana in Algeri & Betly; Mon 14 May repeat of Un' Avventura Di Scaramuccisa; Wed 16 May Marriage of Figaro.
On Thu 17 May Elisir d'Amore was given, and the visit finished on Sat 19 May with a double bill of L'Elisir d'Amore and Betly.
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