The Mapleson Memoirs, 1848-1888, vol IIMapleson, James Henry
History
The Mapleson Memoirs, 1848-1888, vol II
Mapleson, James Henry
Opera -- England -- London; Opera -- United States
The jubilee performance was a brilliant success. At the close of the
opera, after the usual number of recalls, accompanied by bouquets, etc.,
the curtain rose, and at the rear of the stage was an immense American
eagle about to soar, beneath which was the word "Patti," and over it
"1859-1884." The band of the 7th Regiment approached the footlights,
and the musicians played a march that Cappa, the bandmaster, had
composed in honour of Mdme. Patti twenty-five years before. Patti walked
up to him, and said, with a choking voice: "I thank you for your
kindness from the bottom of my heart."
She was afterwards recalled innumerable times, and on reappearing she
brought on with her Mdme. Scalchi. At the close of the opera a carriage
with four milk-white steeds which I had arranged for was standing to
convey its precious burthen to her hotel. Following this we had 100
torch-bearers, for the most part admirers and supporters of the opera.
Mounted police were on each side of Patti's carriage. At the end of the
procession was a waggon full of people letting off Roman candles and
large basins of powder, which, when ignited, made the streets and sky
look most brilliant. The route was up Broadway to Twenty-third Street,
and thence up Madison Avenue to Patti's hotel.
I on this occasion was to have taken the command of the troops as
brigadier. My horse, however, never reached me. It was found impossible
to get it through the crowd. This did not prevent the illustrated papers
from representing me on horseback, and in a highly military attitude.
Later on two other bands arrived, and took their stations under Patti's
windows. This terminated the festivities in honour of the twenty-fifth
anniversary of her first appearance on the American operatic stage.
I may here mention that, as a matter of fact, Adelina Patti did not make
her first appearance on the American stage in 1859. I find, too, that
she sang at Niblo's Saloon in 1855, and subjoin the programme of one of
her concerts given in that year:--
GRAND VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT,
IN AID OF THE
_Hebrew Benevolent Societies_,
AT NIBLO'S SALOON,
On Tuesday Evening, Feb. 27th, 1855.
* * *
The management announces that MRS. STUART, in consequence of the severe
indisposition of her mother, will not be able to fulfil her engagement
this evening; also, that MME. COMETANT cannot appear in consequence of
her severe indisposition. The management have much pleasure in
announcing that the services
of
SIGNORINA ADELINA PATTI
Have been secured, in connection with whom the following
artistes have volunteered:--
SIGNOR BERNARDI,
SIGNOR RAPETTI,
HERR CHARLES WELS,
T. FRANKLIN BASSFORD,
MR. SANDERSON.
* * *
PROGRAMME:
PART FIRST.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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