1825-1850
During these twenty-five years the list of items on record is far
greater than during any preceding period of similar time. Possibly this
may be accounted for by the greater facilities for travel both by sea
and land. Railroads were gradually spreading out through the country,
and helping to develop distant trading stations into towns and cities.
Steamships were making the voyage from Europe a more feasible adventure.
We shall see this as we proceed.
In what we may call the domestic side of music we find the establishment
of more singing societies in all the eastern cities. There was
practically no "west" in 1825, but Chicago shows up in 1834 with "The
Old Settlers' Harmonic Society." The story of Chicago's early musical
days may be read in Mr. George P. Upton's book of reminiscences. The
remarkable part of it seems to be that Chicago grew phenomenally, and
today stands as a rival to New York in all matters musical, although in
1825 Chicago was merely a trading post and New York was already a city
of some size.
The musical convention came into being. The first is said to have been
held at Concord, N. H., in September 1829. There is also a claim that
the first musical convention was held in Montpelier, Vt., in 1839 but
this is not quite correct. It may have been the first convention in
Vermont. Musical conventions became popular and frequent and are so even
to the present day, though the methods and matter have changed with the
times.
Another item which may come under the head of domestic music is the
beginning of music teaching in the public schools. This was effected by
Lowell Mason, as an experiment, in 1838. At the present day chorus
singing in the public schools has become an important matter, and is
almost universal.
In 1838 we find a Philharmonic Society in St. Louis, showing that St.
Louis was not far behind Chicago in getting into the musical world.
In Boston an Academy of Music was established by Lowell Mason in 1833.
It had a large number of pupils, and there was an orchestra in
connection with it, which gave several concerts. But the Harvard Musical
Association, which was founded in 1837, seems to have been the chief
propelling power to orchestral music in Boston, until the formation of
the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In New York the Philharmonic Society was
reorganized and was, as it has been ever since, the most prominent
orchestral organization of that city.
In 1848 two complete orchestras came to America, Gungl's, which gave a
number of concerts, chiefly of light music, and the Germania, which
consisted of a number of refugees from the German government. These men
gave concerts of a finer type than had yet been given in America. Their
career as an organization was not long, and it ended in disaster, but
many of the members became prominent in musical matters in various
cities, and in this way the Germania orchestra had a beneficial and
lasting effect upon music in this country.
In the forties began the stream of violin and piano virtuosi which has
continued in ever-increasing volume to the present day. Ole Bull,
violinist, in 1843, Vieuxtemps and Artôt, violinists, and Leopold von
Meyer, pianist, in 1844, were the first.
Perhaps the development of opera may be considered of greater interest
than other musical items. In 1825 Manuel Garcia arrived in New York, and
gave the first performances of Italian opera. In his company were his
daughter Maria, who married one Malibran and remained in New York for
about two years. At the end of this time she left her husband and
returned to Europe, where she had a short but very brilliant career.
Young Garcia, the son, who also sang, afterwards became one of the
greatest singing teachers in Europe, and invented the laryngoscope.
Pauline, who became Madame Viardot, and lived to a great age, was too
young to participate in Garcia's performances in New York. For many
years she was one of the great singing teachers in Paris.
Garcia did not stay very long in New York, but he began the efforts to
present Italian opera, which were continued by many others from time to
time, usually with disaster. Nevertheless, the history of the period
from 1825 to 1850 is full of first performances of Italian opera. In
1848 the Havana Company visited the United States, and was considered
the finest company that had been heard until that time.
In the same year Max Maretzek appeared in New York and at once entered
the operatic field, with which he was prominently occupied during the
next period.
Before finishing the review of this period we must not forget the
production William Henry Fry's opera, "Leonora." This was the first
grand opera written and produced by an American. It had several
representations, but does not seem to have lived long. The same,
however, may be said of many of the Italian operas which were presented
during this and later periods. A careful perusal of the list will show
the names of operas long since defunct, so far as the American public is
concerned. Yet there are many, which were first presented to the
American public in this period, and which are as popular today as
ever,--in fact no good opera company can afford to be without them.
Opera was well started by 1850.
1825. Mar. 12. Weber's opera "Der Freyschütz" presented in
English at the Park Theatre, New York City, with Miss Kelly and
Mrs. de Luce in the leading parts.
1825. Nov. 26. First season of Italian grand opera in America
opened in New York city with a performance of Rossini's "Il
Barbiere," by Manuel Garcia's company.
This company included Manuel Garcia, his son Manuel
(later a renowned vocal teacher, and inventor of the laryngoscope),
his daughter, Maria Félicité (the great Malibran),
his daughter Pauline (later Madame Viardot, one of the
great vocal teachers of Paris) and others of less note.
The other operas presented during this season were:
1825. Dec. 31. "Tancredi," Rossini.
1826. April 25. "Semiramide," Rossini.
1826. May 23. "Don Giovanni," Mozart.
1826. Dec. 27. "L'Amante Astuto," Garcia.
Also (dates uncertain):
"La Figlia del Aria," Garcia.
"Il Turco in Italia," Rossini.
"La Cenerentola," Rossini.
1826-1864. Stephen Foster. Noted song writer.
1827. July 13. The French Opera Company from New Orleans, which
visited Philadelphia, and several other cities, opened a season
at the Park Theatre, New York City, with Rossini's "La
Cenerentola." They also presented "Jean de Paris," "La Dame
Blanche," "Joconde," "Les Visilandines," etc.
1827. Sept. 28. Boieldieu's opera "Jean de Paris" presented in New
York City, with Malibran. Later in the season the same
composer's "Caliph of Bagdad" was given.
1827. Oct. 9. Weber's opera "Oberon" presented in Philadelphia.
1827. Oct. 9. Farewell of Madame Malibran (Maria Félicité Garcia)
at the Bowery Theatre, after two years' residence in New York
City.
1828. An English version of "Il Barbiere di Seviglia," and "Der
Freyschütz" given in Boston with Miss George, Mrs. Papanti, Mr.
Comer, and Mr. Horn as leading singers.
1829. Sept. First musical convention held under the auspices of
the Central Musical Society of Concord, N. H.
1829. May 8.-1869. Dec. 18. Louis Moreau Gottschalk, brilliant
pianist. Born in New Orleans.
1829. Jan. 24.-1908. July 14. William Mason, noted American
pianist and teacher.
1831. Sept. 6. American début of Miss Hughes at the Park Theatre,
New York City, in "The Marriage of Figaro."
1832. Mar. 17. Mozart's opera "Die Zauberflöte" presented in
Philadelphia.
1832. July 4. The National Hymn "America" first sung in public at
a children's celebration of Independence Day, at the Park St.
Church, Boston, The words were written in February by the Rev.
Samuel F. Smith, and were sung to the tune of "God Save the
King."
1832. Sept. 25. First appearance, in concert, of an Italian opera
company organized by Lorenzo da Ponte, Italian poet and
librettist, at Niblo's Garden, New York City. The leading
singers were Signora Pedrotti and Signori Fornisari and
Montresor. The opera performances were given at the Bowery
Theatre. Sig. Rapetti, conductor.
1832. Oct. 19. Mercadante's opera "Elisa e Claudio" presented in
New York City with Pedrotti (début) and Salvione (début).
1832. Nov. 5. Rossini's opera "L'Italiana in Algeri" given in New
York City with Verducci, Fanetti, Fornisari, etc.
1832. Dec. 5. Bellini's opera "Il Pirata" by same company.
1832. Dec. 22. Rossini's sacred opera "Mosè in Egitto" by same
company.
1833. Mar. 13-20. Rossini's opera "Othello" presented twice during
this week, in New York City, by same company.
1833. June 20. Auber's opera "Fra Diavolo" presented at the Park
Theatre, New York City.
1833. Sept. 4. American début of Mr. and Mrs. Wood in "Cinderella"
at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1833. Nov. 18. Verdi's opera "La Gazza Ladra" given in New York
City, at the Bowery Theatre, by the Italian Opera Company.
1833. Academy of Music founded in Boston by Lowell Mason. Enrolled
twenty-two hundred pupils the first year.
1834. Mar. 21. Rossini's opera "La Donna del Lago" given at the
Bowery Theatre, New York City, with Clotilde and Rosina Fanti,
Marozo, Raviglia and Sapignoli.
1834. Mar. 22. Salvioni's opera "La Casa dei Vendere."
1834. Mar. 24. Rossini's "Matilda de Shabran" with Fanti.
1834. April 7. Meyerbeer's opera "Roberto il Diavolo," presented
in English at the Park Theatre, New York City, by Mr. and Mrs.
Wood.
1834. July 9. First music school in Chicago opened by Miss Wyeth.
1834. July 12. Pacini's opera "Gli Arabi nelli Gallie" given at
the Bowery Theatre, New York City, with C. Fanti, R. Fanti,
Bordogni, Raviglia, Sapignoli.
1834. Nov. 10 Bellini's opera "La Straniera" given in New York
City, with C. and R. Fanti, Porto, Montresor, Sapignoli.
1834. Nov. 25. Rossini's opera "Edoardo e Cristina" given in New
York City, with Fanti, Fabj, Porto, Sapignoli.
1834. Dec. 12. Rossini's opera "L'Inganno Felice" given in New
York City by the Italian Opera Company.
1834. Dec. 11. "Old Settlers' Harmonic Society" organized in
Chicago.
1834-1901. Charles R. Adams, noted tenor and vocal teacher. One of
the first American singers to make a career in Europe.
1834-1891. Eben Tourjée, noted organizer of musical affairs. Began
class-system of pianoforte-teaching in America at Providence, R.
I., in 1851. Founded a Musical Institute at East Greenwich, R.
I., in 1859, and the New England Conservatory of Music in
Boston, 1867. Was one of the chief organizers of the Peace
Jubilee, and one of the founders of the Music Teachers' National
Association.
1835. Feb. 6. Rossini's opera "L'Assedio di Corinto" given in New
York City with Fanti, Julia Wheatley, Ravaglia. During this
season Rossini's "Turco in Italia" and Cimarosa's "Il Matrimonio
Segreto" are said to have been presented by this Italian
company.
1835. April 8. Charlotte Cushman, noted actress, made her first
public appearance as a singer in a performance of "The Marriage
of Figaro" in Boston, with Mr. and Mrs. Wood.
1835. Nov. 13. Bellini's opera "La Sonnambula" given in English
with Mr. and Mrs. Wood in the leading parts, in New York City.
1835. German Maennerchor of Philadelphia (the oldest German
singing society in America) founded by Philip Wolsifer.
1835. Oliver Ditson began publishing music in his own name in
Boston, but the firm of O. Ditson and Company can be traced back
to 1783, when E. Batelle opened the Boston Book Store at 8 State
Street.
1835-1905. Theodore Thomas, noted musician and conductor of:
1862-1891 Brooklyn Philharmonic Society.
1864-1878 New York Symphony Society.
1865-1891 New York Summer Garden Concerts.
1873-1894 Cincinnati Festivals.
1877-1890 Chicago Summer Night Concerts.
1877-1891 Philharmonic Society, New York.
1882-1891 Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.
1891-1905 Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
1837. Harvard Musical Association organized in Boston.
1837. The pianoforte manufacturing house of Knabe established in
Baltimore.
1837. Oct. 30. American début of Madame Caradori-Allan, noted
soprano, in Rossini's opera "Il Barbiere di Seviglia" at the
Park Theatre, New York City.
1837. An orchestra organized by the Academy of Music in Boston. It
remained in existence until 1847.
1838. Philharmonic Society formed in St. Louis.
1838. The Sacred Music Society of New York City, gave a
performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio "St. Paul," two years
after it had been produced at Dusseldorf.
1838. June. 18. Donizetti's opera "L'Elisir d'Amore" presented at
the Park Theatre, New York City, with Madame Caradori-Allan,
Placide, Morley, Macklin and Jones.
1838. Mr. and Mrs. Seguin, noted singers, arrived in New York City
and organized an English Opera Company, which traveled
extensively till 1847.
1838. Music first taught in the public schools in Boston by Lowell
Mason.
1839. April 29. Meyerbeer's opera "Les Huguenots" presented in New
Orleans.
1839. The first Musical Convention held in Montpelier, Vt., under
the direction of G. S. Prouty and Moses E. Cheney.
1839. Sept. 9. Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" presented in English at
the Park Theatre, New York City, with Miss Poole, Giubelei,
Manvers and Martyn.
1839-1906. John Knowles Paine. American composer. First professor
of music at Harvard University. Appointed in 1876 (instructor
1872).
1839-1909. Dudley Buck. Noted musician. First American composer to
gain general recognition.
1840. Mar. 20. Hérold's opera "Zampa" presented in New York City.
1840. Mar. 30. Adam's opera "Le Postillon de Longjumeau" presented
in New York City.
1840. Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah" sung by the Handel and Haydn
Society, Boston.
1840. Beethoven's Fifth Symphony given by the Musical Fund Society
in Philadelphia.
1840. John Braham, noted English tenor, visited America.
1841. The Hutchinson family--camp-meeting singers, known all over
the United States for many years--began their career.
1841. Jan. 11. Bellini's opera "Norma" presented by the Woods at
the Chestnut St. Theatre, Philadelphia.
1853. Jan. 11. Schumann's First Symphony given by the Musical Fund
Society (G. Suk, conductor) in Boston.
1841. Dec. 28. Donizetti's opera "Lucia di Lammermoor" given in
New Orleans.
1842. The Chicago Sacred Music Society formed. It was short-lived.
1842. Jan. 15. Beethoven's Sixth (Pastoral) Symphony given in
Boston, at a concert of the Academy of Music. Also Cherubini's
overture to "Les deux Journées."
1842. Feb. 26. C. M. von Weber's "Jubilee" overture given at a
concert of the Academy of Music, Boston.
1842. Mar. 20. Spohr's oratorio "The Last Judgment" given in
Boston by the Handel and Haydn Society.
1842. Oct. 31. Handel's oratorio "Israel in Egypt" (music by
Handel and Rossini) given by the Seguin Opera Company at the
Park Theatre, New York City.
1842. Nov. 12. Beethoven's Second Symphony (D) given at the
Academy of Music, Boston.
1842. Nov. 22. Handel's oratorio "Acis and Galatea" given by the
Seguin Company at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1842. Dec. 7. First concert of the New York Philharmonic Society,
given at the Apollo rooms, New York City.
Program:
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 (conducted by U. C. Hill).
Weber, Scene from "Oberon" (Mme. Otto).
Hummel, Quintet for piano and strings.
Weber, Overture to "Oberon" (conducted by Mr. Etienne).
Rossini, Duet from "Armida" (Mme. Otto and C. E. Horn).
Beethoven, Scene from "Fidelio" (C. E. Horn).
Mozart, Aria from "Belmont and Constance" (Mme. Otto).
Kalliwoda, New Overture in D (Conducted by Mr. Timm).
Beethoven's "Eroica" was played at the second concert,
Feb. 18, 1843. There were only three concerts in the first
season.
1842. Dec. 13. Rossini's opera "Guillaume Tell" presented by the
French Company in New Orleans.
1843. Jan. 7. Haydn's "Military" Symphony (G major) played at the
Academy of Music, Boston.
1843. Feb. 9. Donizetti's opera "La Favorita" presented by the
French Company in New Orleans.
1843. Feb. 18. Beethoven's Third Symphony, "Eroica," given by the
Philharmonic Society, at the Apollo rooms, New York City. (This
work was played as a Septet by the Musical Fund Society in New
York City, in 1828.)
1843. Feb. 26. Rossini's "Stabat Mater" given by the Handel and
Haydn Society, Boston.
1843. Mar. 6. Donizetti's opera "La Fille du Régiment" presented
by the French Company in New Orleans.
1843. May 25. Auber's opera "L'Ambassadrice,"
1843. June 17. Auber's opera "Le Domino Noir," and
1843. July 3. Auber's opera "Pré aux Clerc" presented in New York
City, at Niblo's Gardens, by the French Company from New
Orleans.
1843. Oct. 3. Donizetti's opera "Gemma di Vergi" presented at
Niblo's Gardens, New York City, with Majocchi, prima donna, and
Perozzi.
1843. Nov. 25. Ole Bull, noted Norwegian violinist, made his
American début at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1843. Dec. 15. Donizetti's opera "Marino Faliero" presented at the
Park Theatre, New York City.
1843-1863. Philharmonic Concerts, Boston.
1844. Jan. 15. Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony (Fourth, in C) given by
the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1844. Feb. 2. Bellini's opera "I Puritani" presented at Palmo's
Opera House, New York City, with Signora Borghese.
1844. Mar. 16. Spohr's First Symphony (D minor) given by the
Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1844. Mar. 18. Bellini's opera "Beatrice di Tenda" presented at
Palmo's Opera House, New York City, with Majocchi, prima donna.
1844. April 27. Donizetti's opera "Lucrezia Borgia" presented in
New Orleans.
1844. May 6. Donizetti's opera "Anne Boleyn" presented in English
by the Seguin Company at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1844. Nov. 16. Ricci's opera "Chiara de Rosenberg" presented at
Palmo's Opera House, New York City, with Borghese, Antignone,
Valtellina, and Sanquirico.
1844. Nov. 16. Beethoven's "Egmont" overture given at the Academy
of Music, Boston.
1844. Nov. 16. Mendelssohn's "Hebrides" overture and Beethoven's
Eighth Symphony (F major) given by the Philharmonic Society, New
York City, G. Loder conducting.
1844. Nov. 25. Balfe's opera "The Bohemian Girl" given by the
Seguin Company in New York City.
1844. Nov. 28. Donizetti's opera "Belisario" presented at Palmo's
Opera House, New York City, with Borghese, Pico, Perozzi and
Tomaso.
1844. Dec. 14. Beethoven's "Battle of Waterloo" (Wellington)
Symphony given at the Tabernacle, Broadway, New York City, by a
"powerful and sufficient orchestra" under U. B. Hill, in aid of
a fund for the French Free School.
1844. Dec. 15. Henri Vieuxtemps, noted Belgian violinist, made his
American début at a concert at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1844. Alexandre Artôt, French violinist, and Leopold von Meyer,
German pianist, made their first American tour.
1844. New York Musical Institute established. It was merged into
the Harmonic Society in 1849.
1845. Jan. 11. Spohr's overture to "Jessonda" given by the
Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1845. Jan. 26. Handel's oratorio "Samson" performed by the Handel
and Haydn Society, Boston.
1845. Mar. 1. W. Sterndale Bennett's overture to "Die Najaden"
given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1845. April 19. Mendelssohn's "Zum Märchen von der Schönen
Melusine" given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1845. June 4. Production, in English, of William H. Fry's grand
opera "Leonora" at the Chestnut St. Theatre, Philadelphia,--the
first grand opera written by an American. The Italian version
was given at the Academy of Music, New York City, in March,
1858. The cast at Philadelphia was P. Richings, Ed. Seguin,
Brunton, Frazer, Mrs. Seguin and Miss Ince. In the New York
production Sig. Rocco, Gassier, Barratini, Tiberini, Madame de
la Grange, Madame d'Angri and Madame Morra.
1845. Nov. 22. Mendelssohn's "Scotch Symphony" given by the
Philharmonic Society, New York City, G. Loder conducting.
1845. Dec. 21. Handel's oratorio "Moses in Egypt" given by the
Handel and Haydn Society, Boston.
1846. Jan. 17. Mendelssohn's Pianoforte Concerto in G Minor given
by the Philharmonic Society, New York City, with H. C. Timm as
soloist.
1846. Feb. 14. Spohr's overture to "Faust" given at the
Philharmonic Concerts, Boston.
1846. Mar. 7. Kalliwoda's First Symphony (D minor) given by the
Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1846. Mar. 9. Donizetti's opera "Don Pasquale" presented in
English at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1846. May 20. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (D minor) given by the
Philharmonic Society of New York at Castle Garden, New York
City.
1846. Steyermark's Orchestra of twenty men visited America and
made their first appearance in New York City.
1846. Oct. 12. Camille Sivori, noted Italian violinist, made his
American début in a concert at the Broadway Tabernacle, New York
City.
1846. Nov. 21. Berlioz's overture to "King Lear" given by the
Philharmonic Society of New York City. A. Boucher, conductor.
1847. Jan. 4. Donizetti's opera "Linda di Chamounix" presented at
Palmo's Opera House, New York City, with a company including
Clotilde Barili, Mlle. Pico, Benedetti, Sanquirico and Barili.
Rapetti, conductor.
1847. Jan. 9. Deutscher Liederkranz organized in New York City,
with Dr. Ludwig as conductor.
1847. Jan. 9. Mendelssohn Festival held at the Castle Garden, New
York City, under U. C. Hill.
1847. Jan. 9. The Havana Opera Company arrived in America with
Luigi Arditi as conductor. The company included Fortunata
Tedesco, prima donna, Perelli, tenor, Cesar Badiale, bass, also
Bottesini, the noted double-bass virtuoso.
1847. Jan. 3. Coppola's opera "Nina Pazza per Amore" presented by
the Havana Company at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1847. Mar. 3. Verdi's opera "I Lombardi" presented at Palmo's
Opera House, New York City, with Narili, Patti, Beneventano.
1847. April 15. Verdi's opera "Ernani" presented at the Park
Theatre, New York City, by the Havana Company, with Tedesco,
Perelli and Novelli. Arditi conducting.
1847. April 23. First season of Italian opera in Boston, begun
with "Ernani" at the Howard Athenaeum, given by the Havana Opera
Company.
1847. May 13. Musical Fund Society organized in Boston. Lasted
till 1856.
1847. June 12. Pacini's opera "Saffo" presented at the Park
Theatre, New York City, by the Havana Opera Company.
1847. Aug. 4. Madame Anna Bishop, noted English singer, made her
American début at the Park Theatre, New York City.
1847. Nov. 14. Mozart's Third Symphony (E flat major) and
Bristow's Concert Overture (Opus 3) given by the Philharmonic
Society of New York City.
1847. American début of Teresa Truffi, soprano, in "Ernani" at the
Astor Place Opera House, New York City, which was opened in this
month under the management of Patti, Sanquirico and Pogliano.
The company included Clotilde and Antonio Barili, Benedetti and
Sanquirico.
1847. Dec. 5. Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabeus" given by the
Handel and Haydn Society in Boston.
1847. Mozart Society organized in Chicago, under the direction of
Frank Lumbard.
1848. Jan. 8. Beethoven's Seventh Symphony (in F,)
given by the Musical Fund Society, Boston.
1848. Feb. 1. Bellini's opera "I Capuletti e Montecchi" presented
at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, for the début of
Caterina Barilli Patti, as _Romeo_.
1848. Feb. 14. Mercadante's opera "Il Guiramento" presented at the
Astor Place Opera House, New York City, with Truffi, Benedetti,
Rossi and Beneventano.
1848. April 4. Verdi's opera "Nabucco" presented at the Astor
Place Opera House, New York City, with Truffi, Amalia Patti.
1848. April 11. Schumann's secular cantata, "Paradise and the
Peri," given in New York City, by the Musical Institute, Henry
C. Timm conducting.
1848. April 29. Spohr's Symphony in E flat, given by the
Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1848. May 4. Wallace's opera "Maritana" given by the Seguin
Company in Philadelphia.
1848. May 14. Mendelssohn's "Midsummer Night's Dream," music given
by the Germania Orchestra in New York City.
1848. Oct. 2. American début of Maurice Strakosch, noted conductor
and impresario, at the First Grand Musical Festival of the
season, at the Broadway Tabernacle, New York City, given by the
"Italian Opera Company of the United States."
1848. Oct. 5. The Germania Orchestra, consisting of German
revolutionary refugees, organized and gave their first concert
in America at Niblo's Garden, New York City.
1848. Nov. 16. Gungl's Orchestra of twenty-five players gave their
first concert in New York City, at the Broadway Tabernacle,
after which they made a tour of the United States, playing
chiefly dance-music.
1848. Dec. 2. W. Sterndale Bennett's overture to "Die Waldnymphe"
given by the Philharmonic Society, New York City.
1848. Edouard Remenyi, noted Hungarian violinist, made first
American tour, and Richard Hoffman was the first noted pianist
to visit Chicago.
1848. Musical Convention held in Chicago for the first time.
1848. During this season the Havana Opera Company again visited
America bringing Steffanone, Bosio, Tedesco (soprani); Vietto
(contralto); Salvi, Bettini and Lorini (tenori); Badiali, Setti,
Marini, and Coletti (bassi)--the best company heard in America
up to that time.
Also Max Maretzek arrived in New York and began his
career as impresario. His company included Madame
Laborde, and Truffi (soprani); Amalia Patti (contralto);
Benedetti and Arnoldi (tenori); Giubeli, Rossi and Salvatore
Patti (bassi). Also, later, Teresa Parodi. His first
public appearance was on Oct. 5, at the Chestnut Street
Theatre, Philadelphia, conducting "Norma."
1849. Nov. 24. Beethoven's Fourth Symphony (B flat major) given by
the Philharmonic Society, New York City, also Mendelssohn's
Violin Concerto (E minor) with Joseph Burke as soloist.
1849. Dec. 10. Donizetti's opera "Marie de Rohan" presented in New
York City, on which occasion Giuletta Perrini, Italian soprano,
made her American début supported by Patti, Forti, Giubelei and
Beneventano.
1849. Dec. 16. Donizetti's opera "Il Poliuto" performed as an
oratorio (The Martyrs) by the Handel and Haydn Society, Boston.
1849. Saengerfest held in Cincinnati, O.
1849. Musikverein founded in Milwaukee, Wis.
1849. The Artists' Union Opera Company formed in New York City,
including Bosio, De Vries, Bettini, Lorini, Badiali, and
Coletti. They gave what they claimed was the first performance
in America of Meyerbeer's opera "Roberto il Diavolo." (See April
7, 1834).
1849-1874. Sacred Harmonic Society, New York City.