2-888-461 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "Der Freischutz" (The Wolf's Glen), at the Royal Italian Opera, 1850. 'The overture was encored rapturously...the rush in the concluding passage was tremendous...the chords were struck like the firing-off of artillery. Of the principals, Mdlle. Vera and Herr Formes carried off the honours: the former has greatly improved by her Parisian experience...She was not so successful in the romance and air in the last act, not adhering strictly to her text; but, on the whole, she created quite a sensation by her debut. Formes [as Caspar]...gave the Drinking Song, and his aria finale of the first act, with marvellous fire. His death scene was remarkably fine. Mdme. Castellan sang the adagio of the grand scena beautifully; but she ruined many portions of her singing by introducing roulades quite out of keeping with Weber's music.' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.