3-034-585 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Signor Mario, 1871. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. W. and D. Downey. 'The specialty of the closing week at the Royal Italian Opera - indeed, it might be said the chief event of the musical year - was the farewell benefit of Signor Mario, when the great tenor appeared avowedly for the last time on any stage. The opera selected for his final dramatic performance was "La Favorita," in which his representation of Fernando has long been considered one of his most effective displays of histrionic and declamatory power...Born to a title (Marquis of Candia), Signor Mario, an officer in a Sardinian regiment, was early esteemed in private circles as an amateur singer possessed of a tenor voice of remarkably beautiful quality...Unfortunately, his voice began to decline when his best powers as an actor became most conspicuous. To the last, however, the cultivated singer was apparent under all his vocal disadvantages. At his farewell performance...Signor Mario again roused the audience to a display of the wildest enthusiasm. The reception of the singer throughout was such as strongly showed the esteem in which he has been held, and the universal regret that his failing powers of voice should have rendered his retirement unavoidable'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.