Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times January 13, 1895

A WEEK’S MUSICAL TOPICS
Timely Gossip of the Concert Halls
and Opera Houses
Dvorak, Sanderson, and the Manurel
The Doctors’ Overture Trilogy - Sibyl
Sanderson’s Voice and Beauty
Manurel and His Per-
sonality.

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     At the Metropolitan Opera House the subscribers are looking forward to the production of “Manon” on Wednesday evening, and the d‚but of Miss Sibyl Sanderson. We have no disposition to prejudice any one against this young American, but those who have set their expectations very high are going to meet with some disappointment. Miss Sanderson’s Parisian note was based upon three facts: First, that she was the protégé‚ of M. Jules Massenet; second, that she could sing G in altissimo, and third, that she was possessed of potent physical charms which she exhibited with uncommon generosity.
     It has never been said of her by the best critics of Paris - such as Ernest Reyer or Adolphe Jullien - that she was an artist of rare gifts or exceptional accomplishments. Perhaps there is nothing more significant with which she ceased to sing Juliette in Gounod’s opera. If, as it seems possible, the management of the Opera House is content to bring Miss Sanderson before the public in rôles with which her name is identified, it will be a good thing in every way. We shall hear some new works, and the young lady will be praised. She is a beautiful woman, and, though her voice has not so great a range as that of the young woman who advertises that she can sing higher than Agujari, she is an artist of excellent abilities. Her chief danger just at present is that Opera House patrons may expect too much of her by reason of the extensive advance puffery which she has received.

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Last updated December 30, 2006