The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-21
WACHTEL, THE TENOR.
His Debut in Paris Previous to His Departure
for the United states.

Tor the united states.
Paris correspondence Of the Missouri Democrat
Wachtel the celebrated Prussian tenor, who,
hear, has been engaged at fabulous prices by Stra-
kosch for tour in the United States made his debut
in the opera Of II TTOoatoTe had read so much Of
his superiority and felt so curious TO see how he
would be received by critical Paris audience,
that could not resist the opportunity of hearing him.
Herr Wachtel to take him at footlight valuation Is
handsome fsllow-young, medium height, grace
ful figure comely face, with dark hair, moustache,
and imperial-"a combination and form indeed"
which, In America especially, must go very far 10
make his debut success.
Wachtel's first notes, though reminding me OF
Brignolis, were not so pure, nor was the serenade
as whole uneXceptlonably given. The house ap-
pauded moderately, more, it seemed to me, by way
OF encouragement than from any decided satiSfac-
ton at the rendering OF the song. His graceful
entree handsome figure, and gallant bearing through
out the succeeding scene with "Count al Luna aud
Leonora" told largely in his favor, but were nothing
compared to the quality of his voice disclosed in
the spirited alteration with his rival the "Count,"
at the close of the act His full chest tones Won
derfully clear and fine, and, in taking some OF the
high notes, sent thrill OF surprise and qualification
through the house, which finally burst in storm OF
applause j have never seen equalled. "Bravo (!
Bravon resounded on all sides, mingled with some-
thing like prolonged American yell and fierce
cappng Of hands. Before the curtain fell the singer
was called twice TO the front.
Through the second act Wachtel excited no special
admiration. In fact, had he acquitted himself never
well, doubt If in the surroundings the audience
would have been disposed to approve anything.
The anvil chorus was poorly given: Added TO this,
Morensl ade horoe WORK OF the long recital OF the
effective performance.
In the love scene in the third act with "Leonora"
his soft tones were not remarkable, and seemed to
disappoint his auditors At the close OF the third
act however, where upon the OF the bridal cere-
monies, he receives the summons to meet the
"Count di Luna" he again excited the house to
frenzy of applause, his delivery being full OF fire.
and his magnificent chest tones, in the highest scale
ringing forth with clearness and purity that had
an electric effect upon his auditors. When called
out repetition was demanded by many but Others
If unwilling to try his voice severely cried out
against it. He approached the footlights for mo-
ment undecided, then giving his sword dsdanfu
wave, motioned the orchestra to proceed, and again
sang as wonderfully as before.
His rather uncertain or incomplete success had at
this moment wrought in me considerable SYM
pathy and 1t was under such feeling that awaited
the fourth act and the tower song which is gene
raj u favOrite
The enectIto me, when the tenor voice pure and
sweet, is most touching. Herr Wachtel did not do
1t justice. His voice, whether from having been
strained at the close of the third act from ina
bility to render the softer passages with purity and
smoothness, did not reach my ideal, did not equal
that of Brignoli in the same-fe Short in fact, to
| that degree that the audience moved uneasly in
their seats and gave many other tokens OF disap-
| pointment In the duet with "AZucena," at the
conclusion Morens spoiled it all. And so the opera
| closed and with 1t was rendered mixed verdict
| for the young tenor.