Year: 1872

"uituC LuCCb ~ HtT uduSlOu III FouTtccHIH
street. last night, was worthy Of this envied queen
1t Is indeed long time since any artist, however
brilliant, was the recipient of such generous
welcome, and whether or not the famous cantatrice
realizes the extraordinary expectations long since
formed or her powers, the warm and heartfelt
greeting OF last night must hold high place in the
annals Of the lyric stage. To be sure the name OF
Lucca had preceded her. but q brief retrospect OF
the past will readily convince the casual observer
that New York Is now prepared to give substantial
appreciation to the best talent the world can pro-
duce.


The cordial reception OF "Unsere Klene Pauline"
was nothing more than the open expression OF this
public feeling-an earnest desire to welcome to the
Empire City the greatest lyric artist OF the day.
And 1t cannot be denied that to one musical organ
izati0n-the far famed dLiederkranz-New York owes
great deal for the marvellous progress observable
In numerous important directions, and it is no
exaggeration to say that its members, represent
ing some Of the best interests OF the metropolis,
have contributed in small degree to the present
refined musical taste for which the city Is becoming
80 widely known. Under such auspices then, as
those Of the popular Lederkranz, it would 60 hard
indeed If the serenade were not glorious success.
Beyond question 1t was musical triumph, reflect
ing credit on the society well as doing full JUS





advent was so appropriately celebrated.


The serenade was, all in all, brilliant affair. As
1t was not generally known at what hour the
Leiderkrans Society would make their appearance
groups began to loiter In Fourteenth street
shortly after eight O'Clock. A charming
manson, with rustic surroundings, attracted
the attention OF many passer by. 1t was the
house Of Pauline Lucca, and when calcium lights
dazzled the eyes of the assemblage, which at ten
O'Clock could be counted by thousands; when case
ments were thrown open on all sides and fair
damsels appeared to witness the scene when the
surging crowd began to swell to enor-
nous proportions so that lOc0m0ti0n
was impossible; when the gentle policemen got on
their dignity and were compelled to restrain the
ardor Of the great moving mass when in fact the
Liederkranz Society appeared, and they were
several hundred strong, the spectacle was
truly gladdening. Here was the first or.
ganization in the country coming forward to
extend hearty welcome all, that ia what the
serenade meant-to an artist who has yet to win
her lyric triumphs in the New World. Ringing
cheers arose from all sides, and although some
difficulty was now and then experienced
In forcing passage the members succeeded in
congregatng In front Of the house No. II East Four
teenth street. The locality was ablaze with bril-
liant lights; every window was crowded. and as
the pressing multitude grew greater and more
earnest The feeling Of expectancy to catch glimse
OF this operate heroine took possession OF all.
The recollection Of the scene will not easily be for
gotten and, in days to come, the serenade to
Lucca by the Liederkranz will ever be recalled
as remark rkable episode In the history of the lyric
stage.


The fair cantatrice was like q ray or light in the
spacious parlors, and her presence lent an addi.
tional charm to what was charming before. Bright
vivaciOus, with smile or kind word for every
body the dainty little sprite flashed through the gal
y.dressed throng visitors like PERI and every one
pressed forward to catch glimpse OF the tantaliz
ing lady who has set half Europe crazy as much by
her charming manner as by her sparkling voice.
IntrOductions poured fast and thick, and 1t was no
easy task especially after the recent fatigue Of
long voyage, to be amable to all. The crowd was
fascinated, mesmerized, or whatever you may be
pleased to callit. Occasionally enthusiastic
gentleman, gifted with an undue allowance ofvoice
ana remarkable scarcity OF hair, would forget all
rules of etiquette and throw himself on his knees
before the fair artist. But the ovation was of such
q surprising kind that even these escapades on
the part of elderly gentlemen were overlooked in
the whirlwind Of excitement The magnificent
parors we're completely thronged when the prin,
cipal singers of the Liederkranz Society were in
troduced to the Queen OF Song. There was the
portly form and jolly face OF Fred Stems, the
smiling countenance of Louis Gefuss, the ever
ready wit of Albert Weber, the spectaced, luminous
eyes OF Bergman and Paur; the vioinst, wieni-
awski, whose r0tundity Of form became the cyno-
sure of ali eyes; the twinkling expression and
circumscribed dimensions Of that prince of bufYos,
Ronconi; the excttable Maretzek; the bland, quiet
Jarrett and hundred others of artistic not0riety.
Among the ladies were Mile. Liebhart, OF the
Rubenstein concert troupe; Miss Vienna Demorest,
the young American artist, and Mrs. Albert Weber.


But the centre Of attraction was the little sprite
that fitted and out OF the parlors making every
one feel at home and uniting to the grace and ele-
gance of the court lady the abandon and ease
of q friend among friends. There is an IT.
resstable magnetism about Lucca In society that
is indescribable. Every one that met her last
night went away delighted and willing captive to
her seductive influence. She is one of those freaks
OF Nature that cannot be judged by ordinary rules,
ana withal accomplished and versed in
In all tie arcana OF fashionable society.
An anomaly, truly. Her toilet evinced some
diamonds flashing from neck and bosom and gilt.
tering in the ripples Of her dark hair made her
bright presence still brighter. When the first
maestro's unison Of the overture to
"Der Freischutzn announced the beginning
of the serenade, the balconies and steps OF the
mansion were thronged by the guests On went the
glorious chez deuure Of Weber. and the eyes of the
little lady sparkled with an additional lustre.
Then the 200 singers or the noble society sung
the 'Bridal Song" Of Kunz. and the orchestra fol-
lowed with delightful bouquet OF melodies from
verdi's Macbeth Next came q chorus from
Marschner and the Coronation March from "Le
Prophetic" The rendering OF the selections was
very creditable, due allowance being made for
the erect of voices and string instruments in the
open air. The Liederkranz Society is remarkable
for the precision and homogeneity Of expression
with which it's members sing, and last night 1t
crowned itself with glory


The scene from the balcony at midnight was one
calculated to stir the most sluggish blood. Far as