3-053-681 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Signor Agnesi, 1873. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. W. and D. Downey. 'This eminent vocalist...produced a grand opera in two acts entitled "Hermold le Norman," which met with considerable success at the Brussels Grand Opera. Subsequently the young composer put music to a comic opera by Scribe, the production of which was nearly prevented by the sudden illness of the baritone engaged. In this emergency Agnesi under took the part, and was so successful in his double capacity of singer and composer that he was, it is said, called twenty-four times before the curtain. This event determined the career of Agnesi as an operatic singer. Rossini happened to be present on the occasion referred to, and by the influence of that great composer a Parisian career was opened to the artist. The counsels of the Italian maestro were of high benefit to Agnesi, who is now one of the best of the few thoroughly Rossinian singers of the day. Special proof of this has been afforded during the present season, as heretofore, by Signor Agnesi's fine performance as Assur, in "Semiramide," as given at the Drury-Lane Opera, with which establishment Signor Agnesi has been connected several years past'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.