• FERNI, Carolina: soloist, vl
• FERNI, Virginie: soloist, vl

The Italian Ferni sisters gave four concerts in Prague between 10th February and 16th February 1859. The Dalibor 10/2/1861 and 20/2/1861 reports noted that their first concert took place in the Estates Theatre, but no venue was specified by this periodical for the three subsequent appearances. Although no indication was given by Dalibor as to whether these concerts were given with orchestral accompaniment, as virtuosi renowned throughout Europe who were visiting Prague for the first time, the Fernis almost certainly represented such a substantial attraction as for the Estates Theatre to be given over to their use, and for the theatre orchestra to be utilized for their concerts.

The unsigned review published by Dalibor 20/2/1859, which covered all four appearances, generally praised the quality of their performances although the critic subscribed to the opinion that their legendary fame as performers was ‘much greater’ than the reality of their playing. In comparison with other renowned female violin virtuosi, of which the report cited as examples the Czechs Miss B. Brousilová and the Nerudová sisters, the Fernis were thought to be slightly wanting in strength of violin tone. Of the two sisters, Dalibor noted that Karolina drew the more characteristic sound from her instrument, while the performances of Virginie were considered to be more expressive and sympathetic. More specific description of their performances was given only to Karolina Ferni’s rendition of Mendelssohn’s E minor Violin Concerto in their third concert. However, the review concluded with the observation that the sisters ranked among ‘the best virtuosi on their instrument.’