by 1887, brocolini had begun to suffer from acute rheumatism, which forced him to reduce his performing schedule over the next few years. he performed his usual roles in revivals of "ruddigore" and "the mikado" in 1888 with the stetson opera company, played the duke of plaza toro in "the gondoliers" in 1890 in brooklyn, and appeared in "patience" in 1892 with the brooklyn amateur operetta company. he also appeared in "the corsair" as seyd pasha with rice's company and in "the yeomen of the guard" with stetson's company in 1889, and he continued to sing oratorio until at least 1892.