Metropolitan Opera Archives

Rossini's masterpiece, "William Tell," was repeated at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening. There was a large audience present and the applause was abundant. The performance was smooth, but did not differ in its general effort from the first one. Herr Beck was substituted for Herr Robinson as Tell, and Herr Mödlinger was the Melcthal. Herr Beck vocally was an improvement on his predecessor. His voice was in good condition and he used it with judgment and good effect. But histrionically his interpretation was far from being ideal. He did little to suggest the intense feelings of the patriot; on the contrary, he frequently conveyed the impression of a man well contented with his surroundings and not at all disposed to indulge in revolutionary exertions. However, if William Tell was satisfied, no one else ought to complain. Herr Perotti repeated his impersonation of Arnold, including the C sharp, and the painful absence of anything like moderation of voice. Fräulein Föhström was in good voice and sang her music tastefully. Fräulein Kaschowska sang neatly, but her acting was just as uncertain and timid as before. Herr Fischer appeared again as Walter. The chorus and orchestra did their work well, but Herr Seidl displayed the same tendency to hasten the tempi as at the first performance.

Search by season: 1888-89

Search by title: Guillaume Tell [William Tell],

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