Metropolitan Opera Archives

L'Africaine received four performances, probably in Italian, this season.
Jean Lassalle repeated Nélusko's Act III aria

Review 1:

Review of Henry Krehbiel in the New York Tribune

Mr. Lassalle, it is pleasant to say, brings something besides a reputation into the company. He supplies one of the wants that have been grievously felt ever since the [first] season - a baritone who can sing and act. His figure is herculean, his acting intelligent and straightforward. Under the fantastic picturesqueness of his interpretation of Nelusko in "L'Africaine" (the opera chosen for his debut) there was manifest an honest manliness that made a profound impression upon the audience last night. To see three such splendid representations of physical and artistic manhood as the two De Reszkes and Mr. Lassalle on the stage was in itself a unique sensation. The spectators were not wanting in appreciation of it, and paid a willing and generous tribute to the trio. Musically they towered above their associates as they did physically. There seemed to be a mutual encouragement in their cooperation, and all put such superb work to their credit that it dwarfed the well-meant endeavors of Miss Nordica, who was specially engaged to sing the role of Selika-another instance of the energy and generosity of the Management-and Mlle. Pettigiani, the Inez of the occasion.

Hand tinted photograph of Lillian Nordica as Sélika by Falk.

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