[Met Performance] CID:15030



Les Huguenots
Metropolitan Opera House, Tue, April 16, 1895


In Italian



Les Huguenots (47)
Giacomo Meyerbeer | Eugène Scribe/Émile Deschamps
Marguerite de Valois
Nellie Melba

Raoul de Nangis
Jean de Reszke

Valentine
Lillian Nordica

Count de Nevers
Mario Ancona

Urbain
Sofia Scalchi

Count de Saint Bris
Pol Plançon

Marcel
Edouard de Reszke

Tavannes
Antonio Rinaldini

Cossé/Bois-Rosé
Roberto Vanni

Retz
Lodovico Viviani

Lady of Honor
Mathilde Bauermeister

Maurevert
Antonio De Vaschetti

Dance
Maria Giuri


Conductor
Enrico Bevignani







Review 1:

Review from the New York Times:

A performance of "Les Huguenots," such as that given at the Metropolitan Opera House last night, offers considerable food for thought. It is undeniable that it is regarded as a rare and radiant attraction by a large part of the public. Last night the house was crowded, and it was pervaded by an air of expectancy. The most casual observer, however, could not fail to note evidence that a large part of those present had been attracted by the unusual combination of star singers, and not by the music of Meyerbeer. These persons used their libretti and their programmes to identify the artists, with whose appearance they were unacquainted. Having learned which was Jean de Reszke, which Edouard, which Plançon, and which Melba, they gave themselves up to sensuous enjoyment of beautiful tones beautifully delivered. This does not bespeak a high state of musical intelligence. But one cannot forget that only a few days ago the same auditorium was packed by an equally enthusiastic audience, which was wholly absorbed in contemplation of music drama of the most serious kind-and which heard very few beautiful tones beautifully delivered. The significance of these matters seems to be that this is a large town, and that there are a good many different kinds of people in it. Perhaps Messrs. Abbey and Grau will take the hint and widen the limits of their répertoire next season.

?Those of the audience who were regular patrons of the house made the evening an occasion of warm welcome to the favorite singers. When the seven leading singers appeared at the close of the second act to acknowledge the applause they were laden with flowers, even Mlle. Bauermeister getting a handsome bouquet, while the De Reszkes received handsome silver wreaths mounted on velvet.

?The performance, it is hardly necessary to say, was admirable so far as the singing of the principals went. M. Jean de Reszke, M. Edouard de Reszke, Signor Ancona, and M. Plançon, Mme. Melba and Mme. Nordica, were all in good voice, and again and again excited the audience to high enthusiasm. The chorus sang badly nearly all the time, and Signor Bevignani's conducting left much to be desired.



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