Metropolitan Opera Archives

There seems to be no doubt that Artur Bodanzky is one of the best equipped conductors of German opera the Metropolitan has had. Precisely how great he is remains to be determined, but his directing of "Der Rosenkavalier" at yesterday's matinee was on a par with that of Thursday night, when he made more of "Der Götterdämmerung" than Metropolitan patrons have been led to believe was possible.

It is to be hoped Mr. Bodanzky will find it consistent to cut part of the closing portion of the first act of "Der Rosenkavalier" which even his sympathetic and highly illuminating interpretation yesterday failed to make less dreary.

All that is needed to increase the interest of this opera is elimination of much of the superabundant music which now weights it. This was pointed out in these columns at the time of the American premiere, two seasons ago, and each hearing of the Strauss work only strengthens this belief.

Mr. Bodanzky conducted with rare insight into the beauties of "Der Rosenkavalier" and obtained from his orchestra smoothness and finish - notably in the quieter portions - which he was able to obtain in corresponding measure at his first appearance in this city with the Wagner opera.

Mme. Hempel's singing of the Princess was one of the artistic treats of a splendid performance as was Mme. Ober's presentation of Octavian, which is more mature than when the mezzo-soprano first gave it to New York. Miss Edith Mason as Sophie made her introductory appearance with fair measure of success, and the remaining principals, including Otto Goritz in the role of Baron Ochs and Herman Weil as Van Faninal, were admirable.

Search by season: 1915-16

Search by title: Der Rosenkavalier,

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