[Met Performance] CID:64550



L'Elisir d'Amore
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, December 30, 1916 Matinee





L'Elisir d'Amore (16)
Gaetano Donizetti | Felice Romani
Adina
Frieda Hempel

Nemorino
Enrico Caruso

Belcore
Antonio Scotti

Dr. Dulcamara
Adamo Didur

Giannetta
Lenora Sparkes


Conductor
Gennaro Papi


Director
Jules Speck

Set Designer
James Fox





L'Elisir d'Amore received six performances this season.

Review 1:

Review of W. J. Henderson in the Sun:

Donizetti's opera "L'Elisir d'Amore" was performed at the Metropolitan Opera House yesterday afternoon. It was the first time the delightful little comic work had been heard there since January 27, 1910. Before then within the decade, however, it had had hearings sufficient to give it a familiar acquaintance with operagoers.

Mr. Caruso sang the Nemorino in the opera in his early day in his New York career some twelve years ago, and again yesterday in the same role he was a star figure in the cast that, save Mr. Scotti as Belcore, was made up of singers new in their parts. Mme. Hempel was the Adina. Her general impersonation of the part was a charming one. She sang with lovely voice, much florid facility and with sparkle and grace of style.

In the role of Nemorino Mr. Caruso was very happy. He sang the music with rare beauty of tone and with a finely polished art in vocalism. His acting was also excellent. After his-singing of "Una Furtiva Lagrima" in the last act, the applause continued for many minutes. The tenor showed that he did not wish to sing the air again, and when finally the performance was allowed to proceed he sang as his first words "To repeat is not allowable."

Mr. Didur was the Dulcamara. He was suffering from a severe cold and may be said to have spoken rather than sung his words. His fine resources as an actor saved the day, however, and hence he was able as the quack doctor to carry his important part through to the end with a skill in depicting humor and volubility that was quite irresistible.

Mr. Scotti made a handsome Sergeant Belcore and he sang and acted well, as he has been wont to do before in the part. Miss Sparkes was the Giannetta, and thereby acquitted herself with credit. The choruses were admirably sung. Mr. Papi conducted the performance with artistic skill. The audience was one that filled the auditorium to its very walls.

Photograph of Frieda Hempel as Adina and Enrico Caruso as Nemorino in L'Elisir d'Amore by White Studio.



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