Metropolitan Opera Archives

Richard Strauss's lyric comedy "Der Rosenkavalier" was performed at the Metropolitan Opera House yesterday afternoon for the first time this season. This opera retains its place in the repertory largely because of the presence in the company of several singers capable of bringing out all that the score and adding to it of their own personal magnetism. Yesterday's performance was one of general excellence. There were few rough spots and few failures to meet the musical and dramatic requirements of the work. On the other hand there was much of brilliancy and achievement.

Mme. Easton once more delineated the character and expressed the emotions of the Princess Werdenberg?with all her admirable skill in lyric declamation and action prompted by quick intelligence. Her impersonation was again one of charm and musical beauty. Mme. Jeritza's Octavian had not acquired any large addition of masculinity since last season, but had delightful vivacity and an abundance of vocal vigor.

Miss Rethberg's Sophie was quite as praiseworthy as it was last season, which is saying much. Her singing was a valuable contribution to the musical ensemble. Mr. Bender was the ponderous and foolish Baron. He made the character continually amusing without descending to buffoonery. Mr. Bada and Mme. Howard made the two intriguers conspicuous, and Mr. Schuetzendorf was commendable as Von Faninal. Mme. Marcella Roeseler, formerly of the Wagnerian company was entrusted with the subsidiary role of Marianne. Mr. Bodanzky conducted and the orchestra found in the richly colored score opportunity to be a star of the performance.

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