Metropolitan Opera Archives

Coupled with "Cavalleria Rusticana" for the first time, "L'Amico Fritz" was given at the Saturday matinee, the shorter work having also its first performance this season. The cast in "L'Amico Fritz" was the same that has appeared in the work since its revival last month and included Mmes. Bori, Alcock and Anthony, and Messrs. Fleta, Danise, Wolf and Paltrinieri. Mme. Bori sang and acted deliciously, and Mr. Fleta again established the fact that he is one of the most satisfactory singers that have come to us in a long while. Mr. Danise's character work was exceedingly fine and Mme. Alcock did her bit very well indeed.

The performance of "Cavalleria" was of unusual excellence. The role of Santuzza is peculiarly fitting to Miss Ponselle both vocally and histrionically and, while some of her "business" may seem a trifle overdone, her magnificent voice (which grows more beautiful with each hearing) and her exceedingly Italianate impersonation of the rôle were a real delight. Mr. Chamlee sang beautifully and also acted most convincingly. Mr. Picco's Alfio, a desperately difficult role to do anything with at all, was fine both vocally and dramatically. Mmes. Perini and Egener were satisfactory in their small parts.

Mr. Moranzoni conducted both operas and, save for his usual tendency toward slow tempi, did very well. Mr. Setti's chorus, usually so super-perfect, was a little ragged and not always quite on the key, but the Prayer was absolutely thrilling.

Search by season: 1923-24

Search by title: L'Amico Fritz, Cavalleria Rusticana,

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