Metropolitan Opera Archives

Giovanni Martinelli, sporting the cap and bells of Canio in "Pagliacci," made his first appearance since his severe siege of typhoid fever last night at the Metropolitan Opera House, ending an absence of almost three months. His welcome was one of warm and general enthusiasm.

When the tenor first appeared in the familiar donkey cart a wave of clapping swept all parts of the auditorium, while the orchestra and chorus kept bravely on until a convenient pause. Then the performance halted for two minutes while the musicians joined the audience in the demonstration, which was a notably sincere and comprehensive tribute to a highly regarded artist. Eventually Mr. Martinelli pronounced his [first] lines, the sense of which was, most appropriately, "May I be permitted to speak?"

The tenor was moved to tears by the public display of enthusiasm over his recovery, when a large bouquet was passed across the footlights at the beginning of the second act and reached him as he stood in the wings with his two small daughters in his arms. At the end of "Pagliacci" all those taking part were recalled three times. On the third recall Mr. Martinelli was pushed to the front of the stage by his colleagues to bow and wave his hand repeatedly in acknowledgement of the applause, but he did not speak.

After "Vesti la giubba," the ovation lasted five minutes or more, joined in by the inhabitants of the boxes as well as the chronic enthusiasts among the standees. Mr. Martinelli's voice has not suffered through his illness, though certain unsteadiness in one or two top notes suggested a slight degree of nervousness.

Queena Mario performed the part of Nedda with considerable charm, the Bird Song showing vocal smoothness and aptitude for high notes. Mr. Danise fared well as Tonio, with Messrs. Patrinierei and Tibbett in the other parts.

"Le Coq d'Or" followed with Mr. Papi at the helm. There was a change from the familiar cast in the appearance of Max Bloch as the Astrologer. Instead of Mr. Diaz, while the other vocal and ballet parts were held for the most part as usual; Rosina Galli seen, and Thalia Sabanieeva heard, in the role of the Princess; Alex Kosloff and Adamo Didur singing the warning notes of the golden fowl. The audience was large, speculators getting $10 or $11 for some seats.

Search by season: 1924-25

Search by title: Pagliacci, Le Coq d'Or,

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