Metropolitan Opera Archives

Lucrezia Bori and her first act spinnaker had no trouble in the first act of "La Traviata" at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening, as the "Carmen" spinnaker did on Saturday. Spinnakers and balloon jib topsails are good canvas when the wind is fair and there is sea room, but they are risky baggage for prima donnas who have to sit in chairs or fall upon mercilessly exposed stages.

Miss Bori was in excellent voice last evening, and that is something that gives joy. Her voice has been mellower and smoother of late than it was at one period in her career, and her cantilena has a flow and a liquidity that make it a continual delight. Her acting as Violetta was charming in the first act last evening and suitable in the others. There was room for mild wonder at her passionate attachment to Alfredo, but it was so nominated in the bond.

The Alfredo was Mr. Lauri-Volpi, who gave the impression of a modified rapture at the reception of his advances by the fair lady and who sang as though he were willing that all the world should hear him. A goodly part of it did, for the audience was large and there was a tumultuousness of applause.

Mr. de Luca impersonated the stern parent who shattered love's young dream. It was worthy of note that Lawrence Tibbett, who awoke one morning to find himself famous, was cast for the minute rôle if Marquis d'Obigny, which he conscientiously performed with the devotion of an artist. When a young singer makes a hit and neither loses nor acquires a head there is much hope for him.

Search by season: 1924-25

Search by title: La Traviata,

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