Metropolitan Opera Archives

Giordano's "Fedora" came to life again at the Metropolitan Opera House last night with Maria Jeritza as the emotional heroine and Giovanni Martinelli as the equally emotional hero. It will be remembered that the popular tenor was an invalid for some months last year and Beniamino Gigli stepped into the part temporarily, and thereby hangs the tale of the first chapter of the famous Jeritza-Gigli quarrel.

There was no indication of a fracas last evening, however, except that demanded by the dramatist. Mme. Jeritza made her first appearance in a stunning costume of white satin with long swaying silver fringe. She sang with remarkable brilliance and throughout the evening her acting was as thrilling as her top notes.

Mr. Martinelli made an auspicious season's debut as Loris, giving liberally and ardently of his magnificent voice. The finished art of Antonio Scotti, musical and dramatic, defying the years, was one of the very enjoyable details of last night's performance. His third act drinking song was, as usual, a delight.

Nannette Guilford sang Olga agreeably and made a pretty picture. The minor roles were sung by Mmes. Dalossy and Bonetti and Messrs. Bada, Paltrinieri, Picco, Ananian and Gustafson. Mr. Papi conducted.

All the audience's attention, however, was not directed to the stage. The blonde heroine shared this with the dark, bobbed-haired royal Japanese Princess Asaka, who, with her husband, was a guest of Judge Elbert M. Gary in his parterre box. The Princess wore a becoming green gown, and seemed to enjoy the Occidental music and the eloquent performance of those on stage.

Search by season: 1925-26

Search by title: Fedora,

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