Metropolitan Opera Archives

Melancholy memories still cling to "La Juive," as the last opera in which Enrico Caruso sang at the Metropolitan, and the one of his last new role. But that General Manager Gatti-Casazza acted advisedly in restoring it to the repertoire after shelving it for two seasons, was again made clear beyond a shadow of doubt when Halevy's old opera had its first performance of the season at the Metropolitan Friday night.

Giovanni Martinelli stirred his audience to shouts by his vigorous singing in the finale of the first act and, even more excitedly, at the close of the first scene of the last act, when the patriarchal Eleazar sings the tenor lament, "Rachel, quand du Seigneur," ever the high point of the opera.

Rosa Ponselle, too, gave lavishly of her vocal riches in the part of Rachel, one of her happiest roles. She was resplendent on this occasion in new and personally becoming array, with a change of color scheme for each act. That is the now familiar way of ascendant stars, but one could only recall how much more appropriate were the simpler costumes she wore when the revival was first made at the Metropolitan.

The Cardinal of "La Juive" remains Leon Rothier's best role. He again brought to it the grand manner of Halevy's operatic day. Others appearing were Ralph Errolle as Leopold, Charlotte Ryan as The Princess, and Arnold Gabor, James Wolfe and Louis D'Angelo in secondary parts.

Some of the principals sang flat at times, but to itemize such details would be to over-emphasize their importance in what was an excellent representation. Florence Rudolph took over the steps Rosina Galli has danced heretofore in the two charming divertissements. Louis Hasselmans, who last season succeeded Artur Bodanzky as the conductor of "La Juive," gave a circumspect and polished performance.

Search by season: 1925-26

Search by title: La Juive,

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