[Met Performance] CID:91680



La Gioconda
Metropolitan Opera House, Thu, December 24, 1925




La Gioconda (83)
Amilcare Ponchielli | Arrigo Boito
La Gioconda
Rosa Ponselle

Enzo
Beniamino Gigli

Laura
Jeanne Gordon

Barnaba
Mario Basiola

Alvise
José Mardones

La Cieca
Merle Alcock

Singer/Zuàne
Vincenzo Reschiglian

Isèpo
Max Altglass

Monk
Louis D'Angelo

Steersman
Arnold Gabor


Conductor
Tullio Serafin







Review 1:

Review signed M. W. in the Tribune

Noteworthy "La Gioconda" Presentation Enjoyed

Rosa Ponselle Sings Role of Heroine With Brilliance; Beniamino Gigli Scores

Christmas Eve at the opera, while not conspicuous for a crowded house, was, on the other hand, noteworthy for several features upon the stage. It was the familiar Ponchielli work, "La Gioconda," with which the season opened, but given with some changes in the original cast. Rosa Ponselle was again the self-abnegating heroine, singing with a brilliance and power which she has hardly equaled this year, and Beniamino Gigli as Enzo brought down the rapturous thunder as usual after his aria, "Cielo e mar."

Titta Ruffo, billed as Barnaba, was prevented at the last moment by an "indisposition" and gave over the role as an unexpected Christmas present to Mario Basiola, the newest of the company's barytones. Never having sung the part before on this stage, he acquitted himself with distinction, the virtues of his singing exceeding slightly his histrionic malevolence.

Jeanne Gordon resumed the role of Laura with success somewhat marred by an annoying tremble, and Merle Alcock's La Cieca was not insignificant. Messrs. Reschiglian, Altglass, D'Angelo, Mardones and Gabor filled other roles, and the ballet of the Hours caused the usual ripple of enthusiasm. Tullio Serafin wielded a spirited baton and has apparently fully recovered from his recent accident.



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