Metropolitan Opera Archives

"La Gioconda" was restored to the active repertory of the Metropolitan Opera Company yesterday afternoon. Those who love serene, sensuous music do not cavil at the story of battle, murder and sudden death when so generous a portion of melody, comforting harmony and attractive stage pictures are offered. Ponchielli's measures may be old-fashioned to modern ears tuned to dissonance and rasping sounds, but to others the score never fails to charm, and the ballet is ever a source of delight. Then, too, yesterday's cast deserved to be declared an "all-star" one, headed by Rosa Ponselle and Beniamino Gigli with Jeanne Gordon, Mario Basiola, Merle Alcock and Ezio Pinza crowding close to the leaders.

MISS PONSELLE IN TITLE ROLE

The title role was sung by Miss Ponselle whose voice, like liquid gold, entranced her hearers and frequently enticed them to enthusiasm. Mr. Gigli as Enzo sang, among other things, of "Sky and Sea" with tones as lovely as they were opulent. Mr. Basiola as the doughty villain and spy of the Inquisition, substituted for Giuseppe Danise, who was indisposed. He has sung better, but last minute substitutions are nerve-wracking affairs which usually take some toll on the artist. Miss Gordon was a stately Laura, whose share of the music was acceptable, and Merle Alcock, as the blind mother, was a vocal treat.

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