Metropolitan Opera Archives

With a debutante heroine to die the prescribed death by boiling oil, "La Juive" was offered last night at the Metropolitan Opera House for the second time this season. The new Rachel was Mme. Elena Rakowska, Russian soprano, the wife of the Metropolitan's noted Italian conductor, Tullio Serafin. Mr. Martinelli, as usual, was the Eleazar, and M. Rothier was the Cardinal, while Mr. Hasselmans conducted.

While last night's appearance was her first at the Metropolitan, Mme. Rakowska has had no little operatic experience abroad, and played Rachel as one well acquainted with the role and its histrionic demands. She met these very satisfactorily in a performance that was emotional, while not overdone, and effective.

With a voice of good size, Mme. Rakowska's singing was of uneven merit. There were passages sung with a very good quality of tone, but certain higher and stronger notes lacked clarity and smoothness, with a quality which sometimes accompanies vocal strain, although her singing did not, as a rule, give an impression of effort. Her enunciation of French was an asset in an able performance. The soprano won a very cordial reception and received numerous curtain calls.

Mr. Martinelli was in good voice as Eleazar, and Mr. Rothier gave a very effective performance as the Cardinal. Editha Fleischer was the Princess, Alfio Tedesco, the perfidious Leopold, and Messrs. Picco, Gustafson, Ananian and Wolfe played other parts. Mmes. Galli and Friedenthal and Mr. Bonfiglio headed the ballet.

It was noted that this was seven years minus a day, since Caruso, as Eleazar, had sung his last Metropolitan performance - also on a Friday night.

Search by season: 1927-28

Search by title: La Juive,

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