Metropolitan Opera Archives

For Wagner disciples and music lovers in general, Gatti-Casazza last night - the second of the Metropolitan Opera House season - presented us with "Tannhäuser." On her initial appearance of the season Jeritza was greeted with long and loud acclaim. And for the performance as a whole there was great applause. From all of which you are correct in gathering that the greeting complex is still upon the opera lovers and likely will color their receptions all this week, at least.

Artur Bodanzky bowed deep and often to the hurrah that greeted him and then proceeded to wave his masterful wand. His conducting was spirited and at times almost brilliant. Throughout it all he seemed to have complete control of every note that issued from the pit.

The Jeritza, looking more glorious than ever, seemed a bit strident as though there was too much pressure used in the attempt to attain great volume. This is so unnecessary in this great artist for her lovely voice, easily used, will fill auditoriums far larger than the Metropolitan.

Rudolf Laubenthal 's voice seemed rested, in sharp contract to his strained, tired singing part of last season. He still overacts, his timing of his melodramatic work often throwing the tempo of an entire scene out of kilter. To that consummate artist Clarence Whitehill we doff our fall chapeau in deep obeisance. What a model for all singers! Last night he was in excellent voice and his performance of the role of Wolfram was something to drink in and cherish long after.

Richard Mayr sang the role of the Landgraf with distinction and a fine sense of its values. Julia Claussen was acceptable in the part of Venus. Others in the cast were Max Altglass, Arnold Gabor, Max Bloch, James Wolfe, and Editha Fleischer.

The choral work, always a noteworthy feature of Metropolitan performances last night again earned the laurel wreath for Giulio Setti. The audience seemed to relish every moment of "Tannhäuser." For it was not the most brilliant performance this powerful music drama has received here, but for this early in the season, it seemed to us to rank very high. For which we suspect and thank Maestro Bodanzky.

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