[Met Tour] CID:101040



La Traviata
Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York, Brooklyn, Tue, January 15, 1929









Review 1:

Review of Harold A. Strickland in the Brooklyn Times

'TRAVIATA' SUNG HERE WITH GALLI

Soprano in Poor Voice at Academy Presentation

Brooklyn's opera season reached the half-way mark last night when Verdi's "Traviata" was sung at the Academy of Music with Amelita Galli-Curci in the title role, making her annual visit to this borough.

Giuseppe Bamboschek, who has not conducted in this borough for almost two seasons, was in charge of operations and in support of the coloratura were Messrs. Lauri-Volpi and De Luca and Mmes. Wells and Falco. Others in the cast were Messrs. Patrinieri, Reschiglian, Picco and Ananian.

Although no announcement was made, Mme. Galli gave every indication of being a member of the company's indisposed contingent. That brilliant coloratura lacked its accustomed sparkle and brilliance last night and its owner appeared to be singing under difficulties. The tones were thin and at time colorless and very often, though the facial muscles were functioning, there was an inaudible vocal response.

Mme. Galli was compelled also to sing against an orchestral accompaniment which became not infrequently a din. Mr. Bamboschek's long absence from the Academy has no doubt resulted in his forgetting the size of the auditorium. The first act was largely orchestral except when Mr. Lauri-Volpi appeared, while the second was somewhat better as though the conductor had been informed of the results of his action. But the orchestral-singing was continued until the final act.

It was learned today that Mme. Galli reported ill yesterday morning, but expressed a desire to carry out her Brooklyn assignment. The Metropolitan had Lucrezia Bori ready, but Mme. Galli at the last moment insisted upon singing the role in order not to disappoint Brooklyn subscribers with whom she is a favorite.

Mr. Lauri-Volpi, apparently resolved that could not survive unless he reverted to type, became again that lustily-lunged tenor of last season, instead of continuing the promise which his previous appearances this year seemed to indicate that he was devoting himself carefully to his mezzo voce.

Mr. De Luca was the best vocalist of the evening. The role of the elder Germont is far from unfamiliar to him and last night he gave another of his thoroughly his artistic interpretations.

Among the supporting cast, Miss Wells stood out as the Flora making the most of her opportunities and doing good work.



Search by season: 1928-29

Search by title: La Traviata,



Met careers