Metropolitan Opera Archives

Saturday evening's Tannhäuser (Jan. 27) had as its special interest the first appearance here as Wolfram of Richard Bonelli. Mr. Bonelli, identified with the Italian repertoire, had, however, sung this Wagner role often when he was a member of the Chicago Opera. His German was excellent and his delivery of the music that of the accomplished artist we know him to be. In the "O, Du mein holder Abendstern" he sang exquisitely, as also in the other cantilena passages, where the beauty of his voice was apparent. He deserves high praise for his accurate and musical simulation of the arpeggios in the orchestra. He is the only Wolfram this writer has ever heard who has taken the trouble to memorize exactly the harp figures and reproduce them in action on his silent harp as he sings. A detail? To be sure, but one that indicates the true artist.

Mme. Muller was a noble and appealing Elisabeth. Miss Halstead appeared again as Venus, a role in which she has won favor on many occasions. Miss Clark was the Shepherd. Mr. Melchior's singing as Tannhäuser left much to be desired in the first two acts, but in the final one he was admirable. Mr. Pinza's Landgraf was altogether praiseworthy. The knights were Messrs. Clemens, Gabor, Paltrinieri and Wolf.

Karl Riedel conducted with admirable taste and had a curtain call with the principals.

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