[Met Performance] CID:125090



Aida
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, February 11, 1939

Debut : Douglas Beattie




Aida (432)
Giuseppe Verdi | Antonio Ghislanzoni
Aida
Rose Bampton

Radamès
Giovanni Martinelli

Amneris
Bruna Castagna

Amonasro
Carlo Morelli

Ramfis
Norman Cordon

King
Douglas Beattie [Debut]

Messenger
Max Altglass

Priestess
Thelma Votipka

Dance
Maria Gambarelli


Conductor
Ettore Panizza







Review 1:

Review signed "H" in Musical America

"Aida" with Debuts

The popular-priced "Aida" on the evening of Feb. 11 was given before a crowded house which was loud in its enthusiasm throughout the evening. The performance was notable for the debut with the company of Douglas Beattie as the King and the first appearances in the roles of Aida and Ramfis, of Rose Bampton and Norman Cordon. The remainder of the cast included Bruna Castagna as Amneris, Giovanni Martinelli as Radames, Carlo Morelli as Amonasro, Max Altglass as the Messenger and Thelma Votipka as the High Priestess.

Mr. Beattie, of large stature, displayed a genuine bass voice and was, apparently, entirely unabashed by the ordeal of a debut at the Metropolitan. He did his small amount of singing in an effective manner.

Mr. Cordon, who lends a touch of distinction to even the smallest role he sings, was an impressive Ramfis both in appearance and sonority. It was an excellent performance in every way.

Miss Bampton's Aida was carefully thought out and well sung. She had appeared in the role of Amneris on the same stage before graduating into the soprano class. In both her arias, she sang with good taste and finish and was well received. Both Mr. Martinelli and Miss Castagna sang their best. Gennaro Papi was the conductor.

Photograph of Rose Bampton as Aida by Maurice Seymor, Chicago.



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