Metropolitan Opera Archives

The unforgettable waltz music of Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier" came to brilliant life when the Metropolitan Opera Company made its weekly hegira to the Academy of Music last night. One of the great features of this tremendous presentation was the last minute substitution of the pretty Margit Bokor, the Hungarian songstress of the Chicago Opera Company, in place of Risë Stevens, who was stricken ill a few hours before the performance. This is the first time a non-Met member has sung a role of such importance in a Met production.

"Der Rosenkavalier" is one of those magnificent presentations in which the orchestration overshadows everything else. For that reason the music of this opus has been loudly and long proclaimed by the audiences as near-perfection in scoring. But when the Met unfolded its interpretation, with Lotte Lehmann, Emanual List, Eleanor Steber, Miss Bokor and a star-studded cast, the listeners were in a very willing and eager quandary in what direction they should cast their votes. It is a gay, merry, spirited aura which exudes from the stage when "Der Rosenkavalier" is scheduled, so unlike the tragedy and starkness of "Elektra" and "Salome." Here, the enthusiastic pew-holders are given ample opportunity to laugh and to hum the music, to wish for more song-stories of this variety. And for this the grey-thatched impresario, Edward Johnson, and his cohorts are to be huzzahed, for sincere efforts to bring a brighter side to operadom.

It has been two years now since "Der Rosenkavalier" was given here, and last night's performance indicated that the wait was too long. The swashbuckling of the love-making baron, the intrigues of the pretty princess, the wiles of a scheming couple, the bucolic simplicity of two people in love, these are all part of this merry work. Emanuel List, who has been long-standing in his artistic success with the Wagnerian roles, was ideal his representation of the wily baron. His voice so well adapted to the part was excellent and his histrionic efforts were well received. Of course, Lotte Lehmann can always be counted on for an excellent performance. Every hearing makes her mellow voice so much more appreciated, and last night's offering was superb. To Miss Bokor, so hastily drafted for the part, go hosannas and hurrahs. There are few who can do this important role with any skill, and she is one of that chosen company. Her voice is full and capable and she acted the part to perfection. And to Miss Steber, a newcomer, who is as pretty as she sings, goes our paen of praise. Others of note were Doris Doe, Walter Olitzki, Thelma Votipka, Karl Laufkötter and John Carter. Erich Leinsdorf directed the performance.

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