Metropolitan Opera Archives

Of the evening's two debutants Mr. Donald Dame was the more satisfactory all 'round. In fact, his was the most nearly distinguished performance of any in the cast. He sang nicely for the most part and acted convincingly.

Miss Patrice Munsel, though a young woman of phenomenal talents, is far from being prepared for present glory. She has an unschooled voice of wide range and considerable power. In one or two passages it was clear that if she learns how to use it properly before she uses it up she may well have a great singing career later. Whether it remains a high coloratura or develops downward, as many such youthful voices do with maturing womanhood, is unpredictable.

Miss Munsel has a remarkable voice, a good ear and musical intelligence. Her natural gifts are so great that it would be unfortunate indeed if she embarked on a career of public appearances before training had disciplined these gifts and strengthened them to stand the wear and tear of professional exploitation. Miss Munsel seems to be a born trouper, nevertheless. She has confidence, aplomb, personal radiation. Her stage quality, though definitely on the flashy side, is permeated by real temperament. Her dramatic characterization the other evening and her physical movements were as incisive as the timbre of her voice.

Search by season: 1943-44

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