[Met Tour] CID:141480



La Bohème
Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts, Wed, April 10, 1946




La Bohème (391)
Giacomo Puccini | Luigi Illica/Giuseppe Giacosa
Mimì
Bidú Sayão

Rodolfo
Charles Kullman

Musetta
Frances Greer

Marcello
John Brownlee

Schaunard
Hugh Thompson

Colline
Norman Cordon

Alcindoro/Benoit
Salvatore Baccaloni

Parpignol
Lodovico Oliviero

Sergeant
John Baker


Conductor
Cesare Sodero







Review 1:

Review signed D. W. S. in the Boston Herald

Although Puccini was not exactly an unknown at the time he wrote "La Bohème" in 1896, the production of that opera marked his first really great success, and its performance last night by the Metropolitan showed very clearly why it has remained popular through the years. Despite its unabashed romanticism it has a great deal of character, and when done well, as it was last night, is delightful. Although it is essentially a tragedy, its story of the simple seamstress, the gay coquette and the four Bohemian comrades has gayety and charm.

Orchestra and singers divide the work pretty evenly, and Cesare Sodero managed to get the best from all his cohorts. It is true that at times the music from the pit drowned out that from the stage, but he kept his forces together and brought out all the lush emotionalism of the score.

The stage picture, too, was convincing throughout. This is one opera in which too great a demand is not made on the Met's scenic equipment, for the sets are simple and shabbiness is expected of a Paris garret. We have never seen more spontaneous clowning than the four men did last night, aided and abetted in the second act by the well handled crowd scene.

There may have been expressions of disappointment when people read the notice that Charles Kullman, was substituting for Jussi Bjoerling as Rodolfo, but once the performance was under way, there was no cause for regret. Mr. Kullman's voice is well suited to the role, and in addition to singing beautifully, he contributes a romantic picture. Bidu Sayao's Mimi is entirely believable and her singing was a delight throughout the evening, culminating in an exquisite rendition of the third act Farewell. While Frances Greer was quite the most vixenish Musette imaginable, she looked lovely and sang her big aria in a fresh, clear voice?despite the fact that she had a lot of competition in the stage action while she was singing it.

John Brownlee was a sympathetic Marcello, Norman Cordon was roundly applauded for Colline's song to his coat, and Hugh Thompson brought more character than usual to the fourth Bohemian, Schaunard. Salvatore Baccaloni contributed two delightful caricatures in the roles of Benoit and Alcindoro. There's no doubt that everyone had a good time last night, both on the stage and in the audience.



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