[Met Performance] CID:143340



Faust
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, December 14, 1946




Faust (457)
Charles Gounod | Jules Barbier/Michel Carré
Faust
Raoul Jobin

Marguerite
Renée Mazella

Méphistophélès
Jerome Hines

Valentin
Martial Singher

Siebel
Martha Lipton

Marthe
Claramae Turner

Wagner
John Baker


Conductor
Louis Fourestier







Review 1:

Noel Straus in The New York Times
JEROME HINES, 25, SCORES IN “FAUST”
New Bass Makes His Debut as Mephistopheles – Martha Lipton Heard as Siebel

Gounod’s “Faust,” which received its second performance of the season last night at the Metropolitan, had a new Mephistopheles in Jerome Hines, 25 year old bass from California, who made his debut with the company at this event. Mr. Hines was at ease in the demanding role, halving appeared previously in the part with a local opera association in Los Angeles, his native city, and proved to be one of the most gifted of the young American artists to added to the roster of late.


Probably a less exacting assignment like the Bitterolf in “Tannhüuser” or the Monterone in ‘Rigoletto” he has sung with the San Francisco Opera Company, would have been more in line with Mr. Hines’ present capabilities, than Mephistopheles, which asks a more widely experienced singer for a thoroughly adequate portrayal. His delineation was anything but sinister or malign, but converted Goethe’s Satan into a thoroughly amiable and congenial character without the dominating personality imperative for a completely convincing account of the part.


Though more than six foot six in height, Mr. Hines was lithe and spirited, moving about the stage with the grace and animation a Mephisto in this opera must bring to his histrionism. And vocally, the young bass gave an accurate and competent performance.


The voice was resonant and bright, if wanting somewhat in the richness and sonority the role demands. In the upper half of the compass, it was especially meaty, powerful and pleasing in quality. But the lower register was wanting in substance, the voice blossoming out gradually in brilliance as it reached the top of the scale. The loftiest tones in the score were easily and freely emitted with more of the facility expected of a baritone than of a true bass. Much can be expected of a singer who found it possible to deliver the “Veau d’or” with the vigor and skill Mr. Hines brought to its measures, and the general merits of his performances in a role still somewhat beyond him.


Martha Lipton, who sang Siebel’s music with warmth and charm, was the only member of the cast who had not been heard at the earlier presentation, the other principals including Raoul Jobin, Renée Mazella, Martial Singher and Claramae Turner. Louis Fourestier conducted.



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