Metropolitan Opera Archives

The third performance of this popular double bill brought several changes of cast in each opera. Max Lorenz returned as Herod, Margaret Harshaw as Herodias, and Lucielle Browning as the Page in the Strauss work. Ljuba Welitsch was again Salome, Paul Schoeffler, Jokannan, and Brian Sullivan, Narraboth. The other roles also remained in the same hands as at the previous productions. Fritz Reiner conducted.

The performance seemed slightly less intense than one has come to expect, although Miss Welitsch was again superb vocally. Several minor mishaps broke the spell usually exerted by the production. Miss Welitsch had difficulty with her new costume, and at one exciting moment in her colloquy with the Prophet, gestured so violently that the voluminous chiffon cape enveloped her head. She fought her way out of its entangling folds only in time to sing her next passage. Then it slipped off her shoulder, and she had to adjust it while singing. Mr. Lorenz acted very broadly perhaps in consequence of vocal instability. He lost his crown of flowers much too soon for the cue in the score. This property seems to give tenors trouble – Set Svanholm at a previous performance cast it off his head with such force that it flew into the orchestra pit and nearly ringed Mr. Reiner’s baton.

Miss Harshaw sang well, but lacked the taut malevolence of Herodias. She improved one piece of stage business, however, by watching the final scene, instead of turning away disinterestedly. Mr. Schoeffler was again impressive in his noble and forceful portrayal of Jokannan.

In the Puccini opera, Charles Kullman sang his first Rinuccio at the Metropolitan and was a melodious partner for Lois Hunt, the Lauretta, who also sang her part for the first time. Jean Madeira as La Vecchia and Lawrence Davidson, as Amantio, both undertaking their roles for the first time, added good voices and sprightly characterizations to the ensemble. In the title role, Italo Tajo returned for the first time this season, singing sonorously and acting with a fair amount of humor. The other principals were retained from previous casts. Giuseppe Anonicelli conducted.

Search by season: 1949-50

Search by title: Gianni Schicchi, Salome,

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