Metropolitan Opera Archives

Review 1:

Review of Louis Biancolli in the World-Telegram
Roberta Peters Scores as Sophie

That intrepid little trouper, Roberta Perters, stepped into a performance of “Der Rosenkavalier” last night on two days notice – without ever having sung the part of Sophie before.

This is a treacherous part to do – high notes, tricky Viennese diction, and true bel canto. On all counts, Miss Peters again came through with an excellent rating. She is not only a good trouper – but a real artist.

Supreme Confidence

The story is that when she reminded Rudolf Bing that she hadn’t attended any of the seaon’s rehearsals and had never sung the role, he replied confidently:

“Oh, you can learn it while you’re brushing your teeth.”

There was no trace of nervousness anywhere last night. Miss Peters might have been singing the part for years, to judge by the bland phrasing and wondrous ease of word and note. And, as usual, she was just as easy to look at.

Five Stage Appearances

Last night’s was the second of five stage appearances this trusty 22-year old is scheduled to do in six days, ending with Friday’s “Don Giovanni.” Earlier this season she sang five “Rigoletto”s in 11 days.

Miss Peters replaced Hilde Gueden who is ill. Illness also accounted for the replacement of Endre Koreh by Lorenzo Alvary as Baron Ochs – a part fitting Mr. Alvary to a portly T.

Also heading the cast were Astrid Varney, Rise Stevens and Erich Kunz. Fritz Reiner again conducted.

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