[Met Performance] CID:170890



Tosca
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, February 11, 1956




Tosca (338)
Giacomo Puccini | Luigi Illica/Giuseppe Giacosa
Tosca
Licia Albanese

Cavaradossi
Giuseppe Campora

Scarpia
George London

Sacristan
Gerhard Pechner

Spoletta
Paul Franke

Angelotti
Clifford Harvuot

Sciarrone
George Cehanovsky

Shepherd
Peter Mark

Jailer
Louis Sgarro


Conductor
Dimitri Mitropoulos







Review 1:

Review signed M. D. L. in Musical America

George London assumed the role of Scarpia for the first time this season at this performance. His is a graceful, suavely evil Scarpia - powerful when he needs be, but otherwise slippery as a snake. Mr. London's portrayal was distinguished in every way. Vocally he was in fine estate, soaring to the top of his range with ease. His eloquent addresses to Tosca were sung with a fluidity and sweetness that suggested both his desire for her and his basic insincerity.

Licia Albanese appeared as Tosca for the first time this season, also. Though her voice did not always have sufficient amplitude for the part, she remains one of the most convincing Toscas on any stage: her acting is worthy of the legitimate theater. The "Vissi d'arte" was vocally beautiful and very touching: the second-act struggle with Scarpia was electrifying. At the final curtain calls, Bouquets of flowers were literally showered on Miss Albanese.



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