[Met Performance] CID:125090
Aida {432} Metropolitan Opera House: 02/11/1939.
(Debut: Douglas Beattie
Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
February 11, 1939
AIDA {432}
Giuseppe Verdi--Antonio Ghislanzoni
Aida....................Rose Bampton
Radamès.................Giovanni Martinelli
Amneris.................Bruna Castagna
Amonasro................Carlo Morelli
Ramfis..................Norman Cordon
King....................Douglas Beattie [Debut]
Messenger...............Max Altglass
Priestess...............Thelma Votipka
Dance...................Maria Gambarelli
Conductor...............Ettore Panizza
Review signed "H" in Musical America
"Aida" with Debuts
The popular-priced "Aida" on the evening of Feb. 11 was given before a crowded house which was loud in its enthusiasm throughout the evening. The performance was notable for the debut with the company of Douglas Beattie as the King and the first appearances in the roles of Aida and Ramfis, of Rose Bampton and Norman Cordon. The remainder of the cast included Bruna Castagna as Amneris, Giovanni Martinelli as Radames, Carlo Morelli as Amonasro, Max Altglass as the Messenger and Thelma Votipka as the High Priestess.
Mr. Beattie, of large stature, displayed a genuine bass voice and was, apparently, entirely unabashed by the ordeal of a debut at the Metropolitan. He did his small amount of singing in an effective manner.
Mr. Cordon, who lends a touch of distinction to even the smallest role he sings, was an impressive Ramfis both in appearance and sonority. It was an excellent performance in every way.
Miss Bampton's Aida was carefully thought out and well sung. She had appeared in the role of Amneris on the same stage before graduating into the soprano class. In both her arias, she sang with good taste and finish and was well received. Both Mr. Martinelli and Miss Castagna sang their best. Gennaro Papi was the conductor.
Photograph of Rose Bampton as Aida by Maurice Seymor, Chicago.