[Met Performance] CID:138920
Mignon {94} Metropolitan Opera House: 02/19/1945.
(Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
February 19, 1945
MIGNON {94}
Mignon..................Jennie Tourel
Wilhelm Meister.........James Melton
Philine.................Patrice Munsel
Lothario................Nicola Moscona
Frédéric................Mona Paulee
Laërte..................Donald Dame
Jarno...................John Gurney
Antonio.................Osie Hawkins
Dance...................Marina Svetlova
Dance...................Julia Barashkova
Dance...................Francesca Ludova
Dance...................Alexis Dolinoff
Dance...................Leon Varkas
Dance...................Michael Arshansky
Conductor...............Wilfred Pelletier
Unsigned review in The New York Times
Metropolitan "Mignon" Features Miss Tourel
Melton Sings Wilhelm Meister; Pelletier Conducts
Thomas's opera, "Mignon" was given last night at the Metropolitan Opera House, with Jennie Tourel singing the title role for the first time this season. Besides a delineation which recalled many of the postures and gestures of classic French drama, Miss Tourel brought to the part a voice of rare sureness and richness. Although vocally her management of the more dramatic moments was in every way acceptable, her singing was generally most persuasive in such lyrical passages as "Connais-tu le pays" and in her prayer,"O Vierge Maria," in the final act.
Patrice Munsel sang Philine, also for the first time this season. Her performance was all show and very little music, with vague pitch betraying her insecurity. Visually she made a most charming impression, however, as did Mona Paulee, who sang the difficult and unconvincing role of Frederic extremely well, with unaffected simplicity.
James Melton was Wilhelm Meister, Nicola Moscona sang the part of Lothario, Donald Dame, Laerte, John Gurney, Jarno and Osie Hawkins, Antonio. The orchestra was conducted by Wilfred Pelletier.