[Met Performance] CID:176800
La Bohème {550} Metropolitan Opera House: 01/16/1958.
(Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
January 16, 1958
LA BOHÈME {550}
Mimì....................Patrice Munsel
Rodolfo.................Daniele Barioni
Musetta.................Brenda Lewis
Marcello................Frank Guarrera
Schaunard...............Clifford Harvuot
Colline.................Nicola Moscona
Benoit..................Lawrence Davidson
Alcindoro...............Lorenzo Alvary
Parpignol...............Robert Nagy
Sergeant................Ezio Flagello
Officer.................Robert Nagy
Conductor...............Thomas Schippers
Review signed D. B. in Musical America
This performance marked the first appearance of Patrice Munsel as Mimì at the Metropolitan Opera. Her tasteful musicianship and vocal control asserted themselves fully after the nervous first act. Dramatically, she sometimes lacked sufficient authority, but moved easily and presented a pleasing and believable appearance in the role. In the final act, Miss Munsel's portrayal of the dying girl was magnificently done; her pianissimo tones, dying away as she drifted into her final slumber, created a memorable impact.
At first, Daniele Barioni's voice seemed not to possess its full plasticity. But it was employed to good advantage in the Act III duet with Mimi, and henceforth he sang with increased effectiveness. Frank Guarrera was an able Marcello, Clifford Harvuot a sonorous Schaunard, Nicola Moscona an effective Colline. As Musetta, Brenda Lewis acted and sang with wonderful vivacity. The cast also included Lawrence Davidson (Benoit), Robert Nagy (Parpignol), Lorenzo Alvary (Alcindoro). and Ezio Flagello (A Sergeant). Under Thomas Schippers' direction the orchestra was of almost magical effect, so delicate were the shadings, so sweet was the sound.