[Met Performance] CID:183460
Le Nozze di Figaro {175} Metropolitan Opera House: 12/10/1959.
(Debuts: Christa Ludwig, Charleen Clark
Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
December 10, 1959
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO {175}
Figaro..................Giorgio Tozzi
Susanna.................Elisabeth Söderström
Count Almaviva..........Kim Borg
Countess Almaviva.......Lucine Amara
Cherubino...............Christa Ludwig [Debut]
Dr. Bartolo.............Ezio Flagello
Marcellina..............Regina Resnik
Don Basilio.............Alessio De Paolis
Antonio.................Lawrence Davidson
Barbarina...............Teresa Stratas
Don Curzio..............Gabor Carelli
Peasant.................Charleen Clark [Debut]
Peasant.................Dorothy Shawn
Conductor...............Erich Leinsdorf
Review of Louis Biancolli in the World Telegram and Sun\
'Figaro' Shines With New Cast
The Metropolitan's sprightly new production of '"The Marriage of Figaro" continued its conquest of the city last night with several changes of cast.
Chief of them was the new Cherubino - Berlin-born Christa Ludwig, a leading mezzo at Darmstadt, Salzburg and Vienna since her debut as Prince Orlofsky in "Fledermaus" in 1946. She is a valuable acquisition.
Gifted with a bright, warm voice; Miss Ludwig was a lively and believable Cherubino. Her singing was precise and even, each tone clear and true, and her Italian rippled along like a second music. The ovation was fully deserved.
Welcome Back.
It was a pleasure to welcome back Lucine Amara as the Countess. She has a way of enriching every performance with her wealth of voice and feeling. Last night was no exception. Miss Amara is one of the Met's proudest properties.
Also new to the season's revival was Teresa Stratas who, even in the small role of Barbarina, showed how truly she belongs in the company of real artists. One looks to good things from this gifted Greek-Canadian soprano.
As Figaro, Giorgio Tozzi gave further proof of his growing artistic stature. Barring a few tight top tones the singing was of that of the mellow and confident quality he has accustomed us to.
Master Comic.
Possibly the most accomplished character actor in the whole company is Alessio de Paolis. His portrayal of the doddering Don Basilio was side-splitting. What a master of comedy - and finesse, too!
Regina Resnik is another of my favorites in this matchless masterpiece of Mozart's. Her Marcelina, in mirthful speech and caricature is a comic. Km Borg was again the Almaviva and Elizabeth Soederstroem the Susanna.
Erich Leinsdorf conducted the opera as if it were both a privilege and a pleasure, and the large crowd again greeted it and the production with the jubilation they so richly merit.