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Much delight was diffused at the Christmas performance at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening by the revival there, after two seasons' absence from the repertory, of Donizetti's delightful comedy, "L'Elisir d'Amore." It was given in a "double bill," of which the other member was "Cavalleria Rusticana."

The revival of " L'Elisir d'Amore " gave great pleasure through Mme. Sembrich's ravishing impersonation of Adina. It is one of the most perfect of her achievements; one of the parts are most completely adapted to her style of singing and to the irresistible archness, piquancy and allurement of comic acting. She sang the music with scintillant, sparkling gayety; the memory of such singing is something to be treasured.

The revival also gave much pleasure from the appearance of M. Bonci. He used to sing the part of Nemorino at the Manhattan Opera House. It is as though written for his voice and vocal style, and he sings the music with exquisite taste, perfect phrasing and with delicate and purely chiseled outline. All this is summed up in his delivery of "Una furtiva lagrima" which, by the way, the audience forced him to repeat, which does overwhelm with voluminous outpouring of luscious sound or lachrymose expression, but has the beauty of finished art. His acting is not notable for comic suggestion, but he sets forth plausibly the dull cunning of the peasant.

Mr. Campanari, as Belcore, sang with spirit, but his voice was not in the best condition and his tones were decidedly unsteady. The Dulcamara of Mr. Paterna was fairly well conceived as to acting, but his voice was unequal to the requirements of the part. Marie Mattfeld as Giannetta was competent. Mr. Spetrino conducted.

"Cavalleria Rusticana" followed "L'Elisir D'Amore." The cast was the same as at the previous performance, except that Riccardo Martin took Mr. Caruso's place as Turiddu. It was his sixth performance within seven days and, though his voice had begun to show the strain, he got through the part in a creditable manner. Miss Destinn repeated her fine performance of Santuzza. Mr. Toscanini conducted with rare restraint.

Search by season: 1908-09

Search by title: L'Elisir d'Amore, Cavalleria Rusticana,

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