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The season's first "Lohengrin" at the Metropolitan last evening had certain new elements which made it an occasion of interest beyond the usual pageantry, melody and romance which capture this honorable operatic war horse. It was Greta Stuckgold's first appearance here as Elsa and, Richard Mayr's initial playing of King Henry on this stage, Mr. Sch?tzendorf's only recent assumption of the role of Telramund, and the debut of an American baritone, Everett Marshall, as the Herald.

The last shall be the first in this report, and Mr. Marshall made a very personable Herald. Indeed, bearing himself with assurance and poise, but as nervousness was so obvious in the constriction of his throat and the unsteadiness of his tone it would be wiser to take his vocal measure at a time when the big Metropolitan audience has become, by familiarity, a thing less terrifying. He will be heard at tonight's operatic concert in the "Pagliacci" Prologue and with Mr. Jagel in a duet from "La Forza del Destino." And without the trappings of opera may find himself more at ease.

Mr. Mayr's King has many of the same qualities remarked in his Pogner, although his opportunity is far less. He is benign, full of simple dignity, sparing any but the?gestures, and his voice was equal to all the regal demands. Miss Stuckgold's Elsa is charming to the eye, having a slight quality of sternness which is not generally associated with the character, and in action she suggested most plausibly the frail loveliness, gentleness, panic and weakness which the character requires. Some of her singing was excellent, notably where she could take it easily, slowly and quietly. Speed, excitement and fortissimos upset her perfect tone production, and it is in these extremities that she betrays that her voice has no reliable top or bottom.

Mr. Sch?tzendorf's Telramund was a vital characterization as are most of his artistic endeavors. Vocally he was also satisfactory, although more power would be an asset. M. Laubenthal portrayed the Silver Knight and Mme. Matzenauer, the other principal in the cast, remains the most triumphant, and so perhaps, the best Ortrud in the company. Mr. Bodanzky conducted.

Search by season: 1927-28

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