Met Opera Archives Search

The Metropolitan seems to have an embarrassment of Santuzzas this season. In the four performances of "Cavalleria Rusticana" already given, there have been four different interpreters of the heroine, and a fifth variation in Philadelphia. The three most recently submitted to a local audience have all been debutantes in the role, as far as we have been concerned, and it cannot honestly be said that the latest, Elena Rakowska, is by any means the best.

Mme. Rakowska, who in private life is Mrs. Tullio Serafin, wife of the conductor, made her second Metropolitan appearance last evening and Mascagni's brief melodrama proved a better vehicle for her than her previous essay of "La Juive." Her voice betrayed less nervousness and the low tessitura of the role puts less stain upon it, so that the richness and sonority in the dramatic middle register might frankly be admired. Mme. Rakowska is not, however, an exponent of a very impressive histrionism. Her interpretation was drawn and developed with small compass and with an abrupt and awkward technique which limited her effectiveness, although it is evident that she is at home upon a stage.

Others in the cast were Mmes. Telva and Falco, Messrs. Lauri-Volpi and Danise. Mr. Bellezza conducted.

The second half of the evening was refreshed by a seventh performance of "H?nsel and Gretel" with the original cast back in their places, the only exception being that Miss Ryan substituted for Miss Falco as the Dewman. The charming little opera played its brief scenes in a happy vein and gave enormous pleasure to the well crowded house. Mr. Bodanzky conducted.

Search by season: 1927-28

Search by title: Cavalleria Rusticana, H?nsel und Gretel,

Met careers