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"Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" formed yesterday's holiday afternoon offering of the Metropolitan Opera Company to a large audience. In the latter of these infrequently separated operas a touch of novelty was provided by the first appearance of Michal Bohnen in the role of Tonio, while his wife, Mary Lewis, in her first Metropolitan role of the season, sang Nedda.

Mr. Bohnen, singing his role for the first time in any language, gave an interesting impersonation of the prologue of the Leoncavallo opera. The most prominent novel feature of his "business" was his accomplishment of standing on his hands just after the entrance of the strolling players - which was, perhaps, untraditional, but not out of place. The German barytone used gesture and expression effectively in a spirited, significant performance and was in commendable voice.

The scene where Nedda repels Tonio's advances with a whip offered Mrs. Bohnen opportunity to chastise Mr. Bohnen, but at the crucial moment the whip was caught under Nedda's shawl, from which Tonio suffered but light punishment. In appearance and action Miss Lewis's impersonation was very satisfactory, while she provided some pleasing singing, but also moments when a clearer or fuller tone would have been advantageous.

Giovanni Martinelli as Canio sang in spite of a cold, keeping it unnoticeable, with one exception. "Vesti la giubba" was well sung. Mr. Tibbett as a trim Silvio and Mr. Tedesco completed the cast.

The preceding "Cavalleria Rusticana" had an effective performance, with Florence Easton as Santuzza, Armand Tokatyan as Turiddu, Mario Basiola as Alfio, Dorthea Flexer as Lola and Philine Falco as Lucia. Mr. Bellezza conducted both operas.

Search by season: 1927-28

Search by title: Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci,

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