[Met Performance] CID:100620



Manon Lescaut
Metropolitan Opera House, Fri, December 14, 1928




Manon Lescaut (64)
Giacomo Puccini | Luigi Illica/Giuseppe Giacosa/Marco Praga/Ruggero Leoncavallo
Manon
Frances Alda

Des Grieux
Beniamino Gigli

Lescaut
Antonio Scotti

Geronte
Adamo Didur

Edmondo
Alfio Tedesco

Innkeeper
Millo Picco

Solo Madrigalist
Grace Divine

Dancing Master
Angelo Bad?

Sergeant
Vincenzo Reschiglian

Lamplighter
Marek Windheim

Captain
Paolo Ananian


Conductor
Tullio Serafin







Review 1:

Review in the New York World

'MANON LESCAUT'

"Manon Lescaut" had an estimable performance yesterday evening at the Metropolitan in the hands of the same cast that graced its first presentation this season. The title part remains one of Mme. Alda's most grateful roles, and last night she was especially efficient in the many lyric pages granted to the heroine. In excellent voice, she was able to encompass the aria and the Minuet scene of the second act with greater vocal perfection than at her appearance in this opera last month. During the more dramatic moments of the score, however, her tones often fell short in fervor and substance. This was particularly noticeable in the duet with Des Grieux in the division mentioned, where the rousing climax was awaited in vain.

As Des Grieux, Mr. Gigli improved his portrayal in many essentials over that of his last embodiment of the undaunted lover. Freed of exaggeration, his work rang truer, and vocally he was in better trim that at any other of his appearances this year. Except in the upper extremity of the scale, the tones were far more freely emitted and had an augmented richness of texture. Mr. Scotti as Lescaut and Mr. Didur, the Geronte of the cast, again presented their adept impersonations. Miss Divine, in the slight measures allotted to the Musician, increased the good impression made at her recent debut in this opera. A goodly share of the effectiveness of the presentation was due to Mr. Serafin's zeal and earnestness at the conductor's desk.



Search by season: 1928-29

Search by title: Manon Lescaut,



Met careers