[Met Performance] CID:104470



Faust
Metropolitan Opera House, Thu, February 13, 1930

Debut : Antonin Trantoul




Faust (376)
Charles Gounod | Jules Barbier/Michel Carr?
Faust
Antonin Trantoul [Debut]

Marguerite
Editha Fleischer

M?phistoph?l?s
L?on Rothier

Valentin
Giuseppe Danise

Siebel
Gladys Swarthout

Marthe
Henriette Wakefield

Wagner
Paolo Ananian


Conductor
Louis Hasselmans


Director
Armando Agnini

Designer
Joseph Urban





Faust received four performances this season.

Review 1:

Review signed "H" in Musical America

Faust's Second Century

Signalizing the 200th performance of Gounod's "Faust" at the Metropolitan was the debut in the title-role of Antonin Trantoul, one of France's most eminent tenors. Another event of the evening was the first appearance here as Marguerite of Editha Fleischer. Interest centers, naturally, on Mr. Trantoul.

The newcomer's voice was disappointing as to volume. It sounded small in the huge house even when used fortissimo, and when its owner saved it, which he did a great deal of the time, it was almost inaudible. In the first scene Mr. Trantoul was guilty of the questionable taste of altering Gounod's notes in order to exhibit a good High A, which was liberally applauded by the claque. The "Salut Demeure" was well sung in the original key, and the High C, full and clear. Mr. Trantoul, however, seems lacking in a climactic G above the staff. This note was soft-pedaled whenever it occurred. Histrionically, his gifts are far above those of most tenors, albeit they are of the "busy" type. The [first] scene was impaired by faulty breath control, which may have been the result of nerves. Later this was remedied. Caution decrees that one waits until Mr. Trantoul has appeared in other parts before a final estimate of his powers is made.

Miss Fleischer sang well, but it cannot be said that her dramatic viewpoint of the part had anything either original or gripping in it. Mr. Danise's Valentine left much to be desired, and Mr. Rothier has sung a better Mephistopheles. Miss Wakefield's Marthe was satisfactory, and Miss Swarthout's Si?bel, personable and vocally good. This young artist seems to have dramatic ability, too. Mr. Hasselmans let the singers go their own gait a good deal of the time, and most of the music dragged hopelessly. As often happens, Mr. Setti's chorus was the real musical star of the evening.



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