[Met Performance] CID:107960



Guillaume Tell [William Tell]
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, March 21, 1931 Matinee


Debut : Molly Landow, Jack Quinn


In Italian



Guillaume Tell [William Tell] (27)
Gioachino Rossini | Jouy/Bis/Marrast
Guillaume Tell
Giuseppe Danise

Mathilde
Editha Fleischer

Arnold
Giacomo Lauri-Volpi

Walter
Ezio Pinza

Gesler
Pavel Ludikar

Melcthal
Louis D'Angelo

Hedwige
Faina Petrova

Jemmy
Aida Doninelli

Fisherman
Alfio Tedesco

Leuthold
George Cehanovsky

Rodolphe
Angelo Bad?

Dance
Elizabeth Mayer

Dance
Lillian Moore

Dance
Mildred Schneider

Dance
Molly Landow [Debut]

Dance
Jack Quinn [Debut]


Conductor
Tullio Serafin


Director
Wilhelm Von Wymetal

Set Designer
Vittorio Rota

Costume Designer
Gretel Urban

Choreographer
August Berger





Translation by unknown
William Tell received three performances this season.
Excerpts from reviews highlighting Giacomo Lauri-Volpi's assumption of Arnoldo
From the Sunday News critic, Stander:
This critic speaks more in sorrow than in scorn of Giacomo Lauri-Volpi in the important role of Arnoldo. Lauri-Volpi is a gifted singer, but, alas alack, he seems determined to transform himself into an emotional prima donna. He needs restraint in both voice and action. The sight of a tenor singing top notes while prone on the floor with diaphragm and chest protector hugging the boards is novel, but is it art?
From review of Edward Cushing in the Brooklyn Eagle
The Metropolitan has revived "Tell" to provide a vehicle for Giacomo Lauri-Volpi. The titular hero of the opera is a baritone; the tenor role is that of Arnoldo, another Swiss patriot. Few singers have engaged to attempt the music of this part in its original tessitura, which is unusually high. Mr. Lauri-Volpi, however, animated by the enthusiasm and self-confidence of youth, yesterday delivered it untransposed. Brazen-throated, leather-lunged he appeared unfatigued at the conclusion of the ordeal, through which he passed to the complete satisfaction of the audience.

Review 1:

Review of Edward Cushing in the Brooklyn Eagle

The Metropolitan has revived "Tell" to provide a vehicle for Giacomo Lauri-Volpi. The titular hero of the opera is a baritone; the tenor role is that of Arnoldo, another Swiss patriot. Few singers have engaged to attempt the music of this part in its original tessitura, which is unusually high. Mr. Lauri-Volpi, however, animated by the enthusiasm and self-confidence of youth, yesterday delivered it untransposed. Brazen-throated, leather-lunged he appeared unfatigued at the conclusion of the ordeal, through which he passed to the complete satisfaction of the audience.

From unsigned

Review 2:

Review in the Herald Tribune

Mr. Lauri-Volpi, returning after a long concert tour, gave a spirited performance as Arnold, scoring with strongly, while sometimes too vociferously sung, high notes. At other times, when not yielding to the temptation to force his tones, his singing was commendable.

From the

Review 3:

Review of Olin Downes in The New York Times

They say that the tenor Nourrit, who created the part of Arnold, was very accomplished as regarded flexibility and lyrical quality, but had not the heroic qualities of voice and manner needed for the good of the part - that the role of Arnold waited for Duprez as its proper interpreter. We have been informed also that Tamagno sang this role transposing it half a tone down after the first act. Mr. Lauri-Volpi negotiated C's clearly and brilliantly yesterday, but some cadenza passages were wisely simplified by him.

From the

Review 4:

Review of William J. Henderson in the Sun

The role of Arnold is musically a fat one, but also a difficult one, for it takes the singer up into the highest reaches of the tenor range. Mr. Lauri-Volpi hit its uppermost notes brilliantly and generally carried the part along with excellent assurance. He evoked much enthusiasm and had to take numerous curtain calls.



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