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Milanov's Ameila is High Point of Metropolitan "Masked Ball"
The Metropolitan's production of Verdi's "Ballo in Maschera ("The Masked Ball"), under Bruno Walter, is an excellent production. The venerable opera, a veritable treasure-chest of lovely melodies, was heard last night before a good-sized audience at the Academy of Music.
"Ballo in Maschera" is a singers' opera and has been frequently embellished by some of the most illustrious names from the past. Last night it was for the most part admirably cast.
Chief honors went to Zinka Milanov for her intensely dramatic and beautifully sung Amelia. This soprano has one of the finest voices now before the public. Her pianissimo is a thing of beauty, and she generally respects the vocal line. A handsome appearance and an authentic dramatic gift went a long way towards giving her a much merited success.
Riccardo is by far the most important assignment the Metropolitan has given Jan Peerce. His voice is too light for the part, but he showed rare judgment in never forcing his agreeably focused tone. As a lover, Mr. Peerce seems to be in need of
a few vitamins; his deportment during the magnificent love-duet Verdi has written for the second act could hardly be described as ardent. The final aria, "Ma se m'e forza perderti," was sung with lovely tone and excellent style.
Leonard Warren was Renato and to him fell the "Eri tu?" - the most celebrated aria of the opera. Why Mr. Warren elected to sing so much of it in a veiled and husky half voice is a mystery, for his full tones are magnificently sonorous.
Kerstin Thorborg's dramatic Ulrica and Frances Greer's charming though slightly shrill Oscar were decided embellishments of this fine cast, as were also Norman Cordon and Nicola Moscona as the conspirators.
One was again impressed with the melodic and dramatic genius of Verdi; we thank the Metropolitan for the opportunity and experience.

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