[Met Performance] CID:183460



Le Nozze di Figaro
Metropolitan Opera House, Thu, December 10, 1959

Debut : Christa Ludwig, Charleen Clark




Le Nozze di Figaro (175)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Lorenzo Da Ponte
Figaro
Giorgio Tozzi

Susanna
Elisabeth S?derstr?m

Count Almaviva
Kim Borg

Countess Almaviva
Lucine Amara

Cherubino
Christa Ludwig [Debut]

Dr. Bartolo
Ezio Flagello

Marcellina
Regina Resnik

Don Basilio
Alessio De Paolis

Antonio
Lawrence Davidson

Barbarina
Teresa Stratas

Don Curzio
Gabor Carelli

Peasant
Charleen Clark [Debut]

Peasant
Dorothy Shawn


Conductor
Erich Leinsdorf







Review 1:

Review of Louis Biancolli in the World Telegram and Sun\

'Figaro' Shines With New Cast

The Metropolitan's sprightly new production of '"The Marriage of Figaro" continued its conquest of the city last night with several changes of cast.

Chief of them was the new Cherubino - Berlin-born Christa Ludwig, a leading mezzo at Darmstadt, Salzburg and Vienna since her debut as Prince Orlofsky in "Fledermaus" in 1946. She is a valuable acquisition.

Gifted with a bright, warm voice; Miss Ludwig was a lively and believable Cherubino. Her singing was precise and even, each tone clear and true, and her Italian rippled along like a second music. The ovation was fully deserved.

Welcome Back.

It was a pleasure to welcome back Lucine Amara as the Countess. She has a way of enriching every performance with her wealth of voice and feeling. Last night was no exception. Miss Amara is one of the Met's proudest properties.

Also new to the season's revival was Teresa Stratas who, even in the small role of Barbarina, showed how truly she belongs in the company of real artists. One looks to good things from this gifted Greek-Canadian soprano.

As Figaro, Giorgio Tozzi gave further proof of his growing artistic stature. Barring a few tight top tones the singing was of that of the mellow and confident quality he has accustomed us to.

Master Comic.

Possibly the most accomplished character actor in the whole company is Alessio de Paolis. His portrayal of the doddering Don Basilio was side-splitting. What a master of comedy - and finesse, too!

Regina Resnik is another of my favorites in this matchless masterpiece of Mozart's. Her Marcelina, in mirthful speech and caricature is a comic. Km Borg was again the Almaviva and Elizabeth Soederstroem the Susanna.

Erich Leinsdorf conducted the opera as if it were both a privilege and a pleasure, and the large crowd again greeted it and the production with the jubilation they so richly merit.



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