Bob’s
World of
J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times - February 9, 1901

"LE CID" AT THE OPERA
Massenet's Opera Heard by a Large
Audience Last Night.

     At the Metropolitan Opera House last night Massenet's "Le Cid" was sung for the third time this season. The audience was one of good size, and it apparently enjoyed the performance. The cast was the same as the previous performances, except that Miss Adams replaced Mme. Melba as the gentle Infanta, and Mr. Journet sang the Count de Gormas, instead of Mr. Plançon. Repeated hearings of this opera do not change the impression made by it at its first presentation here. It is a glittering, shallow, pretentious work, which owes most of its effectiveness to the adoption of the Meyerbeerian ground plan of opera and to its frequent imitation of the same composer's musical diction. There are bits of melody in the "Werther" vein, and these are the best parts of the score, except the ballet, which is the gem of the opera. The succession of stage pictures is effective, and there is a certain theatrical effectiveness in some of the declamation.
     The opera's chief value at the present time is the opportunity it affords Mr. Jean de Reszke to wear handsome costumes, to pose picturesquely, and to trumpet forth his high tones. He makes more of the part than there really is in it. His splendid vocal work embellishes some pretty empty measures, and he puts into some of the most sentimental passages a greater sincerity than the composer did. Mr. Jean de Reszke, however, is too great an artist to be expending his admirable powers on such a part.
     Miss Breval repeated her dramatically strong performance of Chimene, but it cannot be said that her singing disclosed any new claims to praise. Her voice is one of power and incisiveness, but she frequently sings with a very strident and disagreeable tone. Miss Adams was acceptable, and no more, as the Infanta. With Miss Breval she shared warm applause for the duet in the first act. Mr. Edouard de Reszke repeated his fine and broadly conceived interpretation of Don Diegue, and Mr. Journet was a competent Count. The spectacular features of the opera were presented with sufficient brilliancy, and the chorus and ballet did their work tolerably. The orchestra was efficient, and Mr. Mancinelli conducted with his customary skill. This afternoon, Puccini's "Tosca" will be repeated, and tonight "Rigoletto" will be given for the first this season.

Last updated December 29, 2006