Bob’s
World of
J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times February 13, 1910

MME. MAZARIN’S
GREAT OPERA FEAT
After Matinee in Wearing Role of
“Electra” She Sings Salome
in “Herodiade” at Night.
MME. LINA CAVALIERI ILL
Singer Tales Her Place, Although She
Had Not Sung Role for Years -
Mrs. Taft at “Electra.”

     The large audience which gathered at the Manhattan Opera House yesterday afternoon for the third performance of “Electra” was astonished to find posters in the lobby of that theatre announcing that Mme. Mariette Mazarin would sing Salome in “Herodiade” last evening, as Mme. Cavalieri was ill. As Mme. Mazarin had been billed to appear in “Electra” and as the demands of that part are supposed to be more wearing than those of any other, many naturally believed that she would not sing “Electra” in the afternoon, just as well as she has at every previous performance. She also sang in “Herodiade” in the evening.
     “I consider this,” said Hammerstein last evening, “the most extraordinary tour de force of which I have ever been a witness, and I also want to say that artists like Mme. Mazarin do not grow in every opera house.
     “Herodiade” is an opera in Mme. Mazarin’s répertoire, but she has not sung it for five years. When, however, she heard that Mr. Hammerstein might be compelled to change the bill on account of it, she volunteered at once to sing the part of Salome. This was Friday evening, Mr. Hammerstein said that he would tell her Saturday morning if he needed her. Mme. Mazarin did not wait to be sent for, but telephoned herself at 10:30 o’clock yesterday morning. When she learned that Mme. Cavalieri was still ill she said would be ready to sing the part.
     Mr. Hammerstein said last night that he would present her with a watch in memory of the event, with an inscription which should tell of the feat which she had accomplished voluntarily.
     The rôle of Electra is very long and very trying. For nearly two hours the singer is kept on the stage, singing in a powerful voice. Yet last evening, in “Herodiade,” Mme. Mazarin sang without showing the least fatigue.
     The performance of “Electra” was much like those that have preceded it. Miss Vicarino took the small part of the third serving woman, which has hitherto been sung by Mme. Miranda. Otherwise the cast remained unchanged. The audience, which filled the theatre, displayed great enthusiasm at the close of the music drama. Mrs. Taft, wife of the President, sat in a box.
     The performance of “Herodiade” drew another large audience. Mme. Mazarin’s Salome proved to be a most interesting characterization. Mr. Lucas sang the part of Jean for the first time here. Mme. d’Alvarez and Mr. Renaud were in the cast.

Last updated December 30, 2006