Bob’s
World of
J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times March 1, 1910

“LA NAVARRAISE” REVIVED.
Mme. Gerville-Reache in Massenet’s
Little Opera at Manhattan.

Anita                                     Mlle. Gerville-Reache
Araquil                                  M. Dalmores
Garrido                                 M. Dufranne
Remigio                                 M. Huberdeau
Ramon                                  M. Crabbe
Bustamente                           M. Nicolay
Musical Director, M. Henrique de la Fuente.

     Every now and then Massenet’s contribution to what is know as the “veristic school” of opera, “La Navarraise” is brought forward. One-act operas are always seemingly in demand to fill out double bills, but managers’ imaginations seem to be concentrated on two or three of them. “La Navarraise” is one of these. Last evening the little melodrama was revived at the Manhattan Opera House and received an excellent performance.
     Mme. Gerville-Reache has often been heard before in the rôle of Anita, a part which was written to exploit the dramatic talent of Emma Calvé. Parts of the music are rather high for a contralto, but much of the score Mme. Gerville-Reache sings with dramatic fervor, and she acts the part in a manner to bring out the complete horror of the drama.
     Mr. Dalmorès was admirable as Araquil, a part in which he has frequently been heard here before. Mr. Dufranne as Garrido, Mr. Huberdeau as Remigio were members of a generally excellent cast. A special word is due to Mr. Nicolay for his singing of the couplets of Bustamente.
     The orchestra played with force under the direction of Mr. de la Fuente. The stage management, which is an important feature of productions of “La Navarraise,” was very good.
     Massenet’s opera was followed by “Pagliacci,” in which Mme. Cavalieri, Orville Harrold, and Mario Sammarco appeared.

Last updated December 30, 2006