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Bob’s
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Reviews — The New York Times
From the New York Times January 11, 1911
‘THE JONGLEUR’ WITH NOVELTY
Victoria Fer Sings Tenor Role - Artis-
tic Success at Hammerstein’s.
LONDON, Jan. 10. - Massenet’s “Jongleur of Notre Dame,” the production of which was awaited with great interest, was sung to-night at the London Opera House before a large audience. The interest chiefly centered around the fact that the part of Jean, written for a tenor, was sung for the first time in London by a woman, but I have the authority of Jacques Coini, Hammerstein’s stage director, for saying that Massenet admitted to him this Summer that if he had to rewrite the music Jean would be a soprano part.
Certainly to-night’s production, which was a great artistic success, although one fears that it is hardly likely to prove a box office draw, proved that the addition of feminine interest was highly warranted. Comparing to-night’s performance with that given at the Manhattan Opera House, the ensemble was certainly better here, the cast being more even while the mounting and orchestra were splendid.
Victoria Fer as the juggler was excellent, both her singing and acting being of the highest order. The only American in the caste was Arthur Phillips, who as the monk musician got his first change to show what he could do, and made excellent use of it.
Among the present were Lady Cunard, Lord Howard De Walden and his fiancée, Miss Van Rualte.
I learn to-night that before the season ends Hammerstein is likely to produce the romantic opera “Dylan,” the libretto of which is by De Walden and the music by Josef Holbrooke, one of the foremost English composers. this is in addition to the Duke of Argyll’s opera.
Last updated December 30, 2006