Bob’s
World of
J. Massenet

Reviews — The New York Times

From the New York Times March 13, 1912

“THAIS” AT THE OPERA.
M. Dippel’s Chicago Company Again
Appears Here.

Athanael                               Maurice Renaud
Nicias                                   Charles Dalmores
Palemon                                Gustave Huberdeau
A Servant                              Constantin Nicolay
Thais                                     Mary Garden
Crobyle                                 Mabel Riegelman
Myrtale                                  Marie Cavan
Albine                                    Louise Berat

     Mr. Dippel devoted the evening reserved for the fifth visit of the Philadelphia Opera Company to the Metropolitan Opera House last night to a performance of one of the most popular works in the company’s répertoire, Massenet’s “Thaïs.” When the work was first presented here at the Manhattan Opera House to introduce Miss Mary Garden to New York, it did not immediately gain favor. Year by year, however, it became more popular, and now there is reason to believe that it is one of the works in the répertoire which has achieved public success.
     The reasons for this are not altogether certain. It may be that the story of the psychological experiences of the monk and the Alexandrian courtesan has much to do with the favor with which the public regards the work. It may be that the opera’s success is almost entirely owing to the cast which has almost invariably appeared in it here, and which last night remained the same in its essentials. Whatever the reason, it is not likely that the music has much to do with it.
     The score does not present Massenet at his best. The sugary “Meditation” has achieved popularity, but there is no other number which may be spoken of as noteworthy, although much of the music, including the duet between Athanael and Thaïs in the final act, and Thaïs’s air, “Dites moi que je serais belle eternellement,” has a certain amount of interest.
     The theatre was crowded last evening. It contained probably the largest audience which Mr. Dippel’s company has attracted since the first performance of the series, that of “Carmen.” Miss Mary Garden appeared again in the rôle of Thaïs, one which she acts with great physical abandon in the opening scenes, and with a suggestion of her own Mélisande later. Mr. Renaud was in better voice than he has been on some occasions this season, and histrionically he is one of the chief features of the cast. Mr. Dalmores, too, was in excellent voice, appearing in the small part of Nicias.
     The orchestra was under the direction of Mr. Campanini and acquitted itself with credit. It might be suggested that the scenery of “Thaïs,” which has traveled much since the days of its first appearance at the Manhattan Opera House, might be repainted with benefit.

Last updated December 30, 2006