New-York tribune., 1914-11-22
TWO new VOICES
IN LA BOHEME"
Puccini's Opera Marked
by Two Welcome
Additions.

Puccini and Verdi shared the honors
between them yesterday at the opera,
and for once Puccini calls Tor chief
comment. This is not because the per-
formsnce was better; 1t perhaps was
not so good; nor because of the superb
ority of the work itself; II was because
two new artists were making their
debuts in "Le Boheme," and another
who had made her debut only the night
before was singing her second part IN
New York. The new artists were Luca
Botta, who sang Rodolfo, and Rlccardo
TeRoni, who sang Schaunard; the otner
singer was Elizabeth Schumann, who
sang Musetta for the first time before
an American audience. 1t is rare that
a performance containing three deDuts
finds no one of those debuts wanting
yet this is exactly what happened yes
terday afternoon.
Luca Botta is the new light tenor
engaged TO take the place Of ltalo
Cristoli, and if IL is possible TO Judge
from a first appearance he is the most
promising tenOre di grazio the Metro
politan has seen in several years. lie
was distinctly nervous, and this effect
ed somewhat his breath control; but
this did not succeed in concealing the
undoubted charm Of his voice. HIS
tones, unlike the usual tenor of his
type, were unspoiled by "whiteness,
we're firm, round and warm. In addi-
tion, he sang with feeling and with
grace.
Schaunard is scarcely the part to
allow of judgment on new singer.
Mr. Tegoni, who sang il, appeared,
however. to be an artist of authority
g fsts
Ills voice, as fag as could be judged,
seemed an excellent one, and one
which he knew how 20 use with dis
cretion.
Miss Schumann sang Musetta's music
better than il has been sung here IN
number Of years. Her conception of
Partisan cOcotte was what a Frauleln
from beyond the Rhine might very well
conceive a Partisan CoCotte 10 be. If
il was not the real thing it was only
because the barriers Of race, despite
all idealistic efforts, remain as ever
insuperable. And there are many un-
reclaimed ones who hope that they
ever will. For Gretchen and Colette
TO understand each other would be to
deprive each of her most charming
quality.
Miss Boris Mimi has always been
a delight. and it was a delight yester-
6av. even though in the first act her
voice was not at its best. The Marcello
of Mr.. Scott and the COlline of Mr..
Securola are too old friends TO need
critical notice at this period Suffice it
TO say that Mr. Scott was in as good
voice as he has been at any time these
six years past. Mr. Polaceo conducted
with spirit.
The evening "Aida" brought forth no
new voices or faces, hut this did not
initiate against the performance. Mr.
Toscanin was in the conductors stand,
and all those who remember his first
appearance in America. seven years
ago. know that his baton can conjure
from the Verdi score its most perfect
beauties. Mr. Toscanini and the or
chestra were the real stars last night,
though Mr.. Martinellis Rhadames, M.
Amato's Amonazro, Miss Destinn's
Aida and Nine. Matzenauer's Amneris
were all the fine impersonations they
have ever been. Miss Destinn was not
in the bes. voice, yet her singing never
failed to give pleasure. The audience
u-ae large for 8 nOn-subScriptiOn night