Revival of “Linda di Chamouni'’ at the Metropolitan

This opera, one of the few in Alpine setting, was the delight of our forefathers. Donizetti wrote it on command for production in Vienna in 1842, and it was given in London at Her Majesty’s Theatre on March 25th, 1843. Persiani, Mario, Bram- billa, Fornasori and Lablache were in the cast of the London performance at Drury Lane, January 12th, 1848.

The American première took place in Palmo’s Opera House, New York, in 1847; and it was also given at the Academy of Music during the mid-’80’s.

Time, 1760, Louis XV; place, Chamonix and Paris. Three Acts: I, Departure; II, Paris; III, Return. Acts I and III are laid in the village of Chamonix. Linda’s famous soprano aria “O luce di quest’ anima’’ is sung in the first act, the part being taken by Adelina Patti, with an Italian company, in the New York performance at the Metropolitan on April 23rd, 1890.

The story is that of the French drama, La Grâce de Dieu, performed at the St. James’s Theatre, London, in the early ’40’s. Albert Smith translated it as the “Pearl of Chamouni” for one of the minor London Theatres. The St. Bernard dog, which he later presented to Charles Dickens, was named “Linda.”

The Chicago Opera Company, with Galli-Curci in the title part, gave the first New York performance of the opera since Patti’s day at the Lexington Theatre, February 4th, 1919.

In the Metropolitan revival, March 1st, 1934, the leading role was taken by Lily Pons; Mmes. Swarthout and Vettori, and Messrs. Crooks, De Luca, Pinza, Bada and Malatesta in the cast; Serafin conducting.

J. M. T.