Two debuts of legendary singers on a single night highlight this performance of Faust from the final season of the Old Met, courtesy of Jungfer Marianne Leizmetzerin.

Charles Gounod: Faust

Metropolitan Opera
Georges Prêtre, conductor
22 December, 1965

Faust – John Alexander
Marguerite – Montserrat Caballé (debut)
Méphistophélès – Justino Díaz
Valentin – Sherrill Milnes (debut)
Siébel – Marcia Baldwin
Marthe – Gladys Kriese
Wagner – Russell Christopher

In-house recording; mediocre sound quality

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

Comments