On this day in 1910 Puccini’s La fanciulla del West had its world premiere at the Met.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYE9mjrZob0
Puccini was present to hear Emmy Destinn, Enrico Caruso and Pasquale Amato, with Arturo Toscanini conducting. David Belasco made his Metropolitan Opera debut as stage director.
Also on this day in 1910 French composer, organist, and ornithologist Olivier Messiaen was born.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giDpUKm1KmM
Dan Soda (Windy City Operaman) is a Chicago native whose first visit to opera was at age 17 and Massenet’s Werther with Troyanos and Kraus. Nothing was ever the same. Opera and concert performances, recordings and video are an obsession. He prepares Parterre Box’s daily birthday and anniversary tributes. He also enjoys concerts, live theater and movies.
Topics: On This Day
Exclusive opera reviews, commentary, and top reads
delivered to your email weekly…ish.
