Metropolitan Opera

Double Bill, 12 March 1949

GIANNI SCHICCI
Tajo, Di Stefano, Albanese, Elmo, Lazzari / Antonicelli

SALOME
Welitsch, Janssen, Jagel, Thorborg / Reiner

These two one-act operas make for an extraordinary contrast: Puccini’s rollicking comedy Gianni Schicchi with Tajo, Di Stefano, Albanese and Elmo — charming, delightful, melodic; and Strauss’ shocking tragedy, Salome, which brought Ljuba Wellitch to world-wide notice. The Strauss opera, conducted with electrifying élan by Fritz Reiner, offers Herbert Janssen, Frederick Jagel and Kerstin Thorborg in an unforgettable performance, one that truly deserves the term “historic.” The booklet includes articles about both performances, biographies of the singers as well as rare photos — all presented with the production elegance associated with Guild’s Historic Broadcast Series.