Tibbett Coining!

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 204, 30 August 1938, Page 9

Tibbett Coining!

BOX PLAN OPENS TO-DAY Arrangements have been made for Lawrence Tibbett, world famous baritone, to give one concert at the Opera House Palmerston North on Saturday, September 3. It is announced by the management that not under any circumstances can the season be extended and no return visit will be possible. Complete details are announced regarding booking arrangements. This celebrated artist broke all records in Australia and in Sydney alone gave 13 concerns, and ho receives the highest fee ever paid to any baritone visiting Australiasia. Early in his second season at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lawrence Tibbett scored tho most overwhelming triumph ever accorded any singer in this haloed temple, as Ford in Verdi’s “Falstaff.” For fiftoen years “Falstaff” had not been given at the Metropolitan. That night of its revival, some of the greatest singers of the company were in tho cast, and that revered veteran, Antonio Scotti, was the garrulous buffoon. Tibbett loved the music of this masterpieco of lyric drama; he had studied ardently, rehearsed tirelessly. This w T as his big chance. The performance progressed with the glamour to which Metropolitan audiences are accustomed. Then came the momentous second act. The curtain rose. F°^ ow i n g a short scene, Tibbett came on the stage to sing his monologue, ono in which is condensed superb dramatic contrasts and a constant change of mood demanding resources to which few, even among the mighty ones have tho ability of full response. Liko a flash from the blue, a startled audience realised that something pre-eminent and phenomenal was being achieved by tho man who stood before them. His singing throbbed with a tumultuous sobbing. Everyone was hushed into utter silence to catch Tibbett’s every tone. When the curtain fell, the house burst into prolonged applause. It kept up and increased in volume for many minutes and in response, various of the principals appeared. Then Tibbett and Scotti came out together and received ovations. But the applause continued louder than ever.

At last it was evident that the audience wanted Tibbett and none other. The commotion grew and cries of “Tibbett” came from all points of the house. Finally the lights were lowered and the conductor raised his baton for the next scene to begin. He found it impossible to go on, for the audience seemed determined that the performance should go no further, until Tibbett camo before them and received their appreciation. In desperation the conductor despatched one of his players back stage to request Tibbett to appear alone. Soon after the curtain parted and Tibbett, stepped to the front of tho stage and bowed low and repeatedly to the excited assembly—then only was the momentous performance permitted to proceed. The next morning the front page of the New York Times carried a long story, telling how the baritone had stirred the opera world.