Bohème 1974Scottish Opera
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After the Edinburgh Festival Alceste, with its brief excursion to Aldeburgh, Scottish Opera's autumn tour in 1974 centred on the first revival of the 1971 Der Rosenkavalier using the Scottish National Orchestra, and being sung this time in German. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra played in further performances of Elegy for Young Lovers and The Magic Flute. With the addition of some more players the SCO became the Scottish Philharmonia, who were in the pit for the new production, Lucia di Lammermoor. The tour took in Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Aberdeen. In October, a strongly cast revival of The Barber of Seville was taken to Stirling and Ayr. Then in December the company played in Edinburgh, when Rosenkavalier and Lucia were supplemented by a revival of La bohème, not seen since 1967.
Peter Ebert's successful traditionally-designed production had not been revived since the first run in 1967, but was to appear frequently over the next few seasons. This brief Christmas revival in Edinburgh was noteworthy particularly for the first appearance with the company of Charles Groves. His view of Puccini was reminiscent of Beecham's recording, nothing rushed, with beautifully diaphanous string textures.
The notable American soprano Joanna Bruno made her British debut as Mimì, the first of several appearances with the company. Patricia Hay was absolutely natural casting as Musetta, and Ebert ensured that the chorus in the second act revived their lively and mobile presentation from the premiere.
