This cast of Il flauto magico shows an attempt to strengthen some elements of the performance compared with 1869. Tietjens no longer appeared as Pamina - perhaps too dramatic a voice for the part - but Sinico, previously Papagena, was now a good replacement. However Santley, previously Papageno, had also moved on, so it was not all gain. Foli remained as Sarastro.
Perhaps the most important newcomer was Ilma Di Murska. The Queen of Night, known as Astrafiammante in the Italian version, was one of her famous roles, though she had a big, dramatic voice. Trebelli coming in as Third Lady seems a surprising addition. The new tenor Cantoni was making his Edinburgh debut.
Cast as advertised in The Scotsman, 5 March.
Giovanni da Gamerra (Italian)
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