The time has come to select a new chieftain in the little world of the Cingalise Fishermen who gather together for a ceremonial dance and festival, before their ancient pagoda. The choice falls on Zurga [Ancona], who accepts the office. Scarcely has he been inaugurated than a long lost friend of his youth appears, Nadir [Caruso]. They greet each other with affection, and speak of the days when they were foolish enough to quarrel over a beautiful girl, a priestess in the temple of Brahma, know to them as Leila. Of her they sing the duet “Del tempio al limitar” (In the depths of the temple), one of Bizet's finest inspirations. It is begun by Nadir, who describes the scene impressively. Believing themselves now cured of their old infatuation, they swear eternal friendship, pledging themselves to remain blood-brothers to the end.
Mario Ancona,
Italian baritone, was born in Livorno and died in Florence. After his debut in
Trieste (1889), he sang at La Scala (1890), created the role of Silvio in
Pagliacci
at the Teatro dal Verme, Milan (1892) and made his Covent Garden debut as
Tonio in the British premiere of that opera (1893). His Metropolitan Opera
debut was also as Tonio, and he appeared as Riccardo in
I Puritani
at the Manhattan Opera House on its opening night (December 3, 1906). His
repertory covered roles in Italian, French and German opera -- Mozart, Wagner,
Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, Bizet, Gounod. He retired in 1916. "An elegant and
stylish singer, he possessed a voluminous voice and an impeccable technique."
(Elizabeth Forbes)
Caruso,
in addition to being a legendary tenor, was something of a legendary
caricaturist. This is one of several self-portraits.
