ME 276 Rowicki Moniuszko: The Haunted Manor (highlights) Warsaw State Opera

Rowicki conducts Moniuszko’ opera THE HAUNTED MANOR

“…This premiere is unparalleled in the history of Polish theatre. Twenty-five years after the destruction of the historic building by Nazi bombs, the reborn Teatr Wielki welcomes its first opera audience. Many distinguished people arrive, from Warsaw, Poland and abroad. Representatives of the party and state authorities, delegations of workers (miners in festive uniforms) and peasants (in folk costumes), diplomats, directors of European theatres, press correspondents enter solemnly. The soloists of the pre- war Teatr Wielki attract attention – time has spared few of the old opera stars, but they are there. However, the expected (allegedly) Maria Callas does not come. The elegant interior design arouses admiration. The ladies’ outfits – too. Emeralds and diamond necklaces sparkle on their necks and dresses, ermine and dormouse stoles cover their shoulders.

canapés with black and red caviar and branded cognacs lure in the buffets. These are luxuries that are not widely known in Poland during the era of comrade Wiesław Gomółka. The audi- ence fills the auditorium. The orchestra plays Dąbrowski’s Mazurka. Everyone is overcome with great emotion.

Witold Rowicki performs Moniuszko’s score down to a single note. Even Hanna’s usually omitted aria from Act IV. Although Halina Słonicka sings it brilliantly, it drags on immeasurably and disappears from the performance during the second performance. The sounds of [continued overleaf]

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