This staging of Traviata has one interesting feature apart from the new Violetta of Luella Paikin. This is what seems to be an increased ballet element. The brief third act dance sequence, Spanish in character, usually shows something connected to bullfighting or flamenco. It is rarely of abiding interest. Here, however, the programme notes that Doola Baker, the company's principal dancer, arranged dances for herself, Nora Roche and a corps of six ladies, using a sequence chosen from the ballet music for the Sicilian Vespers. This is an excellent and substantial sequence of music, composed only two years after Traviata. It must have been a great rarity at the time.
The Scotsman review (16 April) described the performance as 'delightful'.
Giorgio Germont had been one of Hubert Dunkerley's first major roles, back in 1919.
Cast details are from a programme in the A M Gardiner collection (Mitchell Library).
Carl Rosa Opera's Scottish visit in 1938 consisted of one week in Edinburgh, followed by two weeks in Glasgow.
Monday Mar 28 Rigoletto; Tue Fledermaus; Wed Tannhauser; Thu Boheme; Fri Gipsy Baron; Sat m Faust, Sat e Carmen
Mon Apr 4 Rigoletto; Tue Butterfly; Wed Fledermaus; Thu Tannhauser; Fri Gipsy Baron; Sat m Tales of Hoffman; Sat e Carmen.
Mon 11 Apr Cav & Pag; Tue Barber of Seville; Wed Trovatore; Thu Gipsy Baron; Fri Traviata; Sat m Fledermaus; Sat e Boheme
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