Angelo Mammano wrote:

"so I think that we can be in agreement that [Fanciulla del West] is the finest work ever to 
have its beginning at that august institution."

Oh, no.  The finest work ever premiered at the Met was Breil's "The Legend," in 1919.  It was 
clearly a truly great work but was unfairly consigned to oblivion almost immediately, no doubt 
because of opera politics and jealousies.  If anyone is in doubt as to the merits of "The 
Legend," just read some of Rosa Ponselle's comments about it.  (She created the role of 
Carmelita in the opera.)   

MDW

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