On Thursday, Nov. 8, Boito’s “Mefistofele” makes its return to the Metropolitan Opera after an 18-year hiatus.

Of the opera’s 67 performances, all but 13 came before 1927, which makes a statement on the opera’s popularity with the company. It has never quite turned into a major staple of the repertoire at large, though it has been growing in popularity in recent years and even appeared in a notable blockbuster in 2005.

The first ever production of the opera came relatively early in the company’s history with a performance on Dec. 5, 1883. Giovanni Mirabella was the first artist to take on the title role at the Met, appearing in just four performances, two of them on tour.

In 1896, the opera appeared again with Eduard de Reszke (brother of renowned tenor Jean de Reszke) taking on the character of the Devil in just two shows. Pol Plancon would assume the role on eight occasions between 1896 and 1901 before passing the baton to Fyodor Chaliapin, whose 21 performances as Mefistofele remain the record amongst basses at the Met. He would take on the role in 1907, 1908, 1922, 1923, 1924, and 1925.

Adamo Didur would also appear during those years, essaying nine performances between 1920 and 1924. Also active in the title role during that time was bass José Mardones, who took on the opera 10 times between 1920 and 1926.

Then Mefistofele disappeared off the face of the planet until Samuel Ramey appeared in the role 11 times during the 1999-2000 season. Dean Peterson alternated two performances with him, during that run.

Now it is recent Richard Tucker Award winner Christian Van Horn’s turn to assume the mantle of the devil, making him the ninth bass to interpret the title character at the Met.

Double Duty Sopranos

It is also worth noting that while recent tradition has had sopranos splitting the roles of Margherita and Elena, there have been a few instances in Met history where a soprano has taken both roles on in an evening.

Christine Nilsson was the first to accomplish the feat with four performances during the 1883-84 season. She was followed by Emma Calvé who also performed as the two women for seven performances in 1896-97. Marguerite MacIntyre did the same for three shows in 1901.

Then the split came, starting with Geraldine Farrar being the first to sing the opera but only take on one of the two roles. This tradition continued for 20 years of performances.

When the opera was revived in 1999, Veronica Villarroel and Aprile Millo opted to take on the two roles, the former appearing 11 times and the latter twice.

In this season’s production, soprano Angela Meade and Jennifer Check will reinstate the tradition of performing the opera with two sopranos as Margherita and Elena.

In the tenor role, Michael Fabiano will follow such tenors as Beniamino Gigli and Richard Leech in interpreting the work.