Music: Mozart at the Met

It was only four days before curtain time, but the Metropolitan Opera's brave new production of Mozart's Così Fan Tutte was trembling and acold. At rehearsal, the singers were tired and downcast. Stage Director Alfred Lunt was slumped in a front-row seat, clasping his head. From the pit came the low, gruff voice of Veteran Conductor Fritz Stiedry: "Alfred! Be very angry. Make a big scene."

Lunt began working himself into a scene. He uncoiled from his seat, strode onstage and eyed the silent singers. "You've forgotten everything I've told you," he said, with...