About a month before the October 22, 1883, opening of the newly created Metropolitan Opera, the New York Times reported, “The readers of this journal have been kept fully informed of the progress of work on the building, and of the character of the fittings and appliances which are expected to make the new theatre the most conspicuous institution of its kind in this country and superior in many of its features to the half-dozen great opera-houses of the European Continent.” The interior design of the house on 39th Street was of particular importance to the Times, which went on about “the refulgence of mingled old gold and crimson upholstery, of silk draperies… and of artistic decorative painting” that would be featured in this “grand temple of music.”

When the paper’s review of the company-launching performance of Gounod’s Faust came in the next day, the stars were rapturously received: “the applause was deafening” for Christine Nilsson, who was pressed into repeating Marguerite’s “Jewel Song.” All the singers were given flowers, and Italo Campanini, as Faust, also received “wreaths of laurel and oak leaves” for his performance.

And then the griping started. “Much disappointment was caused by the comparative failure of the acoustic properties of the auditorium,” the Times continued. “In many of the boxes the occupants of rear seats had to stand and lean over the ladies in front…. There was much outspoken grumbling.” Certain singers couldn’t be heard; the hallways were hot; the color of the walls in the boxes “does not show off the brilliant costumes of the ladies to advantage.” A week later, the paper reported that General Manager Edward Abbey “has found it necessary to make some changes in the Metropolitan Opera-house.”

When it comes to the Met, certain things don’t change. Today, 125 years later, the company continues to excite a wide range of emotions from adoration to criticism. The one certainty is that the Met is an essential part of our lives. The company’s 125 years as a vital cultural institution will be celebrated on March 15 in a special gala, conceived by General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director James Levine, which will recreate classic productions from Met history. Top Met stars will perform, many of them previewing roles they will add to their Met repertoires in upcoming seasons.

Our roundup of “125 Essential Met Moments” in the pages that follow offers an incomparably rich—albeit partial—list of some of the highlights in Met history. Some moments you’ll remember fondly. There may be others we’ve left off that you’ll feel passionately should have been included. Whatever your opinion, the passion of the Met fan cannot be questioned. —Matt Dobkin

Share your essential Met memories by writing to us at metmemories@metopera.org.