[Met Performance] CID:4530

United States Premiere, New Production

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Metropolitan Opera House, Mon, January 4, 1886

Debut : Felix Krämer, Mr. Hoppe, Mr. Langer, Mr. Klaus, Mr. Anlauf




Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (1)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Hans Sachs
Emil Fischer

Eva
Auguste Seidl-Kraus

Walther von Stolzing
Albert Stritt

Magdalene
Marianne Brandt

David
Felix Krämer [Debut]

Beckmesser
Otto Kemlitz

Pogner
Josef Staudigl

Kothner
Philip Lehmler

Vogelgesang
Jaro Dworsky

Nachtigall
Emil Sänger

Ortel
Max Dörfler

Zorn
Mr. Hoppe [Debut]

Moser
Mr. Langer [Debut]

Eisslinger
Mr. Klaus [Debut]

Foltz
Mr. Anlauf [Debut]

Schwarz
Hermann Weber [Last performance]

Night Watchman
Carl Kaufmann


Conductor
Anton Seidl


Director
Mr. Van Hell

Set Designer
Henry E. Hoyt

Costume Designer
Henry Dazian

Lighting Designer
James Stuart, Jr.

Composer
Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner



The program states that there was an "Increased male chorus by members of several German singing societies."
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg received 8 performances this season.

Review 1:

Review of Henry Krehbiel, New York Tribune:

In view of the colossal difficulties of the work and the tremendous tax which it makes on all the forces of an opera house, nothing but enthusiastic praise can be spoken of the representation last night. Nothing that the artists at the Metropolitan have yet done has shown them in so excellent a light as their preparation and production of the opera under exisiting circumstances. Technical flaws were easily discovered and the choral shortcoming in the finale of the second act especially, were so great that we felt tempted to agree with the reasonableness of Herr Ehlert's suggestion made years ago, that the street fight be treated as a pantomime, but on all hands there were evidences of an intelligent spirit and honest purpose which were refreshing. There was no parade of scenic effects, and all the weight of the production was thrown on the acting and singing.

The orchestra, under Herr Seidl's fine conducting, accomplished feats which its composition would have led one to think incredible and again furnished cause for profound gratitude that so fited and capable a musician has been brought into this country.

Under the circumstances detailed criticism of the indiviual performances can well be spared for the present, though we cannot withhold a word of commendation in two instances because of the unexpected excellence of the impersonation. We refer to the work of Herr Kemlitz, a most commendable Beckmesser, and Herr Krämer, a clever David. Herr Fischer, as Sachs, was not in prime vocal condition and his notable representation of the character will doubtless be better still hereafter. And with a complimentary allusion to Frau Kraus, Fräulein Brandt, Herr Stritt, Herr Staudigl, Herr Kaufmann, and Herr Lehmler, the

Review 2:

Review of a first representation which will be frequently referred to in the future history of opera in American must end. The audience received the opera with much enthusiasm, and recalls followed each act.

Photograph by Falk of Emil Fischer as Hans Sachs.



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