[Met Performance] CID:8280



Tannhäuser
Metropolitan Opera House, Mon, January 13, 1890




Tannhäuser (49)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Tannhäuser
Heinrich Vogl

Elisabeth
Sophie Wiesner

Wolfram
Theodore Reichmann

Venus
Lilli Lehmann

Hermann
Conrad Behrens

Walther
Albert Mittelhauser

Heinrich
Martin Paché

Biterolf
Joseph Arden

Reinmar
Jean Doré

Shepherd
Félicie Kaschowska


Conductor
Anton Seidl







Review 1:

Review in The New York Times

METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE.

Wagner's noble opera "Tannhäuser" was again performed in a somewhat uneven manner at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening. The chief defect of the representation was once more the inability of Herr Vogl to deal with the lyric passages of his part. The rôle of Tannhäuser is very exacting in its demands, for it requires both declamatory and lyric powers of a high order. In the declamatory scenes Herr Vogl leaves but little to be desired. In the great scene of his return in the third act he largely atoned for his previous shortcomings by his fine dramatic force. But it must be admitted with regret that Herr Vogl cannot sing Tannhäuser's song in praise of love, and that he falls far short of the vocal requirements of the part in the second act.

The most satisfactory interpretation of the evening was again Herr Reichmann's Wolfram. This admirable artist is worthy of high praise both in declaiming and in purely lyric work. His singing of Wolfram's song in the contest and of the lovely address to the evening star has never been surpassed, and we think never equaled in New York. It was worthy of a great baritone. Herr Reichmann's acting is earnest, but it is frequently deficient in clearness of design. Many of his gestures appear to be aimless, and his facial expression is decidedly lacking in variety.

Fräulein Wiesner's Elizabeth was considerably improved last night. It is probable that this young and inexperienced singer suffers not a little from nervousness at first performances. Certain it is that last evening she had much better command of her voice, and her tremolo was less pronounced. Frau Lehmann's Venus needs no further comment. It was as noble a performance as heretofore. Special praise is due the orchestra for its smooth and expressive treatment of the rich instrumentation, for which, of course, Herr Seidl is fairly entitled to a large share of the thanks. Tomorrow evening Verdi's "Aida" will be given.



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